All posts by Jay Richards

Ski Trail

Trail Report

Gorgeous weather in place for Memorial Day weekend. Dry conditions after 1.5″ of rain Tuesday evening. The rain was welcomed and bringing the forest floor to a vibrant state. Warm weather the past few weeks bringing the forest and flora to life with leaves nearly full circle and wildflowers of various kinds abundant in the woods including yellow slippers most recently blooming.

We have been busy on the trails clearing deadfall and cutting firewood and working on the mountain bike trails. The first mowing of the year on the trails also occurring this week and will continue through the summer. Wildlife active and on the move! 

Ice off Little Sugarbush (lake next to Maplelag) with May 4th the official ice out date. The water tables have been restored thanks to the snowfall this season just under 100″. Waterfowl active as ever including loons that are happy to have a ice free lake. 

The mountain bike trails are open for riding. Click here for latest update. Maplelag trails are closed to all motorized use and horses. We continue with trail tuning as we constantly work on the trails for the next ski season and maintain 25 miles of mountain bike trail. 

We had a great run of skiing in April, officially skiing on April 23rd capping off a fantastic ski season of 153 skiable days starting the third week of November. Was great seeing so many people out enjoying the special late season conditions. Thanks to everyone who supported us this season and the trails. The fire on October 10th was a devastating event for us and the long ski season helped keep us active, restore and gain clarity as we recover from the tragedy last fall. 

Total snowfall this season at 96″ which ranks in top 5 of total snowfall in one season at Maplelag.

Lakeside of lodge site, May 26th, 2023.
Birch top hung up near Sukkerbusk ski trail over singletrack, May 25th, 2023.
Cut in blocks and ready to split for sauna firewood!
Ferns exploding on the ski trails this week, May 25th, 2023.
Bumper crop of marsh marigolds, May 21st, 2023.
Wild violet flowers also abundant this year, May 21st, 2023.
Tamarack trees sprouting in slough along Mother North Star trail, May 18th, 2023.
Ski trail crossing to Twin Lakes, May 13th, 2023. Rain staying east of us over the weekend. 
Bloodroot flowers blooming today, May 11th, 2023.
Turtles on the move this week with warmer temps, May 11th, 2023.
Leaves budding big time today and marsh marigolds exploding today, May 11th, 2023.
First buds, May 7th, 2023.
Ice free Little Sugarbush a rare calm night this spring, May 4th, 2023.
Another night with aurora borealis! We’ve been blessed with many nights of northern lights this past winter and spring, May 5th, 2023.
Clearing deadfall off the ski trail, May 4th, 2023. All the wood we use for the sauna stove by the lake. 
Lake scene on Little Sugarbush early afternoon, May 2nd, 2023. Ice should be off by end of day May 3rd!
Pond near Mother Hen ski trail, May 2nd, 2023. The water levels are at normal levels after being restored from this years snowfall. 
Hepatica flowers blooming in full force on the forest floor, May 2nd, 2023.
Mountain bike singletrack, May 2nd, 2023. Mountain bike trails are now open. 
Pair of swans in a pond near Rootin Tootin ski trail, May 1st, 2023.
Moss coming back to life on Skaters Waltz ski trail, May 1st, 2023.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mountain bike course is open. Course is riding well on a dry/tacky surface. A great Memorial Day weekend of riding in place!

We continue touching up the course, blowing out leaves and dirt work to improve the riding experience. The leaves and forest have filled out with flora making for beautiful conditions. The entire course was cleared and blown out this spring and we do our best to clear any new deadfall as soon as possible. Always be aware for changing conditions and assume all responsibility riding. 

We have taped all the key intersections and signs are out at singletrack segments. The singletrack segments are signed by name and courses are generally marked for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series with Citizen, Sport, Comp and Expert. Any singletrack that is not marked where it crosses ski trail, continue straight on the singletrack. Reference our map or TrailForks or Strava for guidance. 

The Lagchilada challenge is in place which is a ride consisting of the entire mountain bike trail system. It is marked with both black signs and pink signs. Use the Strava app or guidance.

