All posts by Jay Richards

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Ski and Yoga Retreat

Previous Yoga retreat participants doing ski yoga
Previous Yoga retreat participants doing ski yoga

Vinyasa and yin yoga daily, XC skiing & snowshoeing (rentals & trail access included),  steam, sauna house, 3 daily delicious home cooked meals, unlimited homemade cookies & hot chocolate/coffee, full resort access to amenities inside & outside, bonfires, massage (extra), accommodations and fun!

Contact Melissa Schoeller via email [email protected] to reserve space and for more information.

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Ski Trail

Trail Report

Winter weather in place. Coldest temps of the season today with early morning low well below zero! Warming during the night but still well below normal. Cold temps are welcomed at Maplelag to help freeze down the ground and prepare for snows to come.

We packed and combed out the new snow that fell on Wednesday night on the early season loop  we have been grooming the past week. Frosty morning  Wednesday with trees covered beautifully in white. Cold temps freezing over Little Sugarbush lake the morning of November 6th. Frost setting down in the ground with this cooler weather and key component for next snowfalls and preparing the trails for skiing.

The dustings of snow last week provided just enough to pack out a early season loop and we were able to get out for a ski a few times to enjoy the snow! The trails will be closed to the public during deer hunting season which runs November 4th-12th.  The trails will be open again the weekend of November 17th.  Total snowfall this season has been around 5″ with 1-3″ currently on the ground/in the woods. The mountain bike trails are closed for the season but will open again the weekend of November 17th (weather permitting)  for fat biking/winter riding.

Roll combing Skaters Waltz, November 9th, 2017.
Roll combing Skaters Waltz, November 9th, 2017.
Roll combing Suicide Hill, November 9th, 2017.
Roll combing Suicide Hill, November 9th, 2017.
Combing dusting of new snow on Suicide Hill, November 9th, 2017.
Combing dusting of new snow on Suicide Hill, November 9th, 2017.

 

Snow covered pines. November 9th, 2017.
Snow covered pines. November 9th, 2017.
North end of bullhead lake in swamp area. November, 9th, 2017.
North end of bullhead lake in swamp area. November, 9th, 2017.

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Cattail with touch of new snow dusting. November 9th, 2017.
Cattail with touch of new snow dusting. November 9th, 2017.

Bottom of Suicide Hill, November 8th, 2017.

Early season skiing on Suicide Hill, November 8th, 2017.
Early season skiing on Suicide Hill, November 8th, 2017.
Frosty morning over frozen Little Sugarbush Lake, November 7th, 2017.
Frosty morning over frozen Little Sugarbush Lake, November 7th, 2017.
Winter scene on the shore of Little Sugarbush, November 7thg, 2017.
Winter scene on the shore of Little Sugarbush, November 7thg, 2017.
Frosty scene at start of Sap Run and Lucky's Loype. November 7th, 2017.
Frosty scene at start of Sap Run and Lucky’s Loype. November 7th, 2017.
Frosty scene looking toward Finish Log and Sava Sauna cabins. November 7th, 2017.
Frosty scene looking toward Finish Log and Sava Sauna cabins. November 7th, 2017.
Sun lighting up the frosty trees at start of Sap Run ski trail as seen from the Sap Run webcam. November 7th, 2017.
Sun lighting up the frosty trees at start of Sap Run ski trail as seen from the Sap Run webcam. November 7th, 2017.
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Little Sugarbush freezing over November 6th, 2017.
Little Sugarbush freezing over November 6th, 2017.
Little Sugarbush freezing over November 6th, 2017.
Bottom of Suicide Hill still hanging on to some coverage late afternoon, November 4th, 2017.
Bottom of Suicide Hill still hanging on to some coverage, November 5th, 2017.
Nest of a snowbird! November 5th, 2017.
Nest of a snowbird! November 5th, 2017.
Eagle View, Twin Lakes ski trail, November 5th, 2017.
Eagle View, Twin Lakes ski trail, November 5th, 2017.
Recent snow great for checking out all the tracks in the woods. November 5th, 2017.
Recent snow great for checking out all the tracks in the woods. November 5th, 2017.

