Maplelag Resort

Trail Report

Jay Richards — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:00:34 +0000

Light rain showers on Saturday morning with main moisture staying north and south. The conditions have been very dry and rain forecasted tomorrow and Monday would be welcomed.

The big weather related news last weekend was the ice going off the lake. The strong northwest wind pushed the ice off on Saturday. We didn’t have ice build up like some bigger lakes in northern Minnesota, thankfully. The loons were back on Thursday even before all the ice was off and a treat to have them in front of Maplelag calling. The lake scene last Wednesday night was incredible after the rain pushed through. Rainbow to the south, fog simmering of the lake and sun shining through from the northwest. The forest floor is slowly coming to life with wild flowers and other greens emerging from the ground. We have been clearing leaves and dead fall off the trails and the mountain bike singletrack this week.

The mountain bike course is open for mountain biking! Click here for the latest report and photos There are a few low areas NOT on the mountain bike course with water so best to stay on the marked course for riding.

First bloodroot flower of the year, May 13th, 2013.

Mother North Star ski trail, also part of the bike course, after clearing leaves. We have begun blowing/clearing leaves off the bike course this week. May 13th, 2013.

Wild flowers emerging from the forest floor, May 13th, 2013.

Pair of loons on the shore in front of Maplelag after becoming ice free earlier in the day, May 9th, 2013.

Surface of the ice as it transitions to open water, May 9th, 2013.

The lake froze like glass back in November but as it melts out, the surface becomes rough. May 9th, 2013.

Loon cruising on by, May 9th, 2013.

On the edge between the ice and open water, May 9th, 2013.

Group of loons happy to have the open water. May 9th, 2013.

Loon feather coming loose after a hard landing. May 9th, 2013.

Fun kayaking on the lake as the ice makes an exit. May 9th, 2013.

Incredible lake scene looking towards the southern part of Little Sugarbush, May 8th, 2013.

Lake scene looking towards the northwest, May 8th, 2013.

Section of Skaters Waltz drying up nicely with intense sunshine and warm temps, May 5th, 2013 after being under water 4 days ago.

Turtle Crossing

Jay Richards — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:52:27 +0000

First snapping turtle of the year making its way across the lawn near the cabooses, Friday May17th, 2013.

Latest trail and nature report on the trail report page.

Bike Trail Report

admin — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:22:33 +0000

The mountain bike trails are open. Good early season riding conditions. Rain mostly staying to the south and north on Saturday morning with just a few light showers. Should be fine riding Saturday afternoon. Handful of folks riding Thursday and Friday morning. Wet weather in the forecast but possible there will be openings for riding throughout the weekend. The trails will remain open, use your judgement on whether to ride or not. We have been on the course this week, clearing leaves off the ski trail and also a few sections of singletrack. We did a lot of leaf clearing late last fall to help the trails dry out faster once the snow melted. The windy conditions earlier in the week has blown leaves in a few spots back in the singletrack but generally the surface is good. There are no services on the lodge and please purchase a one time season pass for only $5 (scroll to bottom of page) Thanks and enjoy the dirt!

Click here for photos from May 9th

Riding lakeside twin lakes singletrack. Ice free as of this morning!, May 9th, 2013.

Singletrack riding, May 9th, 2013.

May 2nd Bike Trail Photos on Google Plus

Skaters Waltz and start of bike loop. Still covered with a layer of snow/ice

Ice covered singletrack. Rideable the past few mornings thanks to temps in the mid 20′s

One of two low areas holding water from rapid melt off

Rock garden on the lakeside singletrack

Suicide Hill snow covered

Rootin Tootin ski trail

Section of Rootin Tootin still ice/snow covered

Typical section in the woods with patch of snow, covering singletrack

Twin lakes singletrack a swatch of ice/snow on the first half.

