Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ski Trail, Uncategorized

Trail Report

Winter returns! A dusting of snow greeting us this morning with windy conditions making it feel like the single digits. Wow, quite a change from earlier in the week. Looks like an inch additional of snow possible today as cooler weather is welcomed to start freezing down the ground. The trails are in great shape and ready for more snow which looks promising the next 10 days. Thanks to the newly formed Moorhead Nordic ski team for coming out early Saturday morning to help clear trail.

Overall it has been great conditions to be in the woods this fall as we fine tune the trails. We have been mainly clearing deadfall and leaves off the trail, preparing them for the first snows and early season skiing.

October 28th we had our first snowfall of the year which was just enough for a quick morning ski before for the kids before heading off to school! The snow melted off from the warm ground underneath but light snow fell throughout the day. At dusk the snow started to pick up again with almost 4″ setting on the ground.  A night ski with headlamps was on order and a fun ski was had on the inner trail. The falling snow turned to rain and temps warming during the night melted off the snow by Thursday morning. Although it was too early for snow to stay, it is always exciting to see white on the ground and trees flocked beautifully.

We had a beautiful fall of color with some fantastic scenes in the forest.  Photos of the fall color can be found on the fall color page.  or Facebook page.

The mountain bike trails are closed for the season. (Click here for latest mountain bike trail report and information on mountain biking at Maplelag.) 

Overall the trails are looking great as we have been mowing almost daily preparing them for winter. We are over 1000 miles of mowing so far this summer and fall! Sounds like a lot but with almost 40 miles of trails and each trail taking 4-6 passes to mow entire trail and some trails mowed up to 20 times during a season it adds up!

Total rainfall since the middle of May has been around 30″ of rain bringing the water tables to normal levels after a dry winter and spring.

We spend just as many hours if not more on the trails outside the winter season to be prepared for low snow years and to be able to open the trails on as little as 3″ of dense snow. We thrive on grooming and having the trails open on as little snow as possible and prepare the trails in the off season with this mindset. We are now busy as ever on the trails, preparing them for the winter season.

 

Newly formed Moorhead Nordic Ski team ready for a morning of clearing on the trails. November 14th, 2015.
Newly formed Moorhead Nordic Ski team ready for a morning of clearing on the trails. November 14th, 2015. Thanks for coming out to help  clear trails!

 

Winter scene in front of the lodge Thursday afternoon. November 12th, 2015.
Winter scene in front of the lodge Thursday afternoon after a short return of winter. November 12th, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6216676559717551169

 

One last mowing/clearing on Suicide Hill. Ready for skiing on just a few inches of snow! November 11th, 2015.
One last mowing/clearing on Suicide Hill. Ready for skiing on just a few inches of snow! November 11th, 2015.

 

Back bowl area in fantastic shape, ready for snow, skiers and sledders! November 10th, 2015.
Back bowl area in fantastic shape, ready for snow, skiers and sledders! November 10th, 2015.
Kamikaze hill, Skaters Waltz. November 10th, 2015.
Kamikaze hill, Skaters Waltz. November 10th, 2015.
Skaters Waltz, November 10th, 2015.
Skaters Waltz, November 10th, 2015.

 

Coating of ice on Kohlepp pond. November 7th, 2015.
Coating of ice on Kohlepp pond. November 7th, 2015.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6213679993487972321

Tracks in the skinny field from a evening ski on October 28th. Nearly 4" had fallen making for a nice first ski of the year.
Tracks in the skinny field from a evening ski on October 28th. Nearly 4″ had fallen making for a nice first ski of the year.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6210732938011664129

 

The tamarack trees are the only coniferous tree to loose their needles and always provide nice color when the other trees have lost their leaves. October 21st, 2015.
The tamarack trees are the only coniferous tree to loose their needles and always provide nice color when the other trees have lost their leaves. October 21st, 2015.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6208276228496404801

 

View from east end of the island on Island lake. Still have plans for a outpost cabin here. Skiers could ski out here in the winter time and spend a night or two! Ask about it at the resort this winter! October 17th, 2015.
View from east end of the island on Island lake. Still have plans for a outpost cabin here. Skiers could ski out here in the winter time and spend a night or two! Ask about it at the resort this winter! October 17th, 2015.
Panoramic view of Twin Lakes from mountain bike trail. October 15th, 2015.
Panoramic view of Twin Lakes from mountain bike trail. October 15th, 2015.

