Wisp Resort opens for the 2019-20 winter season Friday, December 13th! This year, there are more than $1 million in improvements and additions. It will operate under the direction of recently hired General Manager, Ron Hawkes. They began making snow Nov. 12, one of the earliest snowmaking starts in the past few years.
Wisp Resort Opens with Improvements
New technology will be in place this year that involves lift tickets and snowmaking. There is also a new restaurant and an app for the resort.
Wisp is well-known for their advanced snowmaking capabilities. Five new Techno Alpin TR8 tower fan snow guns were added. They were placed on Squirrel Cage – a favorite expert slope. The new guns are more energy efficient and can work in a wider range of temperatures.
Lift Ticket Changes
New at the lifts in an RFID ticketing and Axess gate system. You can now buy lift tickets online and get an RFID (radio frequency identification device) card. The card allows you to reload lift tickets or season passes onto that same card using your phone or computer.
That also means you will only have to pick up the RFID card at any lift ticket window once. Keep the card in a left-side pocket and go right to the chairlift. The card will be scanned at a gate.
This technology has allowed Wisp to add more lift ticket options. New “flex lift tickets” are available in four and eight-hour increments. The start of the flex lift ticket begins once the skier is scanned at an Axess gate. When the time is expired, the gate will no longer open. You have the option to reload more hours of skiing for the same day, or future days, using your phone.
Wisp Resort App
Use the new mobile app for helpful mountain and resort information. It includes: an interactive trail map that shows groomed and open trails, lift schedules, GPS tracking, events, and a resort map. You can also get push notifications with special or announcements.
The app makes it easier to keep up with your friends and family at Wisp too. The GPS feature tracks your location on the resort map so you can find each other.
DC’s Restaurant Returns
Wisp is reintroducing DC’s Bar & Restaurant. They will serve lunch and dinner daily. It has a family-friendly vibe and an updated menu.
Wispers Bar & Grill and in the Food Court will also have new menus. All of the lounges will feature a selection of trendy beers and beverages as well.
In Conclusion
For updates on conditions, check out their mountain report at www.wispresort.com. You can also browse my ski in/ski out listings to find your perfect home close to the slopes.