All posts by Jay Richards

Ski Trail

Ski Trail Report


Trails open Excellent snow and ski conditions. All skiers welcome! A snowy past few days with 4″ of new snow from 4 different small snow events since Thursday evening. Tuesday and Wednesday we will be hosting the Section 8 Nordic ski championships. The trails not used in the races will be open for skiing but be aware parking may be limited. Best options is taking Sukkerbusk to the west to access the western or northern trails for 38km of classic skiing options. Although there will be no skate race tomorrow, skate trail is closed until 3pm as the Section course crosses the skate trail in a few places.

Grooming update: Today we groomed the Section Courses (Sap Run, Mother North Star, JibFly, and last part of Sukkerbusk) in the afternoon. These trails will be closed for skiing at 3pm.

Nature Notes: Wildlife has been active the last few weeks. We have been seeing porcupines along the snowshoe trail and Roy’s Run. We have also seen hawks, owls near JibFly and North Star, fox, deer of course, pileated woodpeckers and tons of tracks.

Trails are open for day use. Day and season passes can be purchased here. Please note due to COVID protocols, there are no lodge services for day use. This includes no ski rental or access to coffee bar. Parking in far lot near blue recycling bins where porta potties are located.Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open. There are no dogs or pets allowed.

Fat Bike trails open. Click here for report

Classic skiing on Sukkerbusk, Sap Run, Mother Hen, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Twin Lakes, Mother North Star, Wavy Gravy, Island Lake trail North Loup and Roy’s Run. Please no skating on the classic trails. Bullhead/Bootleg has now been tracked on the Bootleg extension and return. Lucky’s Loype is adventure skiing (no grooming).

Skaters Waltz, the extension loops, North Loup, Suicide Hill, Single Green and Kristin’s Kutoff designated trails groomed for skating.

All trails are one way except Sukkerbusk and Skaters Waltz. Skiing correct direction, especially in early season, helps us maintain the integrity of the base. Thank you!

Trails are open for day skiing for non lodging guests. Lodge is closed to day use.

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

Snowshoe trails are open and packed.

Snowfall past 24 hours: 5″

Snowfall past 7 days: 6″

Snowfall to date: 67″

Compacted base on trail: 7-18″

Snow depth in woods: 16-44″



Day and season passes can be purchased here.

NO services in the lodge at this time or ski rental available for day skiing. Parking in far lot near porta bathrooms and recycling bins. Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open.

Cutting new track on Sukkebusk, February 7th, 2022.
Rootin Tootin, February 7th, 2022. Groomed on February 5th, light dusting of snow on top skier packed. Similar conditions on Roy’s Run and North Loup.
Setting track at dusk on the Section classic course, February 7th, 2022.
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2010 Olympian Wynn Roberts on trail today helping OTNSA skiers prepare for the coming Sectional meet this week, February 6th, 2022
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Setting the down track to Twin Lakes, February 6th, 2022. Please herringbone on the non tracked side. Thanks!
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Setting new track on Wavy Gravy, February 6th, 2022.
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Section Skate course grooming, February 6th, 2022.
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Setting track between Twin Lakes as part of Wavy Gravy trail, February 6th, 2022.
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Twin Lakes fat bike trail, February 6th, 2022. Snow is starting to pile up!
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Cutting fresh track on Roy’s Run, February 5th, 2022.
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Moorhead Nordic ski team inspection the Section courses this morning under fresh snowfall, February 5th, 2022.
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Another priceless artistic nature scene along Roy’s Run, February 5th, 2022.
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Skaters Waltz grooming, February 5th, 2022.
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Finishing up evening groom, February 5th, 2022.
Ski Trail

Ski Trail Report

Trails open Excellent snow and ski conditions. Snowy cycle continues with 2-3″ new snow past 24 hours including another dusting of fluff snow this morning after snow most of the day on Saturday. Great day of skiing on tap with the fresh snow and ideal temps. All skiers welcome!

Grooming update: We groomed the Section courses to start this morning than continued on grooming select singletrack trails. Grooming most of the day on Saturday as well at night. Monday we will be grooming most of the day on the Section courses.

Nature Notes: Wildlife has been active the last few weeks. We have been seeing porcupines along the snowshoe trail and Roy’s Run. We have also seen hawks, owls near JibFly and North Star, fox, deer of course, pileated woodpeckers and tons of tracks.

Trails are open for day use. Day and season passes can be purchased here. Please note due to COVID protocols, there are no lodge services for day use. This includes no ski rental or access to coffee bar. Parking in far lot near blue recycling bins where porta potties are located.Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open. There are no dogs or pets allowed.