Rolling over a rock on Twin Lakes singletrack

Even the beavers like to make singletrack! Well worn path from woods to still frozen Twin lakes

Stairs at end of Twin Lakes singletrack

Maplelag Mountain Bike trail map

Glad Syttende Mai

Jay Richards — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:45 +0000

Two of the antique Norwegian immigrant folk art pieces in the main lodge.

Maplelag wishes all our Norwegian friends good cheer on their National holiday. The word Maplelag is a made up Norwegian word meaning “maple community”. There are also many ties between Maplelag and Norway with over 40 students who helped at Maplelag in the earlier years and many Norwegian influences on the ski trails, food and accommodations at Maplelag.

Russian Creme

Jay Richards — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:05:42 +0000

Fresh rapberries on the popular Maplelag dessert, Russian creme. The most recent berries coming locally just a few miles away from a small organic farmer.

Wildflowers

Jay Richards — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:34:53 +0000

First bloodroot flower of the year, May 14th, 2013.

Spring has been slow to come this year with the extended winter but the woods is slowly starting to show signs of new life.

Loons Return

Jay Richards — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:29:51 +0000

Group of loons enjoying the open water of Little Sugarbush (lake Maplelag is next to), May 9th, 2013.

Even though the lake remains 80% covered in ice as of Friday morning, there was enough open water for the loons to return! Few more photos of the first loons on the trail report page.

Mountain Biking at Maplelag

Jay Richards — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:40 +0000

Jake riding along lakeside, twin lakes singletrack, May 9th, 2013.

Warm and dry weather this week has dried out the trails enough to open the mountain bike course for riding.

Latest mountain bike trail report.

Maplelag maintains around 10 miles of mountain bike specific trails outside the winter months and are open to the public. The ski trails are also open for mountain biking and hiking. The trails are closed to horses and motorized traffic.

We are also part of the Minnesota Mountain bike series (named race of the year in 2011 and 2012), a sponsor of the series and also support a mountain bike team!

Spring Lake Scene

Jay Richards — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:36:44 +0000

Rainbow on the south end of Little Sugarbush, May 8th, 2013.

Incredible lake scene last night after a thundershower passed through. Fog was rolling off the ice covered lake, rainbow to the south and sun shining through below the clouds to the northwest lighting up the east shore. Trail update on the trail report page.

Trail Report

Jay Richards — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:35:56 +0000

After warm and dry weather to start the week, cooler weather on Thursday after rain showers last night. The rain helped green up the grounds and looking more and more like spring. The ponds and sloughs are free of ice and very active with waterfowl. Little sugarbush remains 95% covered in ice but getting closer every day. The lake scene last night was incredible after the rain pushed through. Rainbow to the south, fog simmering of the lake and sun shining through from the northwest.

After the warmth and dry this week, the mountain bike course is now open for mountain biking! Click here for the latest report and photos

Incredible lake scene looking towards the southern part of Little Sugarbush, May 8th, 2013.

Lake scene looking towards the northwest, May 8th, 2013.

Section of Skaters Waltz drying up nicely with intense sunshine and warm temps, May 5th, 2013 after being under water 4 days ago.

Just a few patches of snow remaining on the trail, May 6th, 2013. Should be completely snow free by end of the week.

Skiing in the new snow on Skaters Waltz, May 4th, 2013.

May 4th, 2013.

Skiing through the skinny field, May 4th, 2013. Crazy.

Maplelag creek was running hard during the snow melt and warmer temps. Past few mornings has slowed down and ice has formed at the surface and edges.

Blue heron watching a pair of loons on a rare piece of open water, May 3rd, 2013.

Skaters Waltz hanging on to coverage

May skiing on Suicide Hill! May 1st, 2013.

Sukkerbusk with a swath of packed ice, May 1st, 2013.

Patch of snow hanging on Skaters Waltz, May 1st, 2013.

(Photos from today on google) https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5873144272041199841

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April28thTrailReportPhotos02

Double green

Slough to left of Mother Hen filling up with water

Top of Suicide Hill. Still covered with 6-10" base of snow

Back side of Skaters Waltz with good coverage

Good section of Skaters Waltz

North Loup

Most of North Loup still hanging on to good coverage. Should make it to May!

