Trails are open. Beautiful skiing. Another dusting of snow overnight adding to the snow flurries that lingered most of the day on Sunday and Monday. Tracks will be a bit slower today with the new snow and cooler temps. Grooming last night on the race course for today’s High School Nordic race.
Note: Please do not snowshoe or walk on ski or fat bike trails. Thank you! We have designated snowshoe trails for snowshoeing and walking. We take pride in having as “clean” as possible ski andfat bike trails.
We will be hosting a high school race today, Tuesday January 19th. With COVID restrictions, it will be a all day event. It will be a skate race on Skaters Waltz. All other trails will be open.
All day and season passes for non overnight guests must be purchased online through the website.(click here) Parking in first parking lot as you enter Maplelag.Click here for trail map. There are no services in the main lodge. No ski rental available at this time.
Grooming Update: We groomed the entire groomed system all day Friday when the snow was still warm and before temps dropped that eventually hardened the base and dried out the snow. Timing is critical to maintain the best conditions possible.. Touch up grooming as needed through the week.
Trails groomed for double track include Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, Twin Lakes, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Mother North Star and Mother Hen.
Trails groomed forsingletrack classic skiing include Wavy Gravy, Island Lake, and Roy’s Run. North Loup now groomed with track on side of skate lane.
Skate trails groomed include Skaters Waltz, Suicide Hill, Single Green, Krisitin’s Kutoff, Skaters Extension and North Loup.
Adventure trails: Bullhead and Lucky’s are not machine groomed and are “adventure” ski trails with skier made track. We will groom the Bootleg extension once there is more snow at the north end. Skiable with skier made track and now machine packed.
Please no snowshoeing or walking on ski and fat bike trails.
Total new snowfall past 24 hours at 2″. Snowfall past 21 days around 19″. Total snowfall on season 32″ (since October 14th) Compacted base on trail 4-8″.
We have a area cleared off for skating in front of the old sauna on the lake. Ice thickness ranges from 7-9″ on area lakes we have been on. Snowshoe trail is open for snowshoeing. Please no hiking or walking on the ski trails!
First part of Bullhead Lake and Lucky’s Loype that traverse on AMA land not groomed. Use caution as unmarked obstacles etc. may exist. Not recommended to ski, assume all risk.
Please no snowshoeing or walking on ski and fat bike trails.
Please note the lodge will be closed to day skiers as a result of COVID-19 precautions. This includes no ski rental availability. If you do enter the lodge, please follow signs for entering and exiting. Restrooms located downstairs. Porta bathrooms in far parking lot. Please help keep Maplelag open by limiting inside use.
Trails are open. Beautiful skiing. Dusting of snow overnight after snow flurries lingered most of the day on Sunday. Grooming this morning on all the skate trails. (We will be grooming on Skaters Waltz this afternoon for the race tomorrow. Please skate on outer trails if possible.) Thank you!
We groomed the entire groomed trail system on Friday mixing the new and old snow before the temps dropped. Saturday night we cleaned up the tracks on Twin Lakes and combed out Skaters Waltz as well as Suicide Hill and Single Green.
Note: Please do not snowshoe or walk on ski or fat bike trails. Thank you! We have designated snowshoe trails for snowshoeing and walking. We take pride in having as “clean” as possible ski andfat bike trails.
We will be hosting a high school race on Tuesday January 19th. With COVID restrictions, it will be a all day event. It will be a skate race on Skaters Waltz. All other trails will be open. We
will be grooming on Monday afternoon on Skaters Waltz and ask skiers to
stay off the trail so it can set up proper for the race on Tuesday.
All day and season passes for non overnight guests must be purchased online through the website.(click here) Parking in first parking lot as you enter Maplelag.Click here for trail map. There are no services in the main lodge. No ski rental available at this time.
Grooming Update: We groomed the entire groomed system all day Friday. Touch up grooming as needed through the weeek.
Trails groomed for double track include Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, Twin Lakes, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Mother North Star and Mother Hen.
Trails groomed forsingletrack classic skiing include Wavy Gravy, Island Lake, and Roy’s Run. North Loup now groomed with track on side of skate lane.
Skate trails groomed include Skaters Waltz, Suicide Hill, Single Green, Krisitin’s Kutoff, Skaters Extension and North Loup.
Adventure trails: Bullhead and Lucky’s are not machine groomed and are “adventure” ski trails with skier made track. We will groom the Bootleg extension once there is more snow at the north end. Skiable with skier made track and now machine packed.
Please no snowshoeing or walking on ski and fat bike trails.
Total new snowfall past 24 hours at 2″. Snowfall past 21 days around 19″. Total snowfall on season 32″ (since October 14th) Compacted base on trail 4-8″.
We have a area cleared off for skating in front of the old sauna on the lake. Ice thickness ranges from 7-9″ on area lakes we have been on. Snowshoe trail is open for snowshoeing. Please no hiking or walking on the ski trails!
First part of Bullhead Lake and Lucky’s Loype that traverse on AMA land not groomed. Use caution as unmarked obstacles etc. may exist. Not recommended to ski, assume all risk.
Please no snowshoeing or walking on ski and fat bike trails.
Please note the lodge will be closed to day skiers as a result of COVID-19 precautions. This includes no ski rental availability. If you do enter the lodge, please follow signs for entering and exiting. Restrooms located downstairs. Porta bathrooms in far parking lot. Please help keep Maplelag open by limiting inside use.