Fat Bike trails open. Click here for report

Classic skiing on Sukkerbusk, Sap Run, Mother Hen, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Twin Lakes, Mother North Star, Wavy Gravy, Island Lake trail North Loup and Roy’s Run. Please no skating on the classic trails. Bullhead/Bootleg has now been tracked on the Bootleg extension and return. Lucky’s Loype is adventure skiing (no grooming).

Skaters Waltz, the extension loops, North Loup, Suicide Hill, Single Green and Kristin’s Kutoff designated trails groomed for skating.

All trails are one way except Sukkerbusk and Skaters Waltz. Skiing correct direction, especially in early season, helps us maintain the integrity of the base. Thank you!

Trails are open for day skiing for non lodging guests. Lodge is closed to day use.

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

Snowshoe trails are open and packed.

Snowfall past 24 hours: 5″

Snowfall past 7 days: 6″

Snowfall to date: 67″

Compacted base on trail: 7-18″

Snow depth in woods: 16-44″



Day and season passes can be purchased here.

NO services in the lodge at this time or ski rental available for day skiing. Parking in far lot near porta bathrooms and recycling bins. Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open.

2010 Olympian Wynn Roberts on trail today helping OTNSA skiers prepare for the coming Sectional meet this week, February 6th, 2022.
Setting the down track to Twin Lakes, February 6th, 2022. Please herringbone on the non tracked side. Thanks!
Setting new track on Wavy Gravy, February 6th, 2022.
Section Skate course grooming, February 6th, 2022.
Setting track between Twin Lakes as part of Wavy Gravy trail, February 6th, 2022.
Twin Lakes fat bike trail, February 6th, 2022. Snow is starting to pile up!
Cutting fresh track on Roy’s Run, February 5th, 2022.
Moorhead Nordic ski team inspection the Section courses this morning under fresh snowfall, February 5th, 2022.
Another priceless artistic nature scene along Roy’s Run, February 5th, 2022.
Skaters Waltz grooming, February 5th, 2022.
Finishing up evening groom, February 5th, 2022.
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Ginzu grooming and cutting new track on Twin Lakes, February 4th, 2022.
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Family fun in the sun! February 4th, 2022.
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Skate trail grooming, February 4th, 2022.
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Sukkerbusk grooming, February 4th, 2022.
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Night ski on solar lit trail Sap Run, February 3rd, 2022.
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Setting track on Sap Run, February 2nd, 2022.
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Breaking down drifts on Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
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Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
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Leveling on Twin Lakes, February 2nd 2022.
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Cutting double track on Mother North Star, February 2nd, 2022.
Ski Trail

Ski Trail Report

Trails open Excellent snow and ski conditions. Snowy cycle continues with yet another dusting of snow this morning and snow continuing through the morning. Trails open to all skiers. Note:JibFly will be two way skiing through Monday.

Grooming update: We will be grooming select trails this morning, focusing on the courses used for the Section races next week. Yesterday we groomed all the double track, skate only trails and set new track on North Loup.

Nature Notes: Wildlife has been active the last few weeks. We have been seeing porcupines along the snowshoe trail and Roy’s Run. We have also seen hawks, owls near JibFly and North Star, fox, deer of course, pileated woodpeckers and tons of tracks.

Trails are open for day use. Day and season passes can be purchased here. Please note due to COVID protocols, there are no lodge services for day use. This includes no ski rental or access to coffee bar. Parking in far lot near blue recycling bins where porta potties are located.Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open. There are no dogs or pets allowed.

Fat Bike trails open. Click here for report

Classic skiing on Sukkerbusk, Sap Run, Mother Hen, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Twin Lakes, Mother North Star, Wavy Gravy, Island Lake trail North Loup and Roy’s Run. Please no skating on the classic trails. Bullhead/Bootleg has now been tracked on the Bootleg extension and return. Lucky’s Loype is adventure skiing (no grooming).

Skaters Waltz, the extension loops, North Loup, Suicide Hill, Single Green and Kristin’s Kutoff designated trails groomed for skating.

All trails are one way except Sukkerbusk and Skaters Waltz. Skiing correct direction, especially in early season, helps us maintain the integrity of the base. Thank you!

Trails are open for day skiing for non lodging guests. Lodge is closed to day use.

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

Snowshoe trails are open and packed.

Snowfall past 24 hours: 2″

Snowfall past 7 days: 4″

Snowfall to date: 67″

Compacted base on trail: 7-18″

Snow depth in woods: 16-44″

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

NO services in the lodge at this time or ski rental available for day skiing. Parking in far lot near porta bathrooms and recycling bins. Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open.

