Jim with a pair of unique skis, one of the many of hundreds he had collected over the year. Sadly, most were lost in the fire of October 2022.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jim Richards, whom was a co-founder of Maplelag. Jim was surrounded by family and friends as he took his last breath on earth, after suffering a stroke four weeks ago.
Jim had exceptional vision to create a magical place in the forest, along the shores of Little Sugarbush, a retreat that has been enjoyed by 100's of thousands of people from skiing, biking, weddings, retreats and language learning. His work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward in this next chapter. A special tree grove memorial will be constructed this fall. There will be a private celebration of life. A full obituary linked here.
Jim checking in folks at the main office. Jim loved. visiting with people and could always connect with people from anywhere around the world. Jim could be found at the end of the Scandinavian Smorgasbord at Maplelag serving the fruit soup while always making sure the coffee pot was full.The day before his stroke, Jim Carrying sap buckets for maple syruping back in the day. Before starting a cross country skiing resort, Jim and Mary were avid downhill skiers.Jim attended college at Dartmouth and played hockey there.Taking a break from cutting wood back in the early years. Paddling to a beaver dam during the “blasting” years. The old “bomb” used So long Jim, you will be missed….Rest In Peace!
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jim Richards, whom was a co-founder of Maplelag. Jim was surrounded by family and friends as he took his last breath on earth, after suffering a stroke four weeks ago.
Jim had exceptional vision to create a magical place in the forest, along the shores of Little Sugarbush, a retreat that has been enjoyed by 100’s of thousands of people from skiing, biking, weddings, retreats and language learning. His work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward in this next chapter. A special tree grove memorial will be constructed this fall. There was a private celebration of life at Maplelag in August. Obituary posted here.
Fresh new entrance sign thanks to neighbor Caro T who did a lot of the early sign painting and many signs on display in the Brant cabin.
Happy Mid-Summer! Scandinavians reference the longest day of the year as “midsummer”. (We have many great memories from hosting the Concordia Language Villages Swedish Camp, where they celebrated this day.) At Maplelag we are “celebrating” Midsummer with the completion of many projects. And, as always, the constant trail work, keeping the nearly 100km of ski, mountain bike/fat bike trails, free of trees and debris. There hasn’t been many storms but plenty of wind, which has resulted in having several trees to clear. We have been focusing on the bike course as we prepare for the 34th running Laddies Loppet mountain bike race over Labor Day weekend but working on ski trails as well.
Summer trail mowing.
Highlights on some of the projects:
Big Dipper: One of the first cabins at Maplelag, “LapLand”, has gone through an incredible remodel and a new name. We have added a very spacious kitchen and living room, still highlighting with original Maplelag signature paneling and great views to Little Sugarbush Lake sunsets. We are super excited to complete this project and are now renting it! If you are interested in renting for the winter time frame, we suggest doing so soon! A few photos below and more info on the “Big Dipper” page.
Living/kitchen area in the new “Big Dipper” cabin.
The Brant cabin project began last summer, as we turned the cabin into a day lodge area featuring a store, rental shop, warming/visiting/lounge area and the most recent project, adding two additional bathrooms on the main level. We have used as many timbers and lumber as possible reclaimed from the lodge destroyed by fire in October of 2022. The bathroom is very unique in that we harvested an oak from a storm blow down to use in the vanity for sink bases. Keith did an amazing job in this remodel and restoration and Jonell’s decorating is evident.
Custom sinks using oak blow down for the base.
Painting and Staining
The other big spring and early summer project has been the staining and painting of the other cabins at Maplelag. As you can expect, there is much upkeep keeping everything in operation and the staining was much needed. Everything looks fresher and newer and big thanks to Pat for his fantastic work.
Other Happenings
Pat has been busy this spring and summer painting!
We upgraded the heating and cooling systems on two of the other available lodging options at Maplelag, the Candy Store and Six Swedes, by adding heat pumps. This will be a nice second option for heating in the winter and also cooling in the summer or a warm fall day.
One of the first cabins at Maplelag, “LapLand”, has gone through an incredible remodel and a new name. We have added a very spacious kitchen and living room, still highlighting with original Maplelag signature paneling and great views to Little Sugarbush Lake sunsets, the Big Dipper Stars, northern lights, and the call of the loon! We are super excited to complete this project and are now renting it! If you are interested in renting for the winter time frame, we suggest doing so soon. The cabin sleeps up to 7 people with a full bath, half bath, two bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two queen beds. Also a new loft that has a full size bed and a twin couch pull out. Contact us for special pricing. A few photos below:
Outside patio area.Enjoy the outside and inside at the Big Dipper!
Brant cabin is home to the Maplelag store, rental shop and warming area for day users and sitting space for “brown bag” lunch/snacks. There is no food service available. (bring your own) The store is open when we have lodging guests and select days during the week when we have day skiing or biking activities. Store items are not currently available online but we plan to have an online store in the future. Bathroom and shower facilities available for camping/sprinter guests.
Exterior of the Brant after a recent snowfall, January 2024.Sitting area for “brown bag” day users.Maplelag custom sinks made with oak logs harvested from a storm blowdown. Lower level of the Brant which has additional sitting areas for day users. Custom table made by “Cedar Sense” in the Brant cabin.Upper level lounge area in Brant for day users. Lower level of the Brant which has additional sitting areas for day users.
A Family Owned and Operated Destination Cross-Country Ski Center
