Dry conditions back in place after a 10 day period that saw much welcomed rainfall with just over 3″ of precipitation. The ponds, sloughs and lakes are still low but the recent rain has definitely helped and the forest floor and woods is healthy and green.
A few signs of early fall with leaves changing in a few spots and falling to the forest floor. We continue to work on the trails clearing deadfall and mowing in the lower areas that still have grass growing good. We are also working on the mountain bike trails almost daily as we prepare for the Laddies Loppet mountain bike race on Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
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 64km of ski trails for upcoming ski season and maintain 25 miles of mountain bike trail.
Members of the high school team Northwest Wolves on the Maplelag mountain bike trails for early season practice, August 15th, 2023.First maple leaves falling to the ski trail and bike course, August 13th, 2023.Morning fog rolling off Little Sugarbush, August 10th, 2023.Ski trail moss coming to life after recent rain, August 8th, 2023.Handful of maple leaves falling to the forest floor this past week, August 7th, 2023. Compared to other years, the trees seem a few weeks ahead of schedule as a result of the dry and cool July. Another sweet Sugarbush sunset, July 27th, 2023.Summer grooming on Sap Run, July 24th, 2023.Large crop of “elephant ear” mushrooms near Mother , July 24th, 2023.Bear enjoying early acorns in oak tree near Skaters Waltz extension, July 23th, 2023.Mowing on Skaters Waltz ski trail, July 21st, 2023.Heading to the west, Twin Lakes crossing, July 21st, 2023.Scene across Bullhead lake after passing rain shower, July 13th, 2023. The leaves already showing a tinge of change. Black eyed Susan flower shiny after the rain, July 13th, 2023.Trail mowing July 13th, 2023. More funky mushrooms on the forest floor, July 13th, 2023.Summer grooming on Mother North Star trail, July 11th, 2023.Clearing out singletrack, Twin Lakes lakeside, July 11th, 2023.Sunday cells moving by, July 9th, 2023.Passing cell to the east, July 9th, 2023.Water lilies coming to live on the edge of Little Sugarbush this past week, July 4th, 2023.Calm evening on Little Sugarbush lake looking towards Maplelag, June 30th, 2023.Calm morning on Little Sugarbush looking towards Maplelag, June 26th, 2023.Break in the clouds and storms Saturday afternoon, Twin Lakes crossing June 24th, 2023.Mushrooms sprouting up with the recent rain, June 25th, 2023.Bear track on the bike trail! June 25th, 2023.Wild rose flowers along Twin lakes ski trail, June 24th, 2023.Solstice sunset, June 21st, 2023.Sunset over Little Sugarbush, June 20th, 2023.Loons on the lake! There have been a dozen loons residing on Little Sugarbush lake this summer. Fun to hear them call! June 20th, 2023.Wild Iris flower along Kohlepp’s Pond on Mother North Star ski trail, June 15th, 2023.Mowing on Mother North Star ski trail, June 15th, 2023.In between Twin Lakes as seen from Wavy Gravy trail, June 6th, 2023.Mini lily pads on South Twin Lake, June 6th, 2023.Clearing on ski trail which serves as part of the bike course, June 3rd, 2023.Rootin Tootin ski trail, June 3rd, 2023.Bullhead lake at the start of Bullhead Lake trail, June 3rd, 2023.Summer grooming, May 30th, 2023.Rare morning of calm waters, May 31st, 2023.Yellow slipper wild flowers blooming in full force, May 31st, 2023.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!
Mountain bike course is open. Dry conditions with a few dusty spots here and there and scattered organic matter on a few segments. Overall great riding and the track is rolling good. Great seeing all the riders out this weekend…nice job to all those doing the LagChilada!! We will be focusing our efforts on the race course for Laddies Loppet the next few weeks to have conditions as best as possible.
Always be aware for changingconditions and assume all responsibility riding. The Maplelag course is generally described as a classic or natural trail which is rideable shortly after any rain events as the rain is absorbed and drains off naturally.
All the key intersections are taped and signs are 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.
A good intermediate loop to ride is the Sport Loop and Bullhead Bootleg to the east. A good beginner loop to ride is the Citizen loop as well as the loops “Feeling Lucky” and “Sukkerwest”. North Loup Gnar on the north side is a slow tech skills trail.
Like this winter, trail users are welcome to use the Brant cabin for a changing area and there are also bathrooms. Please note we are remodeling in this cabin but the bathrooms are open. Season passes available on our gift shop page.
Rolling on Hudson’s Hula singletrack, August 21st, 2023. Tech section on “Pirate’s Pass” singletrack segment, August 16th, 2023.Members of the high school team Northwest Wolves on the Maplelag mountain bike trails for early season practice, August 15th, 2023.First maple leaves falling on the forest floor, August 13th, 2023.Rolling on the ski trail and welcomed sunshine on Saturday, August 12th, 2023.Wooden ramp on Bjorp’s singletrack loop, August 10th, 2023.Ride the berms and corners high! August 10th, 2023.Great riding Wednesday evening, August 9th, 2023.Ski trail moss coming to life after recent rain, August 8th, 2023.Rolling through the LagChilada on the North Star singletrack, August 6th, 2023.Twin Lakes singletrack, August 7th, 2023.Bullhead Bootleg rolling great after trail work this week, August 6th, 2023.North Loup Gnar in great shape after trail work this week, August 5th, 2023.North Loup Gnar part of the Lagchilada, August 5th, 2023.Rock garden on North Loup Gnar, August 5th, 2023.Forest floor coming to life after rain this week, Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, August 2nd, 2023.Rolling through the last singletrack section, July 31st, 2023.Start of “Feeling Lucky” trail and the LagChilada,. Feeling lucky is a good starter loop whether or not doing a full LagChilada.Trailhead July 28th, 2023.Grooming on the double track portion of the bike course, July 24th, 2023.Nice crop of “elephant ear” mushroom on log near “Feeling Lucky” singletrack, July 24th, 2023.Mowing on the ski trail portion of the bike course, July 21st, 2023. Most of the ski trail segments mowed this week.Rolling through Hudson’s Hula on Twin lakes singletrack, July 17th, 2023.Twin Lakes singletrack after brushing and blowing out, July 14th, 2023.We’ve been using electric tools to work on the trails this summer. Very impressive! July 13th, 2023.
