Happy Trails

T his fall I was in West Yellowstone to check out the start of the West Yellowstone ski festival and pick up a new 9' Ginzu groomer from West Yellowstone track systems. We also have a 5' and 7' groomer that we pull behind the snowmobile. Having the 9' groomer will allow us to set double tracks in one pass. Since the majority of the trails on the Maplelag trail system are double tracked, this will cut down on grooming time and should also provide better ski conditions across the board, both for skating and classic skiing. Pulling the 9 footer will be the new four stroke Yahmaha VK Pro. With these purchases and the trail work this fall, we have invested over $25,000 this year to enhance the skiing experience at Maplelag!! Let it snow!! Last week on the western trails Bob was back with his big "Cat". Twin Lakes will have a completely new start up to the high point, eliminating the need to ski the beginning of the loop twice. There is also a new return for Wavy Gravy trail. The end of Wavy Gravy trail will no longer merge with the end of Twin and Island lakes trail which will allow for a nice contiuous flow of tracks. Twin Lakes and Island Lake trails will also see new finishes with nice straight returns with a long downhill. In this process, all three trails have their own start. These changes might sound confusing but should make for better flow and more enjoyable skiing!! Other Trail work this fall saw a short cut over trail brushed out from Skaters Waltz extension to North Loup. This will allow the skaters to ski both of these trails with only having to cross the road once. Should work out very nice and make for about 8km of skating on the north side when North Loup is groomed skate and classic.

Also this fall we completed a new ski trail. The trail starts and finished near the end of Rootin Tootin ski trail. The trail has a nice flow with some fun gradual hills with good runouts. The distance is around 3.3km. Also this fall, when Bob was here with his cat, we made a new "Nordic Fun area" that we have also called Mount Maplelag. This will be a great area for sledding and having fun on the skis with some specially designed jumps and obstacles. We will be working on the trails, mowing, clearing brush, cutting out ironwoods and clearing deadfall until the snow flies and stays for good!!

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Grooming the trails at Maplelag is one of my favorite things to do. I have a deep passion for setting beautiful tracks and perfect corduroy. Sounds strange to some but this commitment means the best possible skiing for our winter guests as we continue our mission to be the best destination Nordic resort possible.