Category Archives: Reports

Parent section — don’t assign

Ski Trail

Trail Report

(We are hoping to get the cam up and running as soon as possible. Tech difficulties!)

 

A great day of skiing on the trails Sunday. The temp didn’t rise above negative double digits but the trails saw a lot of action and over 200 people skiing the trails. Dressed properly, it is not “cold” and windchill is irrelevant in the woods.  Despite cooler temps forecasted this week, there is some great skiing to be had. We appreciate the positive attitude of our guests that our heading out and….JUST SKIING!!! Nice work! As the saying goes, there is  no such thing as cold or bad temperatures, just bad clothing! Light snow falling Monday morning. Grooming planned on select trails and grooming in afternoon after snow stops.

A great ski camp last weekend with teams from Champlain Park, St Paul Highland Park, Cooper and Bloomington logging in some serious kilometers. Handful of kids skiing 80km on Saturday and big group of kids logging over 100km over Friday, Saturday and today. Most impressed seeing all the head lamp skiers early mornings while out grooming than again at night. Nice work kids and coaches!

Great day on the trails for the DL Invitational ski meet. Temp in the lower single digits and light wind but high humidity making it feel chilly. The kids in all the races did great and always fun to see the energy and enthusiasm of all the kids. Teams from Alexandria, Brainerd, Bemidji, Deer River, Trek North, Detroit Lakes, Little Falls and Fergus Falls competing. Photos from the day on our Facebook page.

Total snowfall this season at 26″.  Compacted base on trail 4-6″ and 12-15″ snow depth in woods.  Great conditions for December. The trails are open for skiing and open for day skiing.  Around 50km of trail tracked for classic and 15km groomed skate. Conditions are  hard packed. We are grooming daily on different trails each day. Parts of Bullhead lake trail, Kristin’s Kutoff,  Single Green and a few other short segments not groomed and open for bushwhacking.

With calm conditions and temps in the single digits, the lake Maplelag is next to froze over entirely on November 11th, 2013. This is the earliest November freeze since 1993 and ranks in the top fifteen of earliest freeze overs since 1893, according to local record keeping Some great scenes on the edge of the lake the morning after freezing over. 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5963174037668056161 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5962203011144948097 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5961569148053091057 

Matt and Jack Johnson enjoying the snow day. December 24th, 2013.
Matt and Jack Johnson enjoying the snowy day. December 24th, 2013.

 

Maplelag guests finishing up a morning ski. Air temps at -15 but bundled up and great skiing. December 24th, 2013.
Maplelag guests finishing up a morning ski. Air temps at -15 but bundled up and great skiing. December 23rd, 2013.

 

 

 

 December 20-22nd Ski Camp and Trail Photos 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5960340580534934161

 December 20th Trail Report Photos

 https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5959571277940659457

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5958901173760912337

 

Monday morning skiers enjoying the fresh powder. December 16th, 2013.
Monday morning skiers enjoying the fresh powder. December 16th, 2013.
Pat Lemieux flying up Suicide Hill. December 16th, 2013.
Pat Lemieux flying up Suicide Hill Monday afternoon after skies clearing. December 16th, 2013.

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5958005969942704561 

Coaches and skiers of Minneapolis Southwest Nordic ski team at the trailhead, December 13th, 2013.
Coaches and skiers of Minneapolis Southwest Nordic ski team at the trailhead, December 13th, 2013.

 

Afternoon sun filtering through the forest, December 11th, 2013.
Afternoon sun filtering through the forest, December 11th, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5955846441002275169

 

Detroit Lakes Nordic skiers Austin, Anthony and Zach out for a Sunday afternoon ski. December 8th, 2013.
Detroit Lakes Nordic skiers Austin, Anthony and Zach out for a Sunday afternoon ski. December 8th, 2013.

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5954855180152285265

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5954368678698056769

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5954120155012449601

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5953609786755564305 

Jens packing out the new snow today, last day of Thanksgiving break! December 2nd, 2013.
Jens packing out the new snow today, last day of Thanksgiving break! December 2nd, 2013.