 

Beautiful fall scene at top of Suicide Hill, October 13th, 2015.
Beautiful fall scene at top of Suicide Hill, October 13th, 2015.
Scene from the bottom of Suicide Hill. October 13th, 2015. We will continue fall grooming on trails up until the snow flies!
Scene from the bottom of Suicide Hill. October 13th, 2015. We will continue fall grooming on trails up until the snow flies!
Freshly cleared trail on the mountain bike course. October 13th, 2015.
Freshly cleared trail on the mountain bike course. October 13th, 2015.

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6202921878728968689

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6201433502024132577

Frosted marsh area at Twin Lakes crossing. September 29th, 2015.
Frosted marsh area at Twin Lakes crossing. September 29th, 2015. First real frost of the season and always gets us excited for the upcoming winter!

 

Beautiful weekend on the trails. September 26th, 2015.
Beautiful weekend on the trails. September 26th, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6197359616472737361

 

Early fall color near the stone wall at Maplelag. September 20th, 2015.
Early fall color near the stone wall at Maplelag. September 20th, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6195476066453992641

 

Early fall color in front of the main lodge. September 15th, 2015.
Early fall color in front of the main lodge. September 15th, 2015.

 

Fall scene over one of the Maplelag ponds. September 10th, 2015.
Fall scene over one of the Maplelag ponds. September 10th, 2015.

 

Calm evening on Little Sugarbush, lake Maplelag sits next to. August 9th, 2015.
Calm evening on Little Sugarbush, lake Maplelag sits next to. August 9th, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6179522394626619793

 

Hail on the ground after a quick moving storm Sunday morning. August 2nd, 2015.
Hail on the ground after a quick moving storm Sunday morning. August 2nd, 2015.

 

Acorn on the ground. August 1st, 2015.
Acorn on the ground. August 1st, 2015.
Good crop of acorns this year as seen on a fallen branch from wind earlier in the week. Old timers say cold and snowy winter ahead when good acorn crop!! August 1st, 2015.
Good crop of acorns this year as seen on a fallen branch from wind earlier in the week. Old timers say cold and snowy winter ahead when good acorn crop!! August 1st, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6166917568479686081

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6161352217369443073

 

 

 

Water droplets on on poplar leaf. June 3rd, 2015.
Water droplets on on poplar leaf. June 3rd, 2015.

 

Group of trumpeter swans on a misty morning. Twin Lakes. June 3rd, 2015.
Group of trumpeter swans on a misty morning. Twin Lakes. June 3rd, 2015.

 

Yellow slippers blooming in the past few days. May 27th, 2015.
Yellow slippers blooming in the past few days. May 28th, 2015.

 

 

Nice crop of "Pigs Feet" as seen on Sukkerbusk trail yesterday. May 27th, 2015.
Nice crop of “Pigs Feet” as seen on Sukkerbusk trail yesterday. May 27th, 2015.
Pair of trumpeter swans sharing the waters of Little Sugarbush with a loon and a beaver in the far background. May 21st, 2015.
Pair of trumpeter swans sharing the waters of Little Sugarbush with a loon and a beaver in the far background. May 21st, 2015.