Family ski! January 16th, 2021.Striding on Roy’s Run, January 16th, 2021. Singletrack classic trails skiing very nice!Skaters Waltz, January 16th, 2021.Suicide Hill fun! January 16th, 2021.Skaters Waltz extension, January 16th, 2021. Be sure to ski the extension loops if skating, skiing very nice!Setting new track on JibFly, January 15th, 2021.Setting new track on North Loup, January 15th, 2021. Skate lane also renovated and groomed today.Setting new double track on Twin Lakes, January 15th, 2021.Skier made track on Lucky’s Loype with fresh snow on top, January 15th, 2021.Renovating and combing Skaters Waltz, January 15th, 2021.New track set on Roy’s Run, January 15th, 2021. All singletrack classic trails groomed today.Grooming at sunset, mixing new snow with the base underneath, January 14th, 2021. New snow will make for nice skiing this weekend! Skier made track on Lucky’s Loype, January 13th, 2021.Skinny field pines on Lucky’s Loype, January 13th, 2021.Skaters Waltz left, Mother North Star right, January 12th, 2021.Frosty Skaters Waltz, January 12th, 2021.Lucky’s Loype, January 12th, 2021. Lucky’s and Bullhead are designated adventure trails. Use caution on non maintained AMA segments. Unmarked obstacles exist. Tracks on Mother North Star holding great after grooming last weekend, January 12th, 2021.Late afternoon ski on Roy’s Run, January 11th, 2021. Tracks in great shape, light coating of frost making for nice conditions. End of Roy’s Run, January 11th, 2021. Frosty scene at Sukkerbusk and the legendary orange tractor, January 10th, 2021. The orange “Allis” tractor was used to clear and mow trails in the early years of Maplelag.Striding Sukkerbusk, January 8th, 2021.Frosty scene at Twin Lakes crossing, January 8th, 2021.Cutting new track on Island Lake trail, January 7th, 2021.New track on Twin Lakes trail, January 7th, 2021.Cutting new track on Wavy Gravy, January 7th, 2021.Crossing to western trails, January 7th, 2021.New track cut on Roy’s Run, January 7th, 2021.Renovating and combing skate lane on Skaters Waltz, January 7th, 2021.Striding on North Loup, January 5th, 2021. Now groomed for skate and classic. Classic track in superb shape and skiing excellent!Heading down the hill on North Loup, January 5th, 2021. Sukkerbusk, January 5th, 2021. Setting track on North Loup, January 4th, 2021. North Loup now groomed for skate and classic skiing. Renovating and combing Suicide Hill, January 4th, 2021.Morning ski on Rootin Tootin, January 3rd, 2021.Frosty start area, January 2nd, 2021.Skaters Waltz, January 2nd, 2021.End of Sap Run ski trail, January 2nd, 2021.Top of Suicide Hill, January 2nd, 2021.Sukkerbusk, January 2nd, 2021.Sap Run, January 2nd, 2021.Mother North Star ski trail, January 2nd, 2021.Maplelag grounds, January 2nd, 2021.Cutting fresh double track on Sap Run, December 31st, 2020.Frosty scene over slough near JibFly, December 31st, 2020.Setting new track on Roy’s Run, December 31st, 2020.New Years Eve skiing! December 31st, 2020. Great moonlight skiing this week!Slough near Mother North Star trail, December 31st, 2020.Skaters Waltz extension at dusk, December 31st, 2020. Skate deck firming up nicely. North Loup, December 31st, 2020. Next week we will cut a track on the side. Yeah for more fresh snow! Family skiing on Sap Run, December 30th, 2020.Setting track on Island Lake trail, December 30th, 2020.Setting singletrack on Wavy Gravy, December 30th, 2020.Packing on Single Green for skating, open track skiing, December 30th, 2020.Packing on Sukkerbusk before later setting track, December 30th, 2020.Twin Lakes return, December 30th, 2020.Setting fresh track on Twin Lakes, December 30th, 2020.Snowshoeing in the new snow, December 29th, 2020. Snowshoes trails are open and packed. New loops this year on the Maplelag property and also anywhere is open to snowhoe except the ski trails. Please do not snowshoe (or walk) on the ski trails. Sukkerbusk two way skiing fun! (same family members) December 29th, 2020. All trails are one way except classic trails Sukkerbusk and Sap Run and skate trails Skaters Waltz.Skiing under the moonlight, December 28th, 2020. Incredible light at 9:30pm. Moon rise will be later as we move through the week and nights look to be clear to provide nice skiing after 9pm.Setting fresh double track on Twin Lakes trail, December 28th, 2020.Skaters Waltz extension freshly groomed and all skate trails, December 28th, 2020.Coach Dooher out for early morning ski enjoying fresh snow, December 28th, 2020.Setting new track on Sukkerbusk, December 28th, 2020.One more workout for Paul before heading back to Europe for the Biathlon World Cup, December 28th, 2020.Sukkerbusk December 27th, 2020. Fresh snow from today skied in on previously machine groomed set tracks. Skaters Waltz extension, December 27th, 2020. All skate trails groomed today.Start of Roy’s Run, December 27th, 2020. Dusting of new snow on top of yesterday’s grooming. Eventually skied in today.End of Roy’s Run, December 27th, 2020.Frosty scene in between Twin Lakes, December 26th, 2020. Bit rough still but skiable and a few more inches will improve conditions. Lots of smiling faces on the trail today, December 26th, 2020.Grooming on Suicide Hill, December 26th, 2020.Setting track on Roy’s Run. Most of Roy’s tracked. A few rough spots to the north. Again, an inch or two will improve conditions big time. Three generation family ski! December 26th, 2020.Frosty fun! December 26th, 2020.US Biathlon team member Paul Schommer on short break from World Cup getting some training in at Maplelag, December 26th, 2020.Sunrise ski on Mother North Star trail, December 25th, 2020.Mother North Star, December 25th, 2020.Great afternoon ski, December 24th, 2020.Heading down Sap Run, December 24th, 2020.Setting double track on Mother North Star, December 24th, 2020.Resetting track on Twin Lakes trail, December 24th, 2020.Setting double track at end of Sukkerbusk, December 23rd, 2020.Checking out the track on Sap Run at dusk, December 23rd, 2020. Track has blown in a few areas from wind but nice to have tracks set now! Setting double track on Sap Run, December 23rd, 2020. Track set on most of the trail, no track set in thin areas.Track setting on Sukkerbusk, December 23rd, 2020. Most of the trail has track set. In thin areas, option to step out of track and ski on packed/combed area on side.Windchill warriors! Every day a great day to ski when snow on the ground! December 23rd, 2020.Roll packing on Suicide Hill, December 23rd, 