 

Always a great scene to walk out of the house and see fresh snow! December 2nd, 2013.
Always a great scene to walk out of the house and see fresh snow! December 2nd, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5951371073372086609 

Ski Trail

Trail Report

Right around 15″ of new snow since Monday. Wow, that was quite the storm! Awesome! We have been packing the new snow on the trails and will continue packing on to the weekend. The trails are open for skiing. We plan to set tracks on select trails before Friday. The lodge is reserved for a wedding group this weekend but the trails will be open to use. Sunday at noon, limited services will be available in the lodge. The ground has frozen down nicely thanks to colder temps in November and will keep the snow in place. Winter wonderland conditions in the woods and some of the most snow this early in December in years!!

With calm conditions and temps in the single digits, the lake Maplelag is next to froze over entirely on November 11th, 2013. This is the earliest November freeze since 1993 and ranks in the top fifteen of earliest freeze overs since 1893, according to local record keeping Some great scenes on the edge of the lake the morning after freezing over. 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5953609786755564305 

Jens packing out the new snow today, last day of Thanksgiving break! December 2nd, 2013.
Jens packing out the new snow today, last day of Thanksgiving break! December 2nd, 2013.

 

Always a great scene to walk out of the house and see fresh snow! December 2nd, 2013.
Always a great scene to walk out of the house and see fresh snow! December 2nd, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5951371073372086609 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5950829701878662689

 

Dusting of snow on Sukkerbusk, November 22nd, 2013.
Dusting of snow on Sukkerbusk, November 22nd, 2013.

 

Little Suguarbush Lake with dusting of snow. November 22nd, 2013.
Little Suguarbush Lake with dusting of snow. November 22nd, 2013.
View towards the cabooses from the bonfire area. November 22nd, 2013.
View towards the cabooses from the bonfire area. November 22nd, 2013.

 hNovember 20th Trail Report Photos 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5947630408572535665

Ice bubbles forming around a reed during the freezing process. November 12th, 2013.
Ice bubbles forming around a reed during the freezing process. November 12th, 2013.

 

The mountain bike course is closed.  Click here for the latest mountain bike trail report and photos

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5945886252733429153

 

 November 8th and 10th Ski Photos

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5943663661091118625

 

Sunrise over Island lake, November 4th, 2013.
Sunrise over Island lake, November 4th, 2013.

 

 

South twin lake freezing over part way, October 29th, 2013.
South twin lake freezing over part way, October 29th, 2013.

 

Active beaver on the edge of south twin. Amazing work on a oak tree which is one of the harder woods to chew. October 29th, 2013.
Active beaver on the edge of south twin. Amazing work on a oak tree which is one of the harder woods to chew. October 29th, 2013.

 

October 25th Trail Report Photos

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5938541241047381601 

Few patches of snow throughout the woods having a hard time melting with cooler temps this week. October 23rd, 2013.
Few patches of snow throughout the woods having a hard time melting with cooler temps this week. October 23rd, 2013.

 

Tamaracks displaying nice autumn color on north end of Bullhead lake.
Tamaracks displaying nice autumn color on north end of Bullhead lake.
More snow falling on the trails today. October 20th, 2013.
More snow falling on the trails today. October 20th, 2013.

 

Sukkerbusk ski trail with a dusting of snow, October 20th, 2013.
Sukkerbusk ski trail with a dusting of snow, October 20th, 2013.

 

October 19th First Snow Photos

 https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5936464158750029745

 

Working on new mtb singletrack, October 17th, 2013.
Working on new mtb singletrack, October 17th, 2013.

 

Morning sun lighting up the fall color on Twin Lakes ski trail. October 7th, 2013.
Morning sun lighting up the fall color on Twin Lakes ski trail. October 7th, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5931847987952477297 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5931009391495221377

 

Fall scene looking towards twin lakes, October 1st, 2013.
Fall scene looking towards twin lakes, October 1st, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5927400704346225105

 

Morning sun highlighting dew and frost covered tamarack trees. September 17th, 2013.
Morning sun highlighting dew and frost covered tamarack trees. September 17th, 2013.

 

Morning sun highlighting tamaracks in a slough after a early frost. September 17th, 2013.
Morning sun highlighting tamaracks in a slough after a early frost. September 17th, 2013.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5923457255004521777

 

 

Catching bass off the dock! August 14th, 2013.