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Beavers busy near Bullhead lake, November 5th, 2017.
Beavers busy near Bullhead lake, November 5th, 2017.
Skate skiing up Suicide hill, November 3rd, 2017. Suicide Hill has the best coverage on the trail system right now and made for nice up and down skiing this morning, especially for November 3rd!
Skate skiing up Suicide hill, November 3rd, 2017. Suicide Hill has the best coverage on the trail system right now and made for nice up and down skiing this morning, especially for November 3rd!
Early season skiing. November 2nd, 2017.
Early season skiing. November 2nd, 2017.
Bear track on the ski trail! November 2nd, 2017.
Bear track on the ski trail! November 2nd, 2017.

 

Grooming through the skinny field, November 1st, 2017.
Grooming through the skinny field, November 1st, 2017.
Grooming through the skinny field, November 1st, 2017.
Grooming through the skinny field, November 1st, 2017.
Suicide Hill, November 1st, 2017.
Suicide Hill, November 1st, 2017.

 

Island lake frozen over 75%, November 1st, 2017.
Island lake frozen over 75%, November 1st, 2017.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails are now closed for the season.  Although there will be riding opportunities the next few weeks, especially now with a dusting of snow and frozen ground,  we close the trails in respect to the area hunters for deer hunting season.The Twin Lakes singletrack trail will open again hopefully the weekend of November 17th for winter season/riding.

Great weekend of riding and racing for the Laddies Loppet. Thanks to everyone that came.   Saturday cross country racing for Laddies Loppet. (click here for coverage on Skinnyski)   Sunday Short Track (click here for coverage on skinnyski.com)

Click here for trail map. Trail starts just past the flag pole, head towards skaters waltz ski trail for the beginner loop (Citizen/TT), advanced loop (sport/comp/expert) starts near start of Sap Run and Lucky’s Loype ski trails. Singletrack sections can be bypassed on the east side.  To access Twin Lakes loop, take either the east side or main loop and follow red signs or head down the driveway and look for orange cones just past the gate and red signs indicating the start of Twin Lakes singletrack.

The trails can be described as classic, old school singletrack. Some sections are very technical with roots and rocks and a great test of skills! The Twin Lakes loop is recommended first for first time visitors to Maplelag with mountain bike experience. For first time riders, the Citizen loop is recommended.

Season pass is $10. Park in far parking lot, click in and enjoy!Maplelag maintains, builds, manages and funds the trails privately but we are happy to share the trail. We appreciate season pass purchases to keep the trails maintained and build new for others to enjoy.  We have been working on new trail on Maplelag property on the Bullhead loop this summer and hope to have completed by the end of fall and open for riding next spring.

Any questions on riding or conditions, email Jay at [email protected] or text 218-849-7669. We typically will have the trails open all the time unless we receive excessive rainfall.  The natural singletrack at Maplelag dries and weathers quickly and can be ridden hours after any rain event.

Ben Olson on Twin Lakes singletrack for a early winter ride before trail close. November 2nd, 2017.
Ben Olson on Twin Lakes singletrack for a early winter ride before trail close. November 2nd, 2017.
Peder Arneson on Twin Lakes singletrack for a early winter ride before trail close. November 2nd, 2017.
Peder Arneson on Twin Lakes singletrack for a early winter ride before trail close. November 2nd, 2017.
Snow started to cover up the forest floor late afternoon, October 26th, 2017.
Snow started to cover up the forest floor late afternoon, October 26th, 2017.
Rock garden in reverse. Twin Lakes singletrack, October 26th, 2017.
Rock garden in reverse. Twin Lakes singletrack, October 26th, 2017. Great to end the dirt season.
Hudson's Hula trail segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 22nd, 2017.
Hudson’s Hula trail segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 22nd, 2017.
Pete's Porkie singletrack segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 20th, 2017.
Pete’s Porkie singletrack segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 20th, 2017.