Like this winter, trail users are welcome to use the Brant cabin for a changing area and there are also bathrooms. Season passes available on our gift shop page.

Start of “Feeling Lucky” singletrack which is also start of the LagChilada challenge, May 23rd, 2023.
Rooty section on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 24th, 2023. The Twin Lakes loop has option to ride full loop singletrack or take Citizen/Sport loop of ski trail to Hudson’s Hula loop. 
Singletrack riding, May 23rd, 2023.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 23rd, 2023.
Rolling through Bullhead Bootleg, May 21st, 2023.
Rock garden on “Pirate’s Pass”, May 21st, 2023.
Saturday morning riders, May 20th, 2023.
Sunset on the singletrack, May 19th, 2023.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, May 18th, 2023. Feeling Lucky is the first segment to kick off the “LagChilada” challenge. 
First batch of new handmade signs for the “LagChilada” challenge going up soon! The LagChilada is a 25 mile challenge encompassing the entire mountain bike trail system at Maplelag. 
North Star Singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
Lakeside singletrack, May 12th, 2023.
Bullhead Bootleg, May 12th, 2023.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mountain bike course is open. Course is consistently tacky surface and riding well thanks to a refresh of rain on Tuesday evening. Should be a great rest of the week and Memorial Day weekend of riding!

We continue touching up the course, blowing out leaves and dirt work to improve the riding experience. The leaves and forest have filled out with flora making for beautiful conditions. The entire course was cleared and blown out this spring and we do our best to clear any new deadfall as soon as possible. Always be aware for changing conditions and assume all responsibility riding. 

We have taped all the key intersections and signs are out at singletrack segments. The singletrack segments are signed by name and courses are generally marked for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series with Citizen, Sport, Comp and Expert. Any singletrack that is not marked where it crosses ski trail, continue straight on the singletrack. Reference our map or TrailForks or Strava for guidance. 

The Lagchilada challenge is in place which is a ride consisting of the entire mountain bike trail system. It is marked with both black signs and pink signs. Use the Strava app or guidance.

Like this winter, trail users are welcome to use the Brant cabin for a changing area and there are also bathrooms. Season passes available on our gift shop page.

Start of “Feeling Lucky” singletrack which is also start of the LagChilada challenge, May 23rd, 2023.
Rooty section on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 24th, 2023. The Twin Lakes loop has option to ride full loop singletrack or take Citizen/Sport loop of ski trail to Hudson’s Hula loop.
Singletrack riding, May 23rd, 2023.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 23rd, 2023.
Rolling through Bullhead Bootleg, May 21st, 2023.
Rock garden on “Pirate’s Pass”, May 21st, 2023.
Saturday morning riders, May 20th, 2023.
Sunset on the singletrack, May 19th, 2023.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, May 18th, 2023. Feeling Lucky is the first segment to kick off the “LagChilada” challenge. 
First batch of new handmade signs for the “LagChilada” challenge going up soon! The LagChilada is a 25 mile challenge encompassing the entire mountain bike trail system at Maplelag. 
North Star Singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
Lakeside singletrack, May 12th, 2023.
Bullhead Bootleg, May 12th, 2023.
Ski Trail

Trail Report

Gorgeous day in place. Around 1.5″ of rain Tuesday evening. The rain was welcomed and bringing the forest floor to a vibrant state. Warm weather bringing the forest and flora to life with leaves nearly full circle and wildflowers of various kinds abundant in the woods.

We have been busy on the trails clearing deadfall and cutting firewood and working on the mountain bike trails as well. Wildlife active and on the move! 

Ice off Little Sugarbush (lake next to Maplelag) with May 4th the official ice out date. The water tables have been restored thanks to the snowfall this season just under 100″. Waterfowl active as ever including loons that are happy to have a ice free lake. 

The mountain bike trails are open for riding. Click here for latest update. Maplelag trails are closed to all motorized use and horses. We continue with trail tuning as we constantly work on the trails for the next ski season and maintain 25 miles of mountain bike trail. 