2020.Blustery conditions on Twin Lakes trail but grooming continues, December 23rd, 2020.Striding on Sukkebusk, December 22nd, 2020. Nice classic skiing even with no tracks set.Scenic spot in the “skinny field” on Sukkebusk trail, December 22nd, 2020.Skating around “Roy’s Field” on Skaters Waltz extension, December 22nd, 2020.Good early season skating on Skaters Waltz, December 22nd, 2020.Climbing “Kamikaze Hill” on Skaters Waltz, December 22nd, 2020.Family ski in the fresh snow! December 21st, 2020.Skiers on Sap Run, December 21st, 2020.Skater on Skaters Waltz, other than the Kamikaze hill, good early season conditions on entire loop. December 21st, 2020.Grooming on Skaters Waltz, December 21st, 2020.Smoothing with the Ginzu groomer, December 21st, 2020.Grooming on Suicide Hill, December 21st, 2020.Grooming on Sap Run, December 21st, 2020.Evening groom during snowfall, December 20th, 2020.Evening roll packing, December 20th, 2020.Checking out conditions on Sukkerbusk, December 19th, 2020. Getting closer to officially opening the trails!Skaters Waltz, December 19th, 2020.Great skiing on Bullhead lake, December 19th, 2020.Roll packing the thin layer of snow on Skaters Waltz, December 18th, 2020. Sap Run and Sukkerbusk also packed today.Packing the snow to a thin base on Suicide Hill, December 18th, 2020.Late afternoon skate, December 17th, 2020.Lake skiing on Little Sugarbush lake, December 16th, 2020. Thin layer of snow but skiable with classic technique.Area cleared off for skating in front of the lodge, December 16th, 2020.Tamarac trees in between Twin lakes on Wavy Gravy trail, December 15th, 2020.Rare chewing on a tamarack tree by a beaver, December 15th, 2020.Packing fresh snow end of Sap Run trail, December 14th, 2020.Sukkerbusk as it passes through the Skinny FieldSukkerbusk, December 14th, 2020.Frosty scene at Twin Lakes crossing, December 9th, 2020.High bush cranberries, December 8th, 2020.Morning scene near the ice rink, December 8th, 2020.Skating on the lake December 8th, 2020. Frosty scene around Dry Lake/North Loup ski trail, December 7th, 2020.Frosty scene at end of Maplelag driveway looking west down the “Goat Ranch Road”, December 7th, 2020.Start of Twin Lakes trail, December 4th, 2020.Twin Lakes trail looking from top of “Eagle’s View”. December 4th, 2020.Great ice skating on Little Sugarbush lake, December 4th, 2020. 4-8″ of ice.Thin covering of snow on north facing segment of Skaters Waltz, November 30th, 2020.Fresh brown bear track on Wavy Gravy ski trail, December 2nd, 2020.Rootin Tootin as it intersects Skaters Waltz extension, November 30th, 2020.North facing segment on Rootin Tootin ski trail, November 30th, 2020.Sunset over Little Sugarbush, November 28th, 2020.North end of Little Sugarbush Lake with good ice, November 27th, 2020.Taking advantage of nice weather for late season trail tuning, November 23rd, 2020.Trail crew! November 23rd, 2020.Cleaning up the edges on Skaters Waltz, November 23rd, 2020.Dusk over Little Sugurbush lake, lake Maplelag is next to, November 22nd, 2020. We slowly continue to “make” more ice. Have clear ice free of snow helpful for making good ice. Skaters Waltz ski trail, November 22nd, 2020. Ready for snow! Riding on a ski trail segment of the mountain bike course, November 22nd, 2020. The mountain bike trails are open for winter riding when the deck is frozen and temps below freezing.Bushwhack skiing on Sukkerbusk, clearing sticks and branches along the way. November 17th, 2020.Afternoon sun filtering through the forest, November 17th, 2020.Checking out a groomed portion of trail. Not open for skiing, very thin base. Ready for the next snowfall! November 17th, 2020.Roll packing on Sukkerbusk through the skinny field, November 16th, 2020.Rollpacking on Sap Run, November 16th, 2020.Main lodge, November 16th, 2020.Little Sugarbush lake, lake Maplelag next to, freezing over again last night. November 16th, 2020.
Trails are open. We groomed the entire loop on Friday, packing the recent new snow on the previously groomed base. Few light dustings but rider traffic and cold temps keeping the riding superb.
For best riding experience, run lower tire pressure and widest tires possible. (please no mountain bikes) If you are making ruts, you need to lower your tire pressure. It will also make the riding easier and more fun!
Grooming update: Entire 25km loop is open and groomed. Most recent grooming Friday 1/15 and Wednesday, 1/13 on the entire loop. Trail open to tires 3.5″ and wider. Run low tire pressure (4-6 psi) until the deck hardens up. Please no mountain bikes. We will groom again before the weekend if necessary.
To access the bootleg loop, take Skaters Waltz ski trail, riding on the side than take Suicide Hill singletrack to bottom of Suicide Hill to access the Bootleg loop. Back up Suicide Hill on Skaters Waltz and follow grooming and look for eventual signage to complete the loop. Twin Lakes can be accessed from the driveway. Sukkerwest singletrack is accessed at end of the driveway and is a great beginner or starter loop.
Thanks Ben Olson for the volunteer grooming and use of the snowdog groomer!
First tracks on the fresh groomed, January 16th, 2021. (Heidi Olson photo)Afternoon grooming on inner trail segment for fat biking, January 11th, 2021.Frosty morning ride, January 10th, 2021. (Ben Olson photo)Bridge crossing on Bootleg singletrack, January 10th, 2021.Bootleg singletrack, January 10th, 2021.Frosty fat tire fun, January 8th, 2021.Twin Lakes singletrack, January 7th, 2021.Untouched corduroy on Twin Lakes singletrack! January 7th, 2021.Bootleg singletrack, January 6th, 2021.Rollers on Bootleg singletrack, January 6th, 2021.Bridge crossing on Bootleg loop, January 6th, 2021.Sunset ride on the groomed Twin Lakes singletrack, January 3rd, 2021. Deck is starting to firm up and riding nice.Twin Lakes singletrack, January 3rd, 2021. Grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 1st, 2021.Checking out the trail, January 1st, 2021. Bit soft still as expected. Run lower tire pressure and of course as wide as tires as possible.Segment of Bjorp’s Stump singletrack that is groomed and part of main loop, December 31st, 2020.Fresh groomed on Bootleg singletrack, December 26th, 2020.December 26th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, December 26th, 2020.Ben Olson on trail! December 26th, 2020. Thanks Ben for grooming! Powder riding conditions, December 24th, 2020.Fresh grooming on Bootleg singletrack, December 21st, 2020.