 

Riding Pete's Porkie opposite direction. Fun to mix it up! October 20th, 2017.
Riding Pete’s Porkie opposite direction. Fun to mix it up! October 20th, 2017.
Last downhill segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, October 19th, 2017.
Last downhill segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, October 19th, 2017.
Clearing leaves on Twin Lakes singletrack, October 18th, 2017.
Clearing leaves on Twin Lakes singletrack, October 18th, 2017.
Cleared track! October 18th, 2017.
Cleared track! October 18th, 2017.
Rolling along Twin Lakes. October 17th, 2017.
Rolling along Twin Lakes. October 17th, 2017.
Twin Lakes rock garden leaf covered. Use caution! October 12th, 2017.
Twin Lakes rock garden leaf covered. Use caution! October 12th, 2017.
Twin Lakes singletrack, October 12th, 2017.
Twin Lakes singletrack, October 12th, 2017.
Golden tunnel on the mountain bike course. October 8th, 2017.
Golden tunnel on the mountain bike course. October 8th, 2017.
Hudson's Hula segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 7th, 2017.
Hudson’s Hula segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. October 7th, 2017.
Section of Twin Lakes singletrack after leaf blowing, October 6th, 2017.
Section of Twin Lakes singletrack after leaf blowing, October 6th, 2017.
Fresh blown singletrack. October 6th, 2017.
Fresh blown singletrack. October 6th, 2017.
Group of riders heading out on fat bikes Tuesday morning, October 3rd, 2017.
Group of riders heading out on fat bikes Tuesday morning, October 3rd, 2017. Fat bikes good option for leafy trails!

 

View of Twin Lakes from "Pete's Porkie" singletrack segment. October 2nd, 2017.
View of Twin Lakes from “Pete’s Porkie” singletrack segment. October 2nd, 2017.
Leafy singletrack, October 2nd, 2017.
Leafy singletrack, October 2nd, 2017.
Fall riding, September 28th, 2017.
Fall riding, September 28th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6470100753037240945

Sukkerbusk ski trail, part of bike course. September 20th, 2017.
Sukkerbusk ski trail, part of bike course. September 20th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6467497644899320433

Leaf bed on the singletrack. Solid deck underneath. September 17th, 2017.
Leaf bed on the singletrack. Solid deck underneath. September 17th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6465296616556933457

Twin Lakes singletrack, September 9th, 2017.
Twin Lakes singletrack, September 9th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6462725127920816449

Ski Trail

Trail Report

Wintry like weather this week. Temps in the lower 20’s Tuesday morning and white on the ground has it feeling like winter!  Another measurable snowfall in October with an inch or so falling Monday evening. Total snowfall this month around 3″.  Looks to be freezing at nights the next week or so which is great for helping set frost in the ground. An important element for preparing the trails for skiing. Few ponds starting to freeze over as a result of the colder weather.

We’ve had great weather for the month of October for trail work. The leaves have come down the trees and clearing them off the main trails in full force.

Having the trails free of leaves, especially at Maplelag with the thick leaf beds of maple leaves, allows the ground to freeze quicker and skiable conditions after the first snowfalls.

October rainfall around 2″  so far.  September rainfall recorded  around 5″. A wet August as well with nearly 7″ of total rainfall during the month.

Trumpeter swans dominant presence with over 25 currently residing on Twin Lakes. Good trail to hike or bike to observe them.

Mountain bike trails  info and latest report on bike trail report page.

First ski of the year. October 27th, 2017.
First ski of the year. October 27th, 2017.

 

Snow started to cover up the forest floor late afternoon on the singletrack. October 26th, 2017. Mountain bike trails now closed for the season. Open again Thanksgiving week.
Snow started to cover up the forest floor late afternoon on the singletrack. October 26th, 2017. Mountain bike trails now closed for the season. Open again Thanksgiving week.
Intersection of Sukkerbusk and Mother North Star as snow was starting to fall. October 26th, 2017.
Intersection of Sukkerbusk and Mother North Star as snow was starting to fall. October 26th, 2017.
Trail clearing right up to the last moment possible. October 26th, 2017.
Trail clearing right up to the last moment possible. October 26th, 2017.
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Trail clearing at intersection of Sap Run and Skaters Waltz, October 25th, 2017.
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Ready for snow! Final clearing on Suicide Hill. October 25th, 2017.

