From today’s b, the paper

First things first: Maryland is not a “skiers’ paradise” and it never will be.

Our area, frankly, pales in comparison to the Rocky Mountain highs of the West. Utah, with its very appropriate “Ski Utah” license plate, is a big f-u to all other states containing snowy mountains. It kind of intimidates us. We also can’t match the picturesque slopes of the Northeast (a hazard: navigating through the New Hampshire stoner skiers).

But, don’t fret. There are still plenty of nice winter sport getaways within driving distance. Check out our picks below. Since money is tight, we’re assuming you’ll just make this a day trip — and ticket prices reflect that.

Have fun, snow bunnies:

wisp resort
wispresort.com
where: 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry
miles from baltimore: 200
adult one-day tickets: Peak season (now-March 15) — $28-$39
trails: 32
boarding: A freestyle snowboarding terrain park. The park also offers the Burton Learn to Freestyle Program to help you “jib the rails” and “thrash the pipe.”
other activities: Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park features 750-foot lanes; the Mountain Coaster (yes, a roller coaster) is open year-round; nordic skiing and show shoeing
special events: Bi-monthly concerts; weekly “Yeung & Wing” nights (mmm … wings and beer); snowboarding competitions; the Maryland Open, a freestyle skier and rider competition, Feb. 21
tip: Tuesdays are student days, with extended-day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) lift tickets for $21.

whitetail resort
skiwhitetail.com
where: 13805 Blair Valley Road, Mercersburg, Pa.
miles from baltimore: 90
adult one-day tickets: peak periods (Jan. 17-19, Feb. 14-16) — $21.60-$61; non-peak — $21.60-$53
trails: 20
boarding: New this year is Jib Junction, complete with rails and boxes. For beginners, there’s Park Place 101 terrain.
other activities: Tubing (private parties available); a year-round championship golf course; fly-fishing school starts in April
special events: Chinese New Year (Jan. 25); monthly rail jams; SpringFest (March 6-8)
tip: First-timers who purchase a regularly priced first-class package and take a beginner lesson become eligible to purchase a $45 Mountain Passport, which provides a free lift ticket, class lesson, rentals on a next visit.

liberty mountain resort
skiliberty.com
where: 78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, Pa.
miles from baltimore: 60
adult one-day tickets: $36-$53
trails: 16
boarding: Three terrain parks for three ability levels cover 10 acres; there’s a 500-foot half-pipe
other activities: Up to 15 lanes of snow tubing; climbing wall and zip-line for the even more adventurous; several golf courses within 40 miles
special events: Weekly Wednesday college days and nights; weekend live music; giant slalom race (Feb. 1); SpringFest (March 14-15)
tip: Hey, ladies! Liberty is a Burton Women Learn to Ride Center. In other words, the resort has demonstrated a strong dedication to women-specific teaching and learning. Quite the respectful gentleman, that Liberty.

timberline resort
timberlineresort.com
where: Timberline Road, off Route 32, Davis, W.Va.
miles from baltimore: 220
adult one-day tickets: regular season (now-March 3) — $37-$55
trails: 36
boarding: Snowboarders love this place because snowboarding is allowed on all slopes and trails, and there are two terrain parks with large jumps.
other activities: The Timberline Race Department has several races a year, clinics and workshops throughout the season; cross-country skiers should enjoy the large back country trails
special events: Country Legends Tribute Weekend (yee haw, Jan. 23-25); Winter Celtic and Super Bowl Weekend (Jan. 30-Feb. 1); Snowy Luau Festival (March 20-21).
tip: If you reserve lift tickets online in the easy-to-use format, you save 10 percent.

wintergreen resort
wintergreenresort.com
where: Route 664, Wintergreen, Va.
miles from baltimore: 185
adult one-day tickets: $29-$69
trails: 26
boarding: Multiple terrain parks — consistently reshaped — feature jibs and rails. Oh, and there’s also tabletops.
other activities: The Plunge is a 900-foot, 10-lane tubing hill (tamer tubing: The Slide); spa, aquatics and fitness center; indoor tennis.
special events: USSA Giant Slalom Racing (Jan. 24); romantic getaway packages from Valentine’s Day; Mardi Gras celebration (March 7).
tip: College Ski Season Passes, covering all-day visits, all-season, go for a very-cheap $189.

Jordan Bartel is assistant editor of b. Contact him at jordan@bthesite.com

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