Grooming on Bulhead lake, access to Bootleg singletrack, December 21st, 2020.
Sunday morning riders, December 20th, 2020.John M ready to hit the trails, December 17th, 2020.Bridge section, Twin Lakes singletrack, December 14th, 2020.Dusting of snow on top of rock solid ground, December 14th, 2020.Snowy Sunday ride, December 13th, 2020.Dusting of snow on Bootleg singletrack, December 14th, 2020.Dusting of snow on Bootleg singletrack, December 14th, 2020.Riding the ramp on Bjorp’s Stump singletrack, December 9th, 2020.Frozen freeze dried dirt making for great December riding, December 9th, 2020.Rock feature on Bente’s Bump singletrack, December 9th, 2020.Great riding for early December, December 4th, 2020. Frozen ground and surface. Snow covered areas not icy, providing good traction.Fresh black bear track on singletrack on Wavy Gravy ski trail, December 1st, 2020.Dry and frozen hard singletrack Twin Lakes, November 30th, 2020.Great riding continues on the Bootleg loop, November 27th, 2020.Maplelag team member Ben Olson enjoying the good conditions on the Bootleg singletrack loop, November 25th, 2020.Rock garden on North Loup Gnar singletrack, November 25th, 2020. (B lines on many sections of this loop) Overall loop riding nice with great traction.Bootleg singletrack loop, November 24th, 2020. Great riding on the Bootleg loop!Bike bridge on Bootleg, November 24th, 2020. Use caution when glazed!Twin Lakes singletrack, November 24th, 2020.Ski trail segment of mountain bike course, November 22nd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack, November 22nd, 2020. Currently the Bootleg loop in best riding condition.
The trails are now closed for public use with deer hunting season in place. Cold weather this week is setting frost back into the ground and freezing the ponds and smaller lakes over. Morning low in the single digits on Friday. Setting frost is ideal before snow comes for good.
Once deer hunting is over, we will be back on the trails clearing and fine tuning select trails. We clear the leaves off as much as we can before the snow comes. Having trails cleared helps the frost set up quicker and allows us to groom on minimal snow and open the trails for skiing early.
We had a nice run of October skiing after 14″ of snowfall the second half of the month. Great seeing everyone out to enjoy early season skiing.
Snow in October has been typical at Maplelag as 8 of the last 11 Octobers has seen measurable snowfall. Always exciting for us at Maplelag to see snow and appreciate the opportunity to ski and groom!
It was a spectacular fall of color, hitting our peak around the 19th of September which is typical for Maplelag. The color this year been some of the best we can recall, thanks to all the moisture this summer with nearly 17″ of rain.
We have been busy mowing and clearing leaves on the ski trails preparing for the winter, clearing deadfall off the trails and cutting firewood for the wood burning stoves, planting trees and also working on the mountain bike trails. For latest updates on the mountain bike trail conditions, click here.Trails are closed to horse and motorized travel.
Sunset over Sap Run ski trail, November 5th, 2020.Little Suguarbush, lake Maplelag is next to, with a thin layer of ice, November 4th, 2020. Even with the warm days this week, cold nights and calm mornings have left a thin layer of ice. Opening back up during the day but a good sign the water and soil temps are cold which is good sign heading into winter!Skaters Waltz mid day, November 2nd, 2020.Suicide Hill still fully covered, November 2nd, 2020.Sukkerbusk ski trail with crusty ice base, November 2nd, 2020.Sukkebusk where not groomed the end of October, snow has melted off. November 2nd, 2020.One more ski on Suicide Hill, October 31st, 2020.Top of Suicide Hill, October 31st, 2020. Solid base but might have hard time hanging on warm spell next week.Treats only! Jonell enjoying a Halloween ski! October 31st, 2020.Yet another grooming run in October, roll packing the new snow overnight. October 30th, 2020. Warm temps and sunshine today quickly deteriorating the base. We won’t be able to open the trails until cold weather and more snow returns. Sunset ski, October 28th, 2020.Groomed surface holding out well very skiable. Freezing down even farther overnight. October 27th, 2020.As usual, Suicide Hill holding great. Solid base. Might make it through the warm weather to come! October 27th, 2020.Great early season skiing Sunday afternoon, October 25th, 2020.Grooming fresh dusting of snow into the existing groomed base, October 25th, 2020.US Biathlon team member Paul Schommer getting first tracks on the fresh grooming today, October 25th, 2020. Moorhead Nordic HS skiers enjoying the day, October 25th, 2020.Dr. Bob back out for another season of skiing, October 25th, 2020.Eric heading out for another lap, October 25th, 2020.Grooming on Sukkerbusk around the skinny field adding a new segment to the groomed loop for additional meters, October 25th, 2020.Grooming a new segment on JibFly, adding to the early season loop, October 25th, 2020.Bemidji Nordic skiers after a afternoon on the trails, October 24th, 2020.Moorhead Nordic skiers ready to hit the trails for a morning ski, October 24th, 2020.Moorhead Nordic skiers ready to hit the trails for afternoon ski, October 24th, 2020.Bear tracks! October 24th, 2020.Sunset ski, October 24th, 2020.Sunrise on Island Lake, October 24th, 2020. Most of the small lakes frozen over.Maplelag team member Peder A skiing through the skinny field, October 23rd, 2020. This is the connector from Sukkerbusk to Skaters Waltz.Heading to the trails from the “switchyard”, October 23rd, 2020.Sukkerbusk segment of groomed loop best skiing, October 23rd, 2020.Suicide Hill, October 23rd, 2020.Ready to hit the trails, October 23rd, 2020. Great seeing the HS kids out this week!Neighbor Carol and friend enjoying the October snow. October 23rd, 2020.Morning grooming on early season 3km loop, October 23rd, 2020.Grooming on Suicide Hill, October 23rd, 2020.Scene from edge of Bullhead Lake, October 23rd, 2020. Ice forming on the edges.Intersection of Mother North Star (not groomed) and groomed loop to right on Sukkerbusk, October 23rd, 2020.Norwegian Log cabin, October 23rd, 2020.Jonell heading out for a birthday ski under yet more fresh October snow! October 22nd, 2020.Early season skiing with fall and winter scenes! October 21st, 2020.Always can count on seeing Denny and friends when the early snow flies! October 21st, 2020.Sukkerbusk segment of groomed loop providing really nice early season skiing, October 21st, 2020.Casey out for