Ginzu grooming and cutting new track on Twin Lakes, February 4th, 2022.
Family fun in the sun! February 4th, 2022.
Skate trail grooming, February 4th, 2022.
Sukkerbusk grooming, February 4th, 2022.
Night ski on solar lit trail Sap Run, February 3rd, 2022.
Setting track on Sap Run, February 2nd, 2022.
Breaking down drifts on Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
Leveling on Twin Lakes, February 2nd 2022.
Cutting double track on Mother North Star, February 2nd, 2022.
Checking out the tracks on JibFly, February 2nd, 2022. Excellent skiing!
Roll packing on Skaters Waltz, February 1st, 2022.
Packing on drifted area on Mother North Star, February 2nd, 2022. Watch the pole plants here! (Part of Section course) Level of pond same level as trail. Snow is deep!
Mary out to the trail! January 31st, 2022.
Bike Trail

Fat Bike Trail Report

Trails open. Yet another dusting of snow overnight and continuing through the morning. Should be a good day of riding even with the new snow. Nearly 25km of riding options.

Grooming update: The entire system we have open for fat biking groomed Friday morning. Skaters Waltz to Bootleg, back on Skaters with a few inner segments and Sukkerwest and also Twin Lakes.

Signs marking the route for the inner loops are in place and ultimately direct the course for the “FatLagChilada”. Twin lakes and SukkerWest singletrack can be accessed from the driveway. To access the start to access Bootleg, head to the start of Skaters Waltz to the right. We have groomed on the far right side of Suicide Hill for uphill travel. Access to Bootleg has been groomed on the lake. Use trails at own risk and assume all responsibility. Skaters Waltz is open for fat biking when conditions are firm. SukkerWest is recommended trail for beginner riders. Trail difficulty on outer loops is intermediate to advanced.

Trail passes help offset grooming and maintenance costs. Trails have already been groomed multiple times this year. Thank you.

Night ride on Bootleg singletrack, Fern Gully section, February 1st, 2022. Sections still soft and other sections firm enough to ride.
Ski Trail

Ski Trail Report

Trails open Excellent snow and ski conditions. Another dusting of snow overnight.

Grooming update: We will be grooming most of the trail system today. This week we ran the Pisten Bully groomer with the front end renovator on all the double track trails, leveling, widening and bringing up “sugar” snow deep within the base.

Nature Notes: Wildlife has been active the last few weeks. We have been seeing porcupines along the snowshoe trail and Roy’s Run. We have also seen hawks, owls near JibFly and North Star, fox, deer of course, pileated woodpeckers and tons of tracks.

Trails are open for day use. Day and season passes can be purchased here. Please note due to COVID protocols, there are no lodge services for day use. This includes no ski rental or access to coffee bar. Parking in far lot near blue recycling bins where porta potties are located.Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open. There are no dogs or pets allowed.

Fat Bike trails open. Click here for report

Classic skiing on Sukkerbusk, Sap Run, Mother Hen, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Twin Lakes, Mother North Star, Wavy Gravy, Island Lake trail North Loup and Roy’s Run. Please no skating on the classic trails. Bullhead/Bootleg has now been tracked on the Bootleg extension and return. Lucky’s Loype is adventure skiing (no grooming).

Skaters Waltz, the extension loops, North Loup, Suicide Hill, Single Green and Kristin’s Kutoff designated trails groomed for skating.

All trails are one way except Sukkerbusk and Skaters Waltz. Skiing correct direction, especially in early season, helps us maintain the integrity of the base. Thank you!

Trails are open for day skiing for non lodging guests. Lodge is closed to day use.

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

Snowshoe trails are open and packed.

Snowfall past 24 hours: 1″

Snowfall past 7 days: 3″

Snowfall to date: 65″

Compacted base on trail: 6-9″

Snow depth in woods: 16-40″

Day and season passes can be purchased here.

NO services in the lodge at this time or ski rental available for day skiing. Parking in far lot near porta bathrooms and recycling bins. Please respect this policy so Maplelag can operate as safe as possible and remain open.

Night ski on solar lit trail Sap Run, February 3rd, 2022.
Setting track on Sap Run, February 2nd, 2022.
Breaking down drifts on Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
Twin Lakes, February 2nd, 2022.
Leveling on Twin Lakes, February 2nd 2022.
Cutting double track on Mother North Star, February 2nd, 2022.
Checking out the tracks on JibFly, February 2nd, 2022. Excellent skiing!
Roll packing on Skaters Waltz, February 1st, 2022.
Packing on drifted area on Mother North Star, February 2nd, 2022. Watch the pole plants here! (Part of Section course) Level of pond same level as trail. Snow is deep!
Mary out to the trail! January 31st, 2022.
Grooming Loon Return, January 31st, 2022.