Welcoming a Winter Wonderland

When you’re a few hours away from a really big game and the snow crews are still working (after 72 hours straight) to get the stadium and lots clear, it’s hard to think of this unseasonable blizzard as a good thing.

(Just ask the Bears, who sat on the Chicago tarmac for more than two hours before being turned back Friday night.)

But this is Maryland, and there’s plenty of places where this solstice snowstorm is just what’s needed for holiday cheer.

The pictures above come from Maryland Dogsledding, based in Baltimore County. As you can see, the team was in their element as the snow fell yesterday. Maryland Dogsledding operates all year round, with wheeled sleds (known as “gigs”) when the snow isn’t handy. They can take you on some wonderful adventures in the beautiful state parks of Maryland.

There's another place where this early gift from Santa is particularly appreciated -- the magical Wisp ski resort in the mountains of Garrett County.

Actually “ski resort” is now a misnomer since Wisp operates four seasons a year, with a championship golf course, fly-fishing trips to nearby mountain streams, and the new Adventure Sports Center and Deep Creek Lake nearby.


Wisp opened for the snow season just a few weeks ago when all we were getting was a lot of rain. So you can imagine how welcome this is, coming just in time for the holidays. While Wisp offers top of the line snow manufacturing to keep the trails operational, there’s nothing like the real thing to make the mood festive and the slopes superb.

(Yes, you can mush in Wisp, too.  Try  Husky Power Dogsledding )

So while you’re muttering epithets under your breath as you shovel the sidewalk, remember those places nearby that welcome this surprise gift. That’s the thing about Maryland, where there are four seasons of outdoor sports. Whether it’s the mountains, bay, or ocean, you’re only a few hours away.


So on that upbeat note, I’ll leave the comfort of the Warehouse and check out snow patrol at M&T. Tailgaters were scheduled to arrive at 11:00, and I’m guessing nothing is going to keep them away.

Even if it takes a team of huskies . . . .