 

Fantastic sunset over Maplelag, October 25th, 2017.
Fantastic sunset over Maplelag, October 25th, 2017.
Great sight lines through the woods after leaves have come down. View towards Little Sugarbush from Sap Run. October 25th, 2017.
Great sight lines through the woods after leaves have come down. View towards Little Sugarbush from Sap Run. October 25th, 2017.
Great sight lines through the woods after leaves have come down. View towards Little Sugarbush from Sap Run. October 25th, 2017.
Great sight lines through the woods after leaves have come down. View towards Little Sugarbush from Sap Run. October 25th, 2017.
One more clearing on Suicide Hill, October 24th, 2017.
Another clearing on Suicide Hill, October 24th, 2017. Suicide Hill has been mowed/cleared more than any trail segment on the trail system. First to be groomed, and last area to hold snow in the spring.
Fall grooming on "Kamikaze" hill, Skaters Waltz ski trail. October 19th, 2017.
Fall grooming on “Kamikaze” hill, Skaters Waltz ski trail. October 19th, 2017.
Sunrise on Island Lake, October 18th, 2017. We still have dreams of building a outpost/eco cabin on the island in the future!
Sunrise on Island Lake, October 18th, 2017. We still have dreams of building a outpost/eco cabin on the island in the future!

 

Tamarack trees in their peak. October 18th, 2017. Tamarack one of species of trees planted at Maplelag over the years. Maplelag has planted nearly a half million trees since 1973!
Tamarack trees in their peak. October 18th, 2017. Tamarack one of species of trees planted at Maplelag over the years. Maplelag has planted nearly a half million trees since 1973!
Trumpeter swans on Rutherford Slough near North Loup ski trail, October 18th, 2017.
Trumpeter swans on Rutherford Slough near North Loup ski trail, October 18th, 2017.
Fall grooming on North Loup, October 17th, 2017.
Fall grooming on North Loup, October 17th, 2017.
Fall scene in skating rink area. Tamarack trees in their peak right now and a few aspen and oak trees still holding color. October 15th, 2017.
Fall scene in skating rink area. Tamarack trees in their peak right now and a few aspen and oak trees still holding color. October 15th, 2017.
Fall grooming on Skaters Waltz, October 11th, 2017.
Fall grooming on Skaters Waltz, October 11th, 2017.

 

Fall grooming on Mother North Star, October 9th, 2017.
Fall grooming on Mother North Star, October 9th, 2017.
Fall grooming on North Loup, October 9th, 2017.
Fall grooming on North Loup, October 9th, 2017.
Golden tunnel on the mountain bike course. October 8th, 2017.
Golden tunnel on the mountain bike course. October 8th, 2017.
Fall scene in the Skinny Field, October 8th, 2017.
Fall scene in the Skinny Field, October 8th, 2017.
Fall scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 6th, 2017.
Fall scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 6th, 2017.
Twin Lakes ski trail, October 6th, 2017.
Twin Lakes ski trail, October 6th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6473822544279504081

Double green ski trail, October 4th, 2017.
Double green ski trail, October 4th, 2017.
Twin Lakes ski trail, September 29th, 2017.
Twin Lakes ski trail, September 29th, 2017.
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First frost of the year on low lying area near Orange caboose, September 29th, 2017.

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Maple tree near Brant cabin displaying brilliant fall color. September 29th, 2017.
Maple tree near Brant cabin displaying brilliant fall color. September 29th, 2017.
First touch of frost of the year on low lying areas and roof tops. September 29th, 2017.
First touch of frost of the year on low lying areas and roof tops. September 29th, 2017.