We had a great run of skiing in April, officially skiing on April 23rd capping off a fantastic ski season of 153 skiable days starting the third week of November. Was great seeing so many people out enjoying the special late season conditions. Thanks to everyone who supported us this season and the trails. The fire on October 10th was a devastating event for us and the long ski season helped keep us active, restore and gain clarity as we recover from the tragedy last fall. 

Total snowfall this season at 96″ which ranks in top 5 of total snowfall in one season at Maplelag.

Ferns exploding on the ski trails this week, May 25th, 2023.
Bumper crop of marsh marigolds, May 21st, 2023.
Wild violet flowers also abundant this year, May 21st, 2023.
Tamarack trees sprouting in slough along Mother North Star trail, May 18th, 2023.
Ski trail crossing to Twin Lakes, May 13th, 2023. Rain staying east of us over the weekend. 
Bloodroot flowers blooming today, May 11th, 2023.
Turtles on the move this week with warmer temps, May 11th, 2023.
Leaves budding big time today and marsh marigolds exploding today, May 11th, 2023.
First buds, May 7th, 2023.
Ice free Little Sugarbush a rare calm night this spring, May 4th, 2023.
Another night with aurora borealis! We’ve been blessed with many nights of northern lights this past winter and spring, May 5th, 2023.
Clearing deadfall off the ski trail, May 4th, 2023. All the wood we use for the sauna stove by the lake. 
Lake scene on Little Sugarbush early afternoon, May 2nd, 2023. Ice should be off by end of day May 3rd!
Pond near Mother Hen ski trail, May 2nd, 2023. The water levels are at normal levels after being restored from this years snowfall. 
Hepatica flowers blooming in full force on the forest floor, May 2nd, 2023.
Mountain bike singletrack, May 2nd, 2023. Mountain bike trails are now open. 
Pair of swans in a pond near Rootin Tootin ski trail, May 1st, 2023.
Moss coming back to life on Skaters Waltz ski trail, May 1st, 2023.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mountain bike course is open. Course is damp/tacky today after rain last night. Drying nicely today and should be good riding by the afternoon. Looks like should be a great rest of the week and Memorial Day weekend of riding!

We continue touching up the course, blowing out leaves and dirt work to improve the riding experience. The leaves and forest have filled out with flora making for beautiful conditions. The entire course was cleared and blown out this spring and we do our best to clear any new deadfall as soon as possible. Always be aware for changing conditions and assume all responsibility riding. 

We have taped all the key intersections and signs are out at singletrack segments. The singletrack segments are signed by name and courses are generally marked for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series with Citizen, Sport, Comp and Expert. Any singletrack that is not marked where it crosses ski trail, continue straight on the singletrack. Reference our map or TrailForks or Strava for guidance. 

The Lagchilada challenge is in place which is a ride consisting of the entire mountain bike trail system. It is marked with both black signs and pink signs. Use the Strava app or guidance.

Like this winter, trail users are welcome to use the Brant cabin for a changing area and there are also bathrooms. Season passes available on our gift shop page.

Start of “Feeling Lucky” singletrack which is also start of the LagChilada challenge, May 23rd, 2023.
Singletrack riding, May 23rd, 2023.
Wood feature on “Bjorp’s” singletrack, May 23rd, 2023.
Rolling through Bullhead Bootleg, May 21st, 2023.
Rock garden on “Pirate’s Pass”, May 21st, 2023.
Saturday morning riders, May 20th, 2023.
Sunset on the singletrack, May 19th, 2023.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, May 18th, 2023. Feeling Lucky is the first segment to kick off the “LagChilada” challenge. 
First batch of new handmade signs for the “LagChilada” challenge going up soon! The LagChilada is a 25 mile challenge encompassing the entire mountain bike trail system at Maplelag. 
North Star Singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar singletrack, May 13th, 2023.
Lakeside singletrack, May 12th, 2023.
Bullhead Bootleg, May 12th, 2023.