Category Archives: Reports

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Ski Trail

Trail Report

Warm and humid weather in place. Dry conditions with no recent rainfall. Storms have been avoiding Maplelag the past two weeks. The recent warm weather has brought the lake temperatures to 70 degrees! The transition from late winter to spring and now summer happened fast.

Warm weather the past few weeks bringing the forest and flora to life with leaves full circle and wildflowers of various kinds abundant in the woods including yellow slippers most recently blooming.

We have been busy on the trails this spring and early summer 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.

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! 
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.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mile “LagChilada” mountain bike course is open. Dry/tacky surface. No recent rainfall.

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.  The next phase in trail work will be brushing out areas that become overgrown. 

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.

Original lakeside singletrack, June 1st, 2023.
Tacky track on the singletrack! May 31st, 2023.
Yellowslippers blooming in full force along the trails, May 31st, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Saturday LacChilada, May 27th, 2023.
Bootleg berms, May 27th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar rock garden, May 27th, 2023.
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.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mile “LagChilada” mountain bike course is open. Dry/tacky surface. Storms and rain have missed Maplelag the past few days. Great weekend of riding in place!

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.  The next phase in trail work will be brushing out areas that become overgrown. 

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.

Original lakeside singletrack, June 1st, 2023.
Tacky track on the singletrack! May 31st, 2023.
Yellowslippers blooming in full force along the trails, May 31st, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Saturday LacChilada, May 27th, 2023.
Bootleg berms, May 27th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar rock garden, May 27th, 2023.
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.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Entire 25 mile “LagChilada” mountain bike course is open. Mostly tacky surface. Storms and rain staying south of us yesterday. Dry and sunny today, June 1st, 2023.

Great having everyone out over Memorial Day weekend and seeing all the riders on Monday.

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.  The next phase in trail work will be brushing out areas that become overgrown. 

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.

Original lakeside singletrack, June 1st, 2023.
Tacky track on the singletrack! May 31st, 2023.
Yellowslippers blooming in full force along the trails, May 31st, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Hudson’s Hula segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 29th, 2023.
Saturday LacChilada, May 27th, 2023.
Bootleg berms, May 27th, 2023.
North Loup Gnar rock garden, May 27th, 2023.
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.
Ski Trail

Trail Report

Storms yesterday and overnight staying south and north of us. Summer weather in full force.

Warm weather the past few weeks bringing the forest and flora to life with leaves 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.

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! 
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.