WASHINGTON — There are some businesses in the D.C. area that would really like to see some colder weather and perhaps even some snow arrive soon.
Ski resorts near the nation’s capital are struggling to get their main attractions open for the season because of the unseasonably warm weather.
The only ski resort in Wisp, Maryland says it has been virtually impossible to make snow because temperatures have rarely dropped below freezing.
General Manager Jerry Geisler said in a statement Tuesday that Wisp Resort in McHenry will open on Saturday, but will only have one of its 35 trails open. The resort will also operate a children’s learning area, plus carpets that enable skiing and snowboarding on a synthetic surface. Geisler says in the meantime, guests are encouraged to enjoy other activities like ice skating, Segway tours, tree-canopy tours and a mountain coaster ride.
Other area resorts, including Liberty Mountain, are also facing the same problem. Liberty says it does not have any ski trails or its tubing area open just yet.
“We have not been able to make snow because we have not had below-freezing temperatures,” says Ann Weimer with Liberty Mountain. In the meantime, Weimer says they’re excited about their new lodge and restaurant, and hope folks will still make the trip up to visit them.
“This lodge is giving us a whole new take on business,” Weimer says. “We want folks to come and spend the night. We have an indoor pool, a new restaurant, and lots of amenities.”
Weimer says Liberty’s New Year’s Eve event will still take place — snow or no snow.
Ski Roundtop and Ski Whitetail also have been unable to open trails so far this season. Both say on their websites that they are anxiously waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate, and plan to open as soon as possible.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