early season laps, October 21st, 2020.First grooming of the year on Skinny Field, October 20th, 2020.Grooming on Suicide Hill, October 20th, 2020.Another October ski! Striding through the skinny field, October 20th, 2020.Suicide Hill! October 20th, 2020.Morning fall grooming before the snow, October 20th, 2020.First ski of the season after 3-5″ of snow Saturday morning, October 17th, 2020.Fall/winter scene October17th, 2020.Sukkerbusk ski trail, October 17th, 2020.Sunrise over a group of tamarack trees, October 15th, 2020. The only coniferous tree to change color and loose it’s needles. Also the last trees to provide color around Maplelag!Morning sun at Twin Lakes crossing, October 15th, 2020.Late afternoon sun highlighting the last of the fall color, October 13th, 2020.Section of Sukkerbusk freshly cleared of leaves, October 13th, 2020. October sky, October 13th, 2020.Leaf clearing on the singletrack, October 12th, 2020.Clearing leaves on Skaters Waltz, October 9th, 2020. Having a leaf free surface allows the ground to freeze quicker and also we are able to groom on just a few inches of snow. Fall grooming on Suicide Hill, October 9th, 2020.Fall scene at Twin Lakes crossing, October 8th, 2020.Top of Suicide Hill, October 5th, 2020. Still pockets of great color in the woods even though most of the leaves are down around the lodge and cabins. Frosty morning near start and finish of Loon Return ski trail, October 4th, 2020.Frosty morning near start and finish of Loon Return ski trail, October 4th, 2020.Rootin Tootin ski trail, September 27th, 2020.Beautiful fall scene from the ski trail as seen looking towards south Twin Lake, September 25th, 2020.Color around the cabooses, September 22nd, 2020.Little Sugarbush Lakes, September 22nd, 2020.Skaters Waltz extension ski trail, September 22nd, 2020.Sukkerbusk ski trail, September 22nd, 2020.Color around the log cabins, September 22nd, 2020.Fall trail grooming, September 22nd, 2020. We have working on the entire trail system daily. Color near the caboose! September 21st, 2020. Looking down the Maplelag driveway, late afternoon September 20th, 2020 Fall color in front of main lodge, September 19th, 2020. Mountain bike singletrack, September 19th, 2020. Fall color in the switchyard, September 16th, 2020. Fall color in the switchyard, September 16th, 2020. Mother North Star ski trail, September 16th, 2020.Sukkerbusk ski trail, September 16th, 2020.Fall scene near Skaters Waltz extension ski trail, September 15th, 2020.Fall scene at Twin Lakes crossing. Good crop of high bush cranberries this year. September 14th, 2020.Maplelag driveway, September 14th, 2020.Fall color near the start of North Loup ski trail, September 13th, 2020.Mossy rocks in creek near Bullhead Bootleg, September 13th, 2020.Early evening scene from the woods, September 1st, 2020.Aspen leaf with early signs of fall, August 30th, 2020. (Zavoral photo) Mushroom growth on oak tree, August 30th, 2002. (Zavoral photo) First maple leafs changing color, August 26th, 2020. We should have fantastic fall color this season the next 4-6 weeks.Late summer scene over North Star slough, August 21st, 2020.Early signs of fall on the ski trails, August 22nd, 2020.Beautiful afternoon capture by Barry Buhr out riding Saturday afternoon, August 22nd, 2020.Summer sunset over Little Sugarbush, August 22nd, 2020.Many mushrooms popping up everywhere with all the moisture this summer, August 21st, 2020.Sugarbush sunset, August 21st, 2020.Split wood for the old sauna, August 17th, 2020.Load of blocks cleared from the ski trail to be split for sauna firewood, August 17th, 2020.Summer grooming on Twin Lakes crossing, July 22nd, 2020.Lush carpet on Skaters Waltz, July 24th, 2020.Tall grass on Skaters Waltz extension, July 22nd, 2020.Hints of fall on maple tree near Skaters Waltz, July 22nd, 2020.Lush conditions at end of Twin Lakes trail, July 22nd, 2020.Another mowing on Suicide Hill, July 21st, 2020. We’ve been mowing regularly on the key trails throughout the summer. Calm waters on Little Sugarbush looking towards the main lodge, July 14th, 2020.Sunset over Little Sugarbush, July 16th, 2020.New mountain bike trail work, July 16th, 2020. Nice work Keith! Summer seen along Mother North Star trail, July 12th, 2020.Calm waters on Little Sugarbush lake, July 12th, 2020.Mossy carpet on Sap Run ski trail, July 9th, 2020.Black Eyed Susan at bottom of Suicide Hill, July 9th, 2020.Deer along waterway at Sugar Creek, July 9th, 2020.Moss covered basswood trees, July 9th, 2020.Lush conditions on the bike trail, July 5th, 2020.Sunset on Little Sugarbush, July 5th, 2020.Summer scene from north Twin Lakes, June 23rd, 2020.Lush conditions on the singletrack, June 23rd, 2020.Summer grooming on the ski trail at Sugar Creek crossing, June 23rd, 2020.Maple “gnarly” near Rootin Tootin ski trail, June 22nd, 2020.First mowing on Sukkerbusk ski trail, June 5th, 2020.First mowing on Suicide Hill, June 4th, 2020.Mossy singletrack, June 3rd, 2020.Record “crop” of yellow slippers this year, May 29th, 2020.Swamp scene near Rootin Tootin ski trail, May 29th, 2020.Wild Columbine flowers blooming this week, May 27th, 2020.Sunset at Sugarbush creek at Twin Lakes crossing, May 28th, 2020.Sap Run ski trail, May 27th, 2020. Woods have really come to life with recent warm weather. In the next week or so we will begin mowing the trails! Lush and green on the mountain bike singletrack, May 27th, 2020.Feeders very busy this week with hundreds of gold finches, May 20th, 2020.Wildflowers (marsh marigolds) along the side of the trail, May 17th, 2020.Spring scene along the trail. Trees starting to fill out more and more each day, May 17th, 2020.Loons on Little Sugarbush! The lake is always very active in the spring with the sounds of loons, and a few more this year. May 3rd, 2020.Moon rising through a poplar stand, May 3rd, 2020. The poplar trees are the first to bud and recent warm temps have brought the first buds out. Wildflowers have exploded with warmer temps this week, April 30th, 2020.All the ponds and sloughs are now free of ice, April 30th, 2020.Hauling out another load of oak deadfall for sauna firewood, April 28th, 2020.Planting potted pines, April 28th, 2020.Planting potted pines, April 28th, 2020.Evening paddle board on available open water, April 24th, 2020.Season opener dirt ride on the mountain bike course, April 23rd, 2020.Berm action on new Bootleg singletrack near Bullhead lake on Maplelag property, April 23rd, 2020.Scene from south side of south Twin Lake, still half covered in ice. April 23rd, 2020.First spring flowers emerging from the forest floor, April 21st, 2020.