April 26th Trail Report Photos

Grooming Friday morning on Skaters Waltz

Nice spring skiing Friday morning

Tracks still holding out on Sukkerbusk

Sukkerbusk to the left and Bullhead lake trail center and right as seen in the skinny field. This area will be the last to lose snow. Still close to 2 feet of coverage!

April 24th Trail Report Photos

Fresh groomed tracks on Mother Hen

Sukkerbusk groomed before the weekend, still holding out nicely.

Skating on Skaters Waltz

Incredible classic skiing for so late in the season?!?

Good to have skiers out this past weekend and thanks for all the trail donations.

April 23rd Trail Report Photos

Trumpeter Swans on Bullhead lake waiting for open water

Incredible crust making it possible to go anywhere...with a fat bike or skis!

Jon enjoying yet another amazing spring skiing morning, coming through the Norway pines in the square field

Woods still holding tons of snow as skaters waltz winds through

Sukkerbusk tracks holding out

Mother Hen tracks in great spring condition after Monday night grooming

Sapicle!

Fun crust skiing on North Loup, April 22nd, 2013. Still tons of snow.

Grooming on Skaters Waltz, April 22nd, 2013.

Photos from Friday on our Facebook page.

Click on below link for photos from today.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5868370253145239201?authkey=CMuMudG6mqe7gwE

Full on winter mode in front of the lodge. Check out the big rock, still covered in lots of snow! April 17th, 2013.

Heading back in on Sukkkerbusk after grooming on Twin Lakes. April 17th, 2013.

Incredible track skiing Tuesday morning, April 16th, 2013.

Setting track on Sap Run as it passes through Skaters Waltz which was also groomed today. April 15th, 2013.

Barred owl checking out the scene, April 15th, 2013. We have been seeing more owls lately.

Top of Suicide Hill Sunday morning, April 14th, 2013. Last peek of the sun before more snow moving in!

Knute Thorsgard and Glenn Gifford after skiing Roy’s Run and North Loup during blizzard like conditions Sunday afternoon, April 14th, 2013. “Beautiful in the woods” the dedicated skiers reported.

April 13th Trail Report Photos

Mr and Mrs Gunderson out for a morning ski on Saturday

Twin Lakes crossing

First climb on Twin Lakes trail

First downhill on Twin Lakes trail

Ridge on Twin Lakes trail as it heads down toward south twin lake

Tons of snow from land to lake at south Twin lake

John and Cole Pfund enjoying the great late season conditions

Poki Loki trail not groomed since last weekend but still nice skiing in the morning

Rootin Tootin trail near Kohlepp slough as part of the Loop de Elisason

Even with new snow great crust cruising everywhere Saturday morning.

April sun beating down on Skaters Waltz Saturday morning

Eric and Sara Watson on Sukkerbusk Saturday morning

April 12th Trail Report Photos

Grooming on Sukkerbusk Friday morning

Setting double track on Twin Lakes Friday morning

Fresh track through the square field. On tap for regroom Friday early evening

Skaters waltz groomed Friday morning and will be groomed again early evening

Jonell striding on Twin Lakes. Snow measurement of base still finding over a foot of snow!

April 11th Trail Report Photos

Jonell enjoying fresh snow on Sukkerbusk.

Tom taking morning off for some late season skiing in fresh snow!

Square field

Tom taking a turn on Suicide Hill

Intersection on Sap Run where Poki Loki ends and Mother North Star begins! April 8th, 2013. Sap Run groomed Monday evening and Mother North Star groomed Friday. Both trails in good shape for spring skiing.

Setting new track on east side of Sukkerbusk, April 8th, 2013. A loop was made using the east side up to Rootin Tootin than back to Maplelag for a 3.5km loop.