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6150333461251193329

Sukkerbusk ski trail "greening" up. Won't be long until we begin mowing the ski trails and preparing them for winter! May 13th, 2015.
Sukkerbusk ski trail “greening” up. Won’t be long until we begin mowing the ski trails and preparing them for winter! May 13th, 2015.
Ferns in the forest enjoying the sunshine on Tuesday and waiting for warmer temps. May 13th, 2015.
Ferns in the forest enjoying the sunshine on Tuesday and waiting for warmer temps. May 12th, 2015.
Red Headed woodpecker making a visit to the Maplelag grounds this week. May 11th, 2015.
Red Headed woodpecker making a visit to the Maplelag grounds this week. May 11th, 2015.

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Cardinal one of the many birds visiting the Maplelag feeders this week. May 8th, 2015.
Cardinal one of the many birds visiting the Maplelag feeders this week. May 8th, 2015.

 

Eagle nest near Twin Lakes crossing active this year . May 3rd, 2015.
Eagle nest near Twin Lakes crossing active this year . May 3rd, 2015.

 

 

Kira and Anna planting trees near Twin Lakes this week. April 28th, 2015.
Kira and Anna helping plant trees near Twin Lakes this week. April 28th, 2015.

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6140697197667295537

Aerial photo taken by Greg Ames of Little Sugarbush ice free. Maplelag on the east shore. April 16th, 2015.
Special aerial photo taken by Greg Ames of Little Sugarbush ice free. Maplelag on the east shore. April 16th, 2015. Thanks Greg!

 

 

Patch of ice on Little Sugarbush, April 14th, 2014.
Patch of ice on Little Sugarbush, April 14th, 2014.
May flowers blooming this week. April 14th, 2015
May flowers blooming this week. April 14th, 2015

 

Top of Suicide Hill. April 14th, 2015.
Top of Suicide Hill. April 14th, 2015.

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6137225491775260561

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6135950198938673985

Reports, Ski Trail, Uncategorized

Trail Report

Spring skiing conditions! Big time melting this week and the snow is going fast! Boo! Despite the rapid warm off, we were able to ski all the way around North Loup late Wednesday morning. The coverage was good and a great spring ski hitting the transition time. Some thin areas but for the most part, good coverage.

Froze down hard last night so a quick and probably last grooming run of the year, on Suicide Hill to comb out the good coverage there. With warm temps forecasted through the week, the days are numbered.

A ski late morning on Tuesday found good coverage on Twin Lakes and Sukkerbusk, few more thin areas opening up from intense March sun but melting fast. We went from mid winter to spring conditions just like that! Typical for this time of year and a bit unusual to have no days above freezing in March until Sunday. The beginning of March was fantastic skiing, some of the best of the year. This past weekend was as good as it gets! Nice to see all the folks out and the large group of snowshoers as well.

Spring skiing typically finds hard, fast icy conditions in the morning getting softer as the day passes. “Sweet spot” skiing is the point where it transitions from hard to soft and is usually the best time for spring skiing. This also happens in the late afternoon when it cools down again, typically around sunset.For those familiar with spring skiing, it can be some of the best skiing of the year with the right timing.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6125056325739012241

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6125056325739012241

 

 

 

March 10th Trail Report Photos

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6124240734474403521

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6123631535969760001

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6123203299462147201

Ski Trail, Uncategorized

Trail Report

The trails are open and skiing is great! A solid 1.5″ of dense new snow Tuesday morning. We will be grooming a few classic trails this morning than resume grooming once the weather settles down.  Incredible Monday morning on the trails. Absolutely perfect conditions with sunshine, frosted trees, fresh snow great tracks and skate lanes! Around 2″ of fresh fluff snow late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Around 45km of trail groomed Sunday morning including all the double track and skate lanes and track on North Loup. Incredible day of skiing with off and on fluffy snow falling all day with sunshine filtering through. Best conditions of the season!

9″ of new snow the past 12 days, mostly light and fluffy. Conditions are rated good to excellent on a hard, compacted base of 3-5″ Snow depth in the woods is 5-9″. Total snowfall since January 1st is 18″. Around 54km tracked for classic, 15km groomed skate. Sections