 

Intersection of Sukkerbusk, Loon Return and the mountain bike course, July 31st, 2013. Great conditions in the woods the past week or so.

 

Clearing skies from the north under calm conditions, June 6th, 2013.

 

Trail photos from May 25th

 

 

 

 

 

Pair of loons on the shore in front of Maplelag after becoming ice free earlier in the day, May 9th, 2013.

 

 

 

 

On the edge between the ice and open water, May 9th, 2013.

 

Group of loons happy to have the open water. May 9th, 2013.

 

 

Loon feather coming loose after a hard landing. May 9th, 2013.

 

Fun kayaking on the lake as the ice makes an exit. May 9th, 2013.

 

Incredible lake scene looking towards the southern part of Little Sugarbush, May 8th, 2013.

 

Lake scene looking towards the northwest, May 8th, 2013.
Bike Trail

Bike Trail Report

The mountain bike trails are open during sub freezing temps. (32 degrees or cooler) With the ground frozen, if it warms up the surface gets greasy and muddy. The mountain bike trails will remain open until we begin trail grooming for the winter season. Fat Bikes are allowed at Maplelag during the winter on the snowshoe trail and select forest roads but not on the groomed ski trails. Contact us in advance for more information.

We made great progress this fall on the new twin lakes singletrack and should finish up with two weeks work in the spring.

A great weekend of racing for the Laddies Loppet stage race weekend. Warm summer like weather for racing on Saturday than a rain shower Saturday night followed by cooler weather for racing on Sunday. Thanks to everyone who came to Maplelag making it one of the best bike race weekends ever!

Coverage from the Laddies Loppet weekend on skinnyski.com

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THE SINGLETRACK SECTION  FROM BOTTOM OF KAMIAKAZE HILL TO DOUBLE GREEN SKI TRAIL IS CLOSED.     Questions, please contact us directly at the resort. [email protected]

Parking in the first parking lot by the first freight house building. Please purchase a one time season pass for only $5 (scroll to bottom of page)  Thanks and enjoy the dirt!

November 1st Bike Trail Photos

 

Hudson checking out the more recent trail work on the new twin lakes singletrack. October 24th, 2013.
Hudson checking out the more recent trail work on the new twin lakes singletrack. October 24th, 2013.

 

Working on new mtb singletrack near twin lakes. October 17th, 2013.
Working on new mtb singletrack near twin lakes. October 17th, 2013.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5935737581992273009

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5934429781982797121

 

 

Berm work on new twin lakes singletrack, October 8th, 2013.
Berm work on new twin lakes singletrack, October 8th, 2013.

 

 

 

Great fall riding, October 4th, 2013.
Great fall riding, October 4th, 2013.

 

 

Pulaski work on new singletrack near twin lakes. October 4th, 2013.
Pulaski work on new singletrack near twin lakes. October 4th, 2013.
Twin Lakes singletrack, October 4th, 2013.
Twin Lakes singletrack, October 4th, 2013.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5929916205251378513 

Photos from August 14th

 

 

 

Another great night of riding, August 21st, 2013.

 

Riding on the course, August 21st, 2013.
Rolling on the ski trail, August 21st, 2013.

 

Riders ready to head out on the mountain bike course for a low key mountain bike race, August 14th, 2013. Racing again next Wednesday the 21st at 6:50pm.

 

Jack on the singletrack, August 9th, 2013.

 

 

 

Riding through a light rain shower, all good! August 9th, 2013.
Steve and Matt Wenzel visiting with Maplelag’s new puppy Hudson before hitting the trails. August 7th, 2013.

 

Digging out a rock on the singletrack, July 30th, 2013.

 

Finishing touches on a new berm, July 30th, 2013.

 

Jens and Cooper helping with trail work, July 30th, 2013.

 

Cool riding over the weekend. July 27th, 2013.

 

Blowing off the debris on Twin Lakes singletrack after brushing out the overgrown, July 24th, 2013.

 

Riders heading out to the trail, July 11th, 2013.