Skaters Waltz, April 8th, 2013. Bit slower on Monday with the fresh precip but should freeze down Monday night and be nice on Tuesday after grooming Monday night as well.

Still lots of snow in the woods and nice tracks on Mother North Star, April 6th, 2013.

Skaters Waltz with coating of new wet snow, April 6th, 2013. Should freeze down Saturday night and be firm and fast again Sunday morning.

Pisten Bully grooming in April! Double tracks set on Mother North Star Thursday April 4th, 2013.

Grooming on Skaters Waltz early evening April 4th, 2013. Hard and fast until 9am than softening up after noon. Best skiing 10-12!

Fat biking allowed now only when trails are frozen. Check with Jay before coming out to ride. jrichard@arvig.net

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April4thTrailReportPhotos03

Denny Barry enjoying the fantastic spring skiing this week. Sighted a timber wolf on Wednesday morning!

Endless crust on North Loup. Mid mornings the magic hour between hard and fast and just soft enough to get a good edge.

Sun softening the crust just the right amount around 11am usually

April 2nd Trail Report Photos

Setting fresh track on Sukkerbusk Tuesday evening. Will be hard and fast early on Wednesday than getting soft

Grooming on Skaters Waltz Tuesday evening. Hard and fast early than getting softer and slower late morning

Crust cruising in the back bowl. Conditions are great for crust cruising right now when it freezes hard at night

Incredible crust cruising on North Loup Tuesday morning and early evening

Fat biking through the woods an on to the trail. The trails will be open to fat bike only when the snow is crusted over.

Bushwhacking through the woods. Haven't had crust cruising conditions like this in years!

March 26th Trail Report Photos

Start of Bullhead lake trail

Skaters Waltz in great shape Tuesday morning

Still skating on half of the ice rink. Incredible for so late in the year and intense March sun.

Frosted tree tops at the trail head

Frosty morning! Incredible amount of snow surrounding Maplelag

Sava Sauna and Finish Log cabins

No sign of spring at Bullhead lake crossing. Last year at this time the lakes were ice free!

Deep snow on south side of Bullhead lake trail

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/March23rdTrailReportPhotos04

Great tracks on Twin Lakes

Beautiful March sun

Morning on Sukkerbusk. Groomed again Saturday evening

Skaters Waltz Saturday morning. Groomed in the evening.

Suicide Hill Saturday morning

Lucky's Loype not recently groomed but open for bushwhacking!

Eagle view on Twin Lakes trail

Fantastic conditions for the morning ski, March 23rd, 2013.

Bill Kippley and friends enjoying the incredible late season conditions, March 21st, 2013.

Fourth and final pass on Skaters Waltz, late afternoon March 20th, 2013. Fantastic skate skiing conditions right now.

John ready to hit the fantastic late season conditions. March 20th, 2013.

Dennis finishing up a trip around Skaters Waltz. March 20th, 2013.

New track set on Bullhead lake trail Wednesday morning, March 20th, 2013. Will be tracked again before weekend.

Skate traffic on skaters waltz, March 20th, 2013.

March 19th Trail Report Photos

Drifted area on Twin lakes wins.

Buried

BMX track and wood piles buried!

Fresh track on Sukkerbusk Tuesday morning

Deep snow on Twin lakes

South twin. The transition from lake to land like never seen before

Twin lakes trail

Mother North Star trail. Packed yesterday, completely blown in this morning. Snow on slough level with trail and above!

Snow level with trail and top of slough. Not often this has been seen!

Big rock in start area getting buried

Snow equal to top step on entrance to Jewelry Store entrance

Skaters Waltz combed Tuesday morning. Bit soft but should set up tonight and after regroom

Deep snow in front of entrance to lodge. Big rock buried!

March 18th Trail Report Photos

Ready for a afternoon of packing

Packing on Bullhead lake trail

Bottom sign almost buried!

Deep snow off the packed trail!

Breaking through the drifts on Twin Lakes