Clearing out mountain bike singletrack, April 21st, 2020. The mountain bike trails are now open for riding. Little Sugarbush Lake still ice covered, April 18th, 2020.Fingerling swimming above the ice in the melted water, April 18th, 2020.Cutting deadfall for firewood, April 17th, 2020.Sunset over Bullhead Lake, April 11th, 2020.Spring scene near JibFly slough, April 9th, 2020. Still ice on many of the ponds and sloughs. Scene at Twin Lakes crossing, April 9th, 2020. One last lake ski, April 9th, 2020. Still a foot of solid ice on the lake. Patches of snow on the Twin Lakes ski trail, April 10th, 2020.Moss first sign of spring on ski trail, April 10th, 2020.Little Sugarbush lake, lake Maplelag is next to still ice covered, April 10th, 2020.Rings around the sun! April 10th, 2020.Riding on the frozen singletrack, April 9th, 2020. Riding has been possible in the mornings when frozen. Frost should be out and trails open for dirt riding later in April.Full “pink” moon, April 8th, 2020.Enjoying the last of the snow on Twin Lakes trail, April 7th, 2020.
Trails are now closed for the “dirt” season. Even though the Maplelag trails are on private property, we close the trails out of respect of the area landowners for deer hunting and safety for the riders.
Weather permitting we will plan to open the trails again for fat biking Thanksgiving weekend. We plan on grooming at least 20km of trail including the Twin Lakes and Bootleg singletrack loops again. Connectors in between to make one unique and dynamic loop! We will also groom the new SukkerWest singletrack for beginner fat biking.
Good job to all the riders completing the LagChilada challenge this season! The challenge was to simply ride most of trail system on a loop created on Strava in one ride/day. We provided special custom t-shirts for anyone that completed the challenge. Overall it was another great year of mountain biking at Maplelag, year number 30! Lot’s of new trail build and even though we were not able to host the Laddies Loppet this year, it was great having new and familiar riders on the track.
The lodge is closed and no services are available. Park in the far parking lot where blue recycling dumpsters are located and ride. Porta bathroom available. Trails are closed to horses and motorized equipment.
Trailhead starts near the flagpole in the middle of the cabins for the inner loop. Twin Lakes singletrack loop can be accessed from the driveway. Bootleg singletrack loop is accessed to the east from Hiway 34. Look for orange Maplelag tape at entrance and ride the loop clockwise for Bootleg. For all other trails, look for red signs and white signs for Kids Comp/Citizen (beginner) and Sport/Comp/Expert (intermediate/advanced) options. The Maplelag trails are old school/classic cross country with many slow tech features with roots and rocks. There are beginner segments but most of the riding is intermediate/expert rating. Latest trail map, new map to be released this fall.
Three new loops of trail completed this spring and summer on the Maplelag property now open. “Bjorp’s Stump” (1.75 miles) is accessed off the sport comp expert loop and “SukkerWest” (.4miles) is accessed from the end of the driveway. Look for signage. Phase one of “North Loup Gnar”, a loop across the Goat Ranch rd on Maplelag property features many “slow tech” features. We will work on phase two this fall. The phase one loop is just under 2 miles.
There is no trail fee at this time but ask folks to donate to offset trail maintenance costs and property taxes by purchasing a $15 summer pass on our website. The Maplelag trails are self funded on private property and do not receive any grants or outside funding. We love to mountain bike and are happy and glad to share the trail with others!
Bootleg singletrack, November 1st, 2020.Bear Pass singletrack, November 1st, 2020.Rolling up a frozen Suicide Hill, November 1st, 2020.Start of Bear Pass singletrack segment, October 31st, 2020.Frozen fun on the singletrack, October 30th, 2020.Late fall early winter scene on near Bullhead Lake on Bootleg singletrack, October 24th, 2020. (Ben Olson photo).Checking out Twin Lakes singletrack, late afternoon October 24th, 2020. Still snow coverage in the woods but the singletrack is relatively free of snow making riding possible. Frozen singletrack fun! October 18th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, October 18th, 2020.Morning ride on “SukkerWest” singletrack, October 15th, 2020.Most of the ski trails cleared of leaves, October 15th, 2020. Touch up clearing until the snow flies!Fresh cleared singletrack on Twin Lakes loop, October 15th, 2020.Rare calm afternoon this week on Bootleg singletrack, October 13th, 2020.Clearing leaves on North Star singletrack, October 13th, 2020.Great fall riding, October 8th, 2020.Fall scene at start of east side of new trail “North Loup Gnar”, October 8th, 2020.Fall scene along side of trail at Twin Lakes crossing, October 8th, 2020.Leaf clearing on Twin Lakes singletrack, October 7th, 2020.Clearing leaves on “Hudson’s Hula” singletrack on Twin Lakes loop, October 6th, 2020.Beautiful fall riding, October 5th, 2020.Top of Suicide Hill, October 5th, 2020.Bootleg trail, October 4th, 2020. Check out difference in leaves from photo below!Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, October 1st, 2020. Bootleg loop on tap for leaf clearing later today.Jacob and Ryan ready to hit the trails and take on the LagChilada challenged, September 27th, 2020.Zach heading out on course for the LagChilada, September 27th, 2020.Finishing up on “North Loup Gnar”, September 27th, 2020. Two Way trail.Rock garden on North Loup Gnar trail, September 27th, 2020.September 27th, 2020.Fresh cleared singletrack on Moorhead loop, September 24th, 2020.Rock garden on Moorhead singletrack, September 24th, 2020.Testing berm tuning on “Hudson’s Hula”, September 24th, 2020.Ski trail segment on mountain bike course, September 23rd, 2020.Start of “North Loup Gnar”, September 23rd, 2020.Golden golden hour! Sunset ride, September 22nd, 2020.Mat and Alicia Fisk completing the LagChilada today, September 22nd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack, September 22nd, 2020.Incredible golden hour riding, September 22nd, 2020.Marcus Olson, Twin Lakes singletrack en route to completing the LagChilada challenge. Nice job Marc! September 21st, 2020.Olson family enjoying the fall day and another LagChilada, September 21st, 2020.Basswood leaves coming down over the weekend, still great fall riding! September 20th, 2020.September 20th, 2020.Fall color on new trail “North Loup Gnar”, September 19th, 2020.North Loup Gnar, September 19th, 2020.Singletrack after clearing, September 18th, 2020.Fantastic fall riding in place, September 17th, 2020.Classic singletrack, September 20th, 2020.Great fall riding in place! September 17th, 2020.Wood feature on Bjorp’s Singletrack, September 15th, 2020Hazy scene along the ski trail, September 14th, 2020.Maplelag driveway, September 14th, 2020. Access to SukkerWest singletrack and North Loup Gnar singletrack. Bullhead Bootleg, September 13th, 2020.Fall color scene along side of North Loup Gnar singletrack, September 12th, 2020.Clearing on Hudson’s Hula singletrack, September 10th, 2020.Singletrack on the doubletrack! September 10th, 2020. Evening fall scene along the side of North Loup Gnar singletrack, September 9th, 2020. Rock garden on North Loup Gnar, September 9th, 2020. Option to ride on the side. Clearing out “the Gnar”, September 9th, 2020.Heidi Olson on Twin Lakes singletrack en route to completing the LagChilada, September 6th, 2020.Ben Olson on Twin Lakes rock garden en route to completing another LagChilada, September 6th, 2020.Brittany Diederich on a bridge segment en route to completing the LagChilada, September 5th, 2020.Busy week clearing trail after breezy conditions, September 4th, 2020.Corner on new trail “North Loup Gnar”. September 2nd, 2020.Clearing out “Fargo” singletrack segment, August 27th, 2020. Evening ride on on Bootleg trail, August 25th, 2020.Rolling along Twin Lakes singletrack, August 22nd, 2020.Jacob Olson rolling through the rock garden on Moorhead singletrack en route to completing the LagChilada challenge, August 23rd, 2020.Barry Buhr riding the wood berm high on Bjorp’s Stump singletrack during the LagChilada challenge, August 23rd, 2020.Nice job Derek Chinn completing the LagChilada this weekend!LagChilada complete! Nice job 13 year old Max! Youngest rider to complete the challenge. Treston and Ryan heading out for a crack at the “LagChilada”, August 20th, 2020.Trail tuning on the starter loop, August 20th, 2020.Trail feature on Bjorp’s Stump, August 20th, 2020.Another berm completed on new trail “North Loup Gnar”. We plan to have this new loop officially opened for the weekend. August 19th, 2020.Rock garden on “North Loup Gnar”, August 19th, 2020. (Riding lines around the rocks as well). Rocks harvested from Roy’s Field Tuning on Twin Lakes singletrack, August 17th, 2020.Tuning on Twin Lakes singletrack, August 17th, 2020.Sunday Funday! August 16th, 2020.Testing another completed section on new trail “North Loup Gnar”. We hope to have the full loop completed and officially open , weather permitting, by the end of the month/early September. This will be a trail with many “slow tech” features. August 15th, 2020.Switchback on new trail “North Loup Gnar”, August 16th, 2020.Feature on new trail “Bjorp’s Stump”, August 16th, 2020.Sunny Saturday, August 15th, 2020.Dylan rolling through rock garden on “Moorhead” singletrack en route to riding the “LagChilada” challenge, August 12th, 2020.John M riding on Bootleg singletrack en route to completing the “LagChilada” Nice work John! August 11th, 2020.
Denny B riding on Bootleg singletrack en route to completing the “LagChilada” Nice work Denny! August 11th, 2020.Mat and Alicia Fisk completing the “LagChilada” challenge today, August 10th, 2020.Rolling through Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, August 10th, 2020.Rock garden on Bente’s Bump singletrack segment, August 10th, 2020.Ayden taking a short break en route to riding the whole “LagChilada”, August 2nd, 2020. (Rick Ochs photo). Ayden is the first female and youngest rider! Nice job Ayden!Lakeside Twin Lakes, July 27th, 2020.Shane K testing out trail feature on new trail, North Loup Gnar, July 27th, 2020.Ski trail segment, July 27th, 2020.Dropping in to the Twin Lakes rock garden, July 27th, 2020. Nice job Shane completing the whole “LagChilada”!Lush conditions around the singletrack, July 25th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, July 25th, 2020.Bootleg bridge crossing, July 25th, 2020. Creek running strong with all the recent rain. Rock garden on Moorhead singletrack, July 25th, 2020.Testing new hand cut singletrack on North Loup Gnar, July 23rd, 2020.Clearing out Twin Lakes singletrack, July 22nd, 2020.Another segment of hand cut singletrack complete! July 22nd, 2020.Calm conditions near Twin Lakes, July 20th, 2020.Natural log/wood feature on new trail “North Loup Gnar”, July 20th, 2020. WPlenty of slow tech rock challenges on North Loup Gnar, July 20th, 2020.North Loup Gnar, July 20th, 2020.Trail post clearing, July 18th, 2020.Deadfall from Friday night storm, July 18th, 2020.Wood berm action on new trail “Bjorp’s Stump, July 16th, 2020.Making good progress on new trail near North Loup, July 16th, 2020. Nice work Keith! Wooden berm on new trail, Bjorp’s Stump, July 12th, 2020.Berm/dirt work on Bootleg trail, July 10th, 2020.Beautiful evening ride, July 9th, 2020.Trail tuning, July 9th, 2020. We continue to tune on the course weekly on random segments of trail. Trail tuning, July 9th, 2020Wood berm feature added to new trail “Bjorp’s Stump”, July 7th, 2020.Keith putting the finishing touches on feature added to the new trail Bjorp’s Stump, July 7th, 2020. Air time on the singletrack! July 5th, 2020.Lush conditions