 

 

Villagers of the Chinese camp out for a mountain bike ride as part of the programing. June 11th, 2013.

 

Ski trail riding, June 11th, 2013.

 

Grass growing good on the ski trails. We have mowed a few times already and will continue mowing once we are caught up on the lodge grounds. June 11th, 2013.

 

Riding on berm on the singletrack, June 11th, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for photos from May 9th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ski Trail

Trail Report

After warm and dry weather to start the week, cooler weather on Thursday after rain showers last night. The rain helped green up the grounds and looking more and more like spring. The ponds and sloughs are free of ice and very active with waterfowl. Little sugarbush remains 95% covered in ice but getting closer every day. The lake scene last night was incredible after the rain pushed through. Rainbow to the south, fog simmering of the lake and sun shining through from the northwest.

After the warmth and dry this week, the mountain bike course is now open for mountain biking!  Click here for the latest report and photos 

 

 

Incredible lake scene looking towards the southern part of Little Sugarbush, May 8th, 2013.

 

Lake scene looking towards the northwest, May 8th, 2013.
Section of Skaters Waltz drying up nicely with intense sunshine and warm temps, May 5th, 2013 after being under water 4 days ago.

 

Just a few patches of snow remaining on the trail, May 6th, 2013. Should be completely snow free by end of the week.

 

 

Skiing in the new snow on Skaters Waltz, May 4th, 2013.

 

May 4th, 2013.

 

Skiing through the skinny field, May 4th, 2013. Crazy.
Maplelag creek was running hard during the snow melt and warmer temps. Past few mornings has slowed down and ice has formed at the surface and edges.

 

Blue heron watching a pair of loons on a rare piece of open water, May 3rd, 2013.

Skaters Waltz hanging on to coverage

 

May skiing on Suicide Hill! May 1st, 2013.

 

Sukkerbusk with a swath of packed ice, May 1st, 2013.

 

Patch of snow hanging on Skaters Waltz, May 1st, 2013.

(Photos from today on google)  https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5873144272041199841

 

  https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April28thTrailReportPhotos02

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April26thTrailReportPhotos02 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April24thTrailReportPhotos

Good to have skiers out this past weekend and thanks for all the trail donations.

 

 

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April23rdTrailReportPhotos

 

 

Fun crust skiing on North Loup, April 22nd, 2013. Still tons of snow.

 

Grooming on Skaters Waltz, April 22nd, 2013.

 

 Photos from Friday on our Facebook page.

Click on below link for photos from today.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/5868370253145239201?authkey=CMuMudG6mqe7gwE

 

 

Full on winter mode in front of the lodge. Check out the big rock, still covered in lots of snow! April 17th, 2013.
Heading back in on Sukkkerbusk after grooming on Twin Lakes. April 17th, 2013.
Incredible track skiing Tuesday morning, April 16th, 2013.

 

Setting track on Sap Run as it passes through Skaters Waltz which was also groomed today. April 15th, 2013.

 

Barred owl checking out the scene, April 15th, 2013. We have been seeing more owls lately.

 

 

 

 

Top of Suicide Hill Sunday morning, April 14th, 2013. Last peek of the sun before more snow moving in!

 

Knute Thorsgard and Glenn Gifford after skiing Roy’s Run and North Loup during blizzard like conditions Sunday afternoon, April 14th, 2013. “Beautiful in the woods” the dedicated skiers reported.

 

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April13thTrailReportPhotos02

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April12thTrailReportPhotos

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April11thTrailReportPhotos04

 

Intersection on Sap Run where Poki Loki ends and Mother North Star begins! April 8th, 2013. Sap Run groomed Monday evening and Mother North Star groomed Friday. Both trails in good shape for spring skiing.
Setting new track on east side of Sukkerbusk, April 8th, 2013. A loop was made using the east side up to Rootin Tootin than back to Maplelag for a 3.5km loop.
Skaters Waltz, April 8th, 2013. Bit slower on Monday with the fresh precip but should freeze down Monday night and be nice on Tuesday after grooming Monday night as well.

 

 

Still lots of snow in the woods and nice tracks on Mother North Star, April 6th, 2013.
Skaters Waltz with coating of new wet snow, April 6th, 2013. Should freeze down Saturday night and be firm and fast again Sunday morning.