It’s been a busy month working on projects as we prepare for the next chapter at Maplelag after the fire on October 10th that destroyed the main lodge. The main focus has been renovating the Brant cabin which will be the new hub for day use and will include a store. We’ve tried to maintain the feel of the old lodge using signs we had kept in the maintenance shop. Our plan is to have the store ready for a “soft” opening by Laddies Loppet mountain bike race, which is to be held on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We will post hours we plan to be open on the website and social media later this fall.
Once we begin and make progress on the next projects, adding kitchen units to the Candy Store, Six Swedes and enhancements to the Red and Orange cabooses, we will begin taking reservations. We appreciate everyone that has inquired about winter reservations. The loss of the main lodge has taken time to recover from, on many different aspects. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate the next steps and restore energy, passion and commitment to serve our guests in this next chapter.
Entry to the Brant cabin which will be the new hub for day use and include the Maplelag store.August 18th, 2023.Exterior of the Brant cabin after a fresh and new color of paint! Sitting/lounge area in the Brant cabin for day users. Original painted trail signs on display in the Brant entry. Store area in the Brant cabin soon to be stocked with items including clothing and local artists. Eira, the “snow baby” wearing a Skida Hat. We are excited to carry Skida this coming winter in the store with a custom Maplelag hat! We discovered Skida recently and was able to visit the headquarters in Vermont which was a area of inspiration when we visited Nordic centers out East last winter and spring. Pure maple syrup harvested on the shores of Little Sugarbush lake will be available for sale. Pat and Amber staining and painting the Brant cabin. Other buildings on tap for a fresh look that will be a component in the next chapter will be the sauna, Sava Sauna cabin, Six Swedes cabin and Candy Store cabin.Remember the numbering system on the trail signs?The creative work of local artist Wendy Roy will be on display and for sale in the Brant cabin. Summer grooming on the ski trails. Once we begin and make progress on the next projects, adding kitchen units to the Candy Store, Six Swedes and enhancements to the Red and Orange caboose, we will begin taking reservations.
Mountain bike course is open. Ideal surface conditions thanks to off and on rain events last weekend and rider traffic this week. Surface conditions include tacky, grippy and loamy…doesn’t get any better!. Conditions look to remain through the weekend. Warmer on Saturday and cooling back down for Sunday. Enjoy!Great seeing all the riders out this weekend…nice job to all those doing the LagChilada!!
Always be aware for changingconditions and assume all responsibility riding. The Maplelag course is generally described as a classic or natural trail which is rideable shortly after any rain events as the rain is absorbed and drains off naturally.
All the key intersections are taped and signs are 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.
A good intermediate loop to ride is the Sport Loop and Bullhead Bootleg to the east. A good beginner loop to ride is the Citizen loop as well as the loops “Feeling Lucky” and “Sukkerwest”. North Loup Gnar on the north side is a slow tech skills trail.
Like this winter, trail users are welcome to use the Brant cabin for a changing area and there are also bathrooms. Please note we are remodeling in this cabin but the bathrooms are open. Season passes available on our gift shop page.
Tech section on “Pirate’s Pass” singletrack segment, August 16th, 2023.Members of the high school team Northwest Wolves on the Maplelag mountain bike trails for early season practice, August 15th, 2023.First maple leaves falling on the forest floor, August 13th, 2023.Rolling on the ski trail and welcomed sunshine on Saturday, August 12th, 2023.Wooden ramp on Bjorp’s singletrack loop, August 10th, 2023.Ride the berms and corners high! August 10th, 2023.Great riding Wednesday evening, August 9th, 2023.Ski trail moss coming to life after recent rain, August 8th, 2023.Rolling through the LagChilada on the North Star singletrack, August 6th, 2023.Twin Lakes singletrack, August 7th, 2023.Bullhead Bootleg rolling great after trail work this week, August 6th, 2023.North Loup Gnar in great shape after trail work this week, August 5th, 2023.North Loup Gnar part of the Lagchilada, August 5th, 2023.Rock garden on North Loup Gnar, August 5th, 2023.Forest floor coming to life after rain this week, Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, August 2nd, 2023.Rolling through the last singletrack section, July 31st, 2023.Start of “Feeling Lucky” trail and the LagChilada,. Feeling lucky is a good starter loop whether or not doing a full LagChilada.Trailhead July 28th, 2023.Grooming on the double track portion of the bike course, July 24th, 2023.Nice crop of “elephant ear” mushroom on log near “Feeling Lucky” singletrack, July 24th, 2023.Mowing on the ski trail portion of the bike course, July 21st, 2023. Most of the ski trail segments mowed this week.Rolling through Hudson’s Hula on Twin lakes singletrack, July 17th, 2023.Twin Lakes singletrack after brushing and blowing out, July 14th, 2023.We’ve been using electric tools to work on the trails this summer. Very impressive! July 13th, 2023.
A Family Owned and Operated Destination Cross-Country Ski Center