on the singletrack as seen at access to Twin Lakes, July 5th, 2020.Berm action on new trail, “Bjorps Stump”, July 3rd, 2020.Bridge crossing on Bootleg trail, creek running gently from recent rain. July 1st, 2020.Berm action on Bootleg, July 1st, 2020.Great riding the last day of June! Keep the wheels moving as bugs are bad when stopping! Riding on the new trail “Bjorp’s Stump”, June 26th, 2020.Rock feature on new trail “Bjorp’s Stump”, a ride around option possible. June 26th, 2020.Rock garden on Moorhead, June 26th, 2020.Great midweek riding! June 25th, 2020.Twin Lakes rock garden, June 25th, 2020.Excellent surface conditions, June 23rd, 2020.Corner on Twin Lakes singletrack before brushing, June 23rd, 2020.Fern Gully segment on Bootleg singletrack, June 20th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, June 20th, 2020.Rock feature on new singletrack, Bjorp’s Stump! June 20th, 2020.Fargo Singletrack segment in great riding condition after brushing and clearing this week, June 18th, 2020.Before brushing out overgrown area on Fargo Singletrack, June 18th, 2020.After!Bear Pass singletrack brushed and cleared this week, June 18th, 2020. Stay high left on bottom part. Beautiful riding conditions Saturday morning, June 13th, 2020.Bootleg creek crossing, June 13th, 2020.Lush forest surrounding the trail, June 13th, 2020.“Fern Gully” on Bootleg singletrack loop, June 12th, 2020.Brushing out overgrown areas on Lakeside drop segment, June 9th, 2020.Signage for start of new “Bjorp’s Stump” singletrack, June 6th, 2020.Look for mushrooms along the trail!Mowing on Suicide Hill, ski trail segment of bike course. All ski trail segments mowed today, June 4th, 2020.Hudson’s Hula segment on the Twin Lakes singletrack after blowing out,, June 3rd, 2020.Ski trail segment, June 3rd, 2020. The woods are very green! Rolling on the ski trail, May 29th, 2020.Navigating Twin Lakes garden…..in reverse direction! May 29th, 2020.Nature scene along the singletrack on Bente’s Bump singletrack, May 29th, 2020.Be on the look for wild flowers exploding in the woods. May 29th, 2020.Deep lush woods singletrack, warm temps and rain bring the forest to life! May 27th, 2020.Rolling on the mossy ski trails, May 25th, 2020.Navigating the singletrack, May 25th, 2020.Navigating the singletrack, May 25th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, May 25th, 2020.Flora exploding in recent days as seen on Twin Lakes singletrack, May 23rd, 2020.Rolling down ski trail start of course, May 23rd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack lakeside, May 23rd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack, May 22nd, 2020.Checking out new trail “Bjorg’s Stump”, May 21st, 2020.Ferns emerging from the forest floor on “Fern Gully” segment on Bootleg singletrack, May 20th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, May 20th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, May 20th, 2020.New singletrack “Bjorg’s Stump”, May 20th, 2020.Spring flowers along a creek crossing on Bootleg trail, May 17th, 2020.Optional line rock feature on new Bjorg’s Stump singletrack, May 17th, 2020.Spring scene along the bike trail, May 17th, 2020.Twin Lakes singletrack, May 13th, 2020. The main loop of Twin Lakes blown free of leaves in the afternoon. Twin Lakes singletrack lakeside, May 12th, 2020.Hudson’s Hula segment, Twin Lakes singletrack, May 12th, 2020.Mossy edges, May 12th, 2020.Testing out new trail “Bjorg’s Stump”, May 10th, 2020.Navigating rock garden on new “Moorhead” singletrack, May 10th, 2020.Berm action on new trail “Bjorg’s Stump”. May 10th, 2020.Snowy singletrack ride, May 9th, 2020.Testing berm on new trail build “Bjorg’s Stump”, May 5th, 2020.Rolling through Twin Lakes rock garden, May 3rd, 2020.Early evening lakeside, April 29th, 2020.Steve navigating rock garden on new “Moorehead” singletrack, April 29th, 2020. Steve helped build some of the original singletrack the first year of mountain biking at Maplelag back in 1990. Still riding strong 30 years later! Wayne rolling through, April 29th, 2020.Jacob and Tyler out on trail, April 26th, 2020.Working on new trail “Bjorg’s Stump”. April 27 2020. This new 1.25 mile loop will branch of the existing original singletrack on the main loop and will also be accessed off the gravel road “Goat Ranch Rd.”. We hope to complete the trail and open for riding by late May.Berm tuning on Bootleg loop, April 27th, 2020.Bridge on Bootleg, April 26th, 2020.Mossy ski trail on inner loop, April 25th, 2020.Berm action on Bootleg loop, April 25th, 2020.Bridge crossing on Bootleg loop, April 25th, 2020.Tuning berms on Bootleg loop, April 24th, 2020.Dirt season opener! Twin Lakes lakeside, April 23rd, 2020. Bootleg singletrack loop, April 23rd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack, April 23rd, 2020.Bridge segment, inner loop, April 23rd, 2020.Bootleg singletrack, April 23rd, 2020.Rock garden on new “Moorhead” singletrack loop. April 23rd, 2020. This new loop is marked off the existing inner loop with “Sport/Comp/Expert” sign.Twin Lakes lakeside, April 23rd, 2020. Clearing leaves off the singletrack, April 20th, 2020.
Checking out a fresh blown section of singletrack, April 20th, 2020.Lakeside singletrack, April 20th, 2020.Frozen singletrack with dusting of snow on top, April 13th, 2020.Rock solid rock garden on new “Moorhead” singletrack, April 13th, 2020.Frozen hard deck making early dirt riding possible, Bootleg singletrack April 12th, 2020. Bridge crossing Bootleg singletrack, April 12th, 2020. Frozen hard deck making early dirt riding possible, Bootleg singletrack April 12th, 2020. Frozen singletrack ride, April 10th, 2020.Last winter ride of the year? Dusting of snow on top of frozen deck making for one more ride, April 9th, 2020.Testing out a wooden berm that will be added to new trail built last fall, April 2nd, 2020.Thanks Keith for building! April 1st, 2020.
A Family Owned and Operated Destination Cross-Country Ski Center