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Little Sugarbush lake, September 28th, 2017.
Little Sugarbush lake, September 28th, 2017.
Start of Loon Return ski trail, September 28th, 2017.
Start of Loon Return ski trail, September 28th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6469925733629718129

Sukkerbusk ski trail, September 20th, 2017.
Sukkerbusk ski trail, September 20th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6465296114121287281

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6460816675358245761

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6458937526163025121

Early signs of fall, August 15th, 2017.
Early signs of fall, August 15th, 2017.
Removing rocks and filling in low spots on Sukkerbusk. July 7th, 2017. Trail tuning will continue through the summer and fall until the snow flies.
Removing rocks and filling in low spots and improving drainage on Sukkerbusk. July 7th, 2017. Trail tuning will continue through the summer and fall until the snow flies.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6436344867349516913

Twin Lakes at dusk, June 16th, 2017.
Twin Lakes before an evening rain shower moved in.  June 16th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6428888031504623537

Beautiful summer scene in the woods. June 4th, 2017.
Summer scene in the forest. June 4th, 2017.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6427458025140509953

Sunset over Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2017.
Sunset over Little Sugarbush, June 2nd, 2017.
Various mushrooms popping up throughout the forest floor. May 30th, 2017.
Various mushrooms popping up throughout the forest floor. May 30th, 2017.
View of Twin Lakes. May 28th, 2017.
View of Twin Lakes. May 28th, 2017.
Trumpeter swans on South Twin, May 28th, 2017.
Trumpeter swans on South Twin, May 28th, 2017. Swans more visible on smaller lakes now boat traffic has increased on larger lakes.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6424086445615412865

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6423377178235725713

Spring scene on a local pond, May 18th, 2017.
Spring scene on a local pond, May 18th, 2017.
Scarlet Tanager making a short appearance on the Maplelag grounds, May 16th, 2017.
Scarlet Tanager making a short appearance on the Maplelag grounds, May 16th, 2017.

 

Twin Lakes singletrack lakeside. May 16th, 2017. The foliage has exploded the past week!
Twin Lakes singletrack lakeside. May 16th, 2017. The foliage has exploded the past week!

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6416291163030822033

Riders taking in the beautiful Sunday morning on the mountain bike course. April 30th, 2017.
Riders taking in the beautiful Sunday morning on the mountain bike course. April 30th, 2017.
Singletrack in great shape after drying out from snow earlier in the week. April 28th, 2017.
Singletrack in great shape after drying out from snow earlier in the week. April 28th, 2017. Mountain bike trail open for riding.
April skiing! Skiing through the skinny field, April 27th, 2017.
April skiing! Skiing through the skinny field, April 27th, 2017.
Frozen pond, April 27th, 2017. Ducks were still nesting on the edge, riding out the cold weather.
Frozen pond, April 27th, 2017. Ducks were still nesting on the edge, riding out the cold weather.

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Suicide Hill, April 27th, 2017.
Suicide Hill, April 27th, 2017.
Mother North Star ski trail with dusting of snow. April 26th, 2017.
Mother North Star ski trail with dusting of snow. April 26th, 2017.

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Marsh marigolds on hold after wintry weather. April 26th, 2017.
Marsh marigolds on hold after wintry weather. April 26th, 2017.

 

Trail work on new mountain bike trail. April 24th, 2017.
Trail work on new mountain bike trail. April 24th, 2017.
Snow Sunday morning April 23rd, 2017 as seen from the Sap Run trail cam.
Snow Sunday morning April 23rd, 2017 as seen from the Sap Run trail cam.
Ski trails starting to green up after rain over the weekend. April 19th, 2017.
Ski trails starting to green up after rain over the weekend. April 19th, 2017.
Early spring flowers, April 13th, 2017.
Early spring flowers, April 13th, 2017.
With not much greening (still early in the spring) mossy areas sticking out nicely. April 13th, 2017.
With not much greening (still early in the spring) mossy areas sticking out nicely. April 13th, 2017.
After a windy few days during the ice out phase, calm conditions Monday night, April 10th, 2017. Official ice out date was April 8th this year.
After a windy few days during the ice out phase, calm conditions Monday night, April 10th, 2017. Official ice out date was April 8th this year.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6406389337538943233