 

Pisten Bully grooming in April! Double tracks set on Mother North Star Thursday April 4th, 2013.

 

Grooming on Skaters Waltz early evening April 4th, 2013. Hard and fast until 9am than softening up after noon. Best skiing 10-12!

Fat biking allowed now only when trails are frozen. Check with Jay before coming out to ride. [email protected]

 https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April4thTrailReportPhotos03

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/April2ndTrailReportPhotos02

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/March26thTrailReportPhotos

 

 https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/March23rdTrailReportPhotos04

 

Fantastic conditions for the morning ski, March 23rd, 2013.

 

Bill Kippley and friends enjoying the incredible late season conditions, March 21st, 2013.

 

Fourth and final pass on Skaters Waltz, late afternoon March 20th, 2013. Fantastic skate skiing conditions right now.
John ready to hit the fantastic late season conditions. March 20th, 2013.
Dennis finishing up a trip around Skaters Waltz. March 20th, 2013.
New track set on Bullhead lake trail Wednesday morning, March 20th, 2013. Will be tracked again before weekend.
Skate traffic on skaters waltz, March 20th, 2013.

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/March19thTrailReportPhotos

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/March18thTrailReportPhotos04

Bike Trail

Bike Trail Report

The mountain bike course is closed until the snow melts and the frost goes out. The majority of the snow has melted but still some patches of snow on the ski trails and singletrack. We are hoping the trails will be ready to ride by May 15th.

 

Fat bike riding on a hard and crusted over Skaters Waltz, April 7th, 2013.

 

Denny Barry providing details from a morning ride with Carlos, December 14th, 2012.

 

\

Fat bike exploration in between twin lakes, December 12th, 2012.
Fat biking on the singletrack, December 4th, 2012. The trails are open to mountain biking until the snow flies. Fat bikes are welcome in the winter, please check on areas open for riding

 

 

Muddy mountain bike after a greasy ride Saturday afternoon, November 17th, 2012.

 

 https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/November16thBikeTrailPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHayr-A5Nexeg

Twin Lakes singletrack, November 5th, 2012.

 

Blowing leaves off the bear pass singletrack, November 1st, 2012.

Another great Laddies Loppet mountain bike stage race weekend. Around 600 riders between racing on Saturday and Sunday. Report from the weekend with links to results and photos on skinnyski.com.

The mountain bike course starts at the beginning of Skaters Waltz ski trail and is marked with red signs and black arrows. The Sport/Comp/Expert loop (intermediate to advanced)  is 7 miles and takes 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete.  The Twin lakes singletrack starts off the main driveway to the west, is 3 miles in length and takes 17 to 25 minutes to compete. Both trails depend on rider ability for amount of time required to complete. There is also a Citizen/Kids Comp loop that runs mainly on ski trails for more beginner type riding. All the ski trails are open for mountain biking as well. There are limited services available in the main lodge and closed when special events are going on.  Please purchase a trail pass to support maintenance efforts. The trails are closed to horses and motorized vehicles.

Scroll down for trail map.

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/October26thBikeTrailPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCMehtYWKhtPuaA

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/October21BikeTrailPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHb2ZSJks3y4QE

 

 

Good conditions for fat biking on Thursday afternoon, October 4th 2012 with snow and slush on top of fresh leaves.

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/September23rdBikeTrailReportPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGN__30rLbHBQ

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/September6thTrailReportPhotos

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/August30thBikeTrailPhotos

 

Two way section on twin lakes. All marked and ready to keep riders “left”!
Jake riding on the bridge to access twin lakes singletrack, August 29th, 2012.

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/117475008862763984699/August23rdBikeTrailReportPhotos

 

Tools of the trade. Working on the berms and turns on the singletrack, August 16th, 2012.

 

 

Jens smoothing out dirt.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


Page to Twin Lakes singletrack we completed Fall of 2010.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New mountain bike trail signs. September 13th, 2011.Posted at major intersections and labeled for either Citizen/Beginner loop or Sport/Expert more advanced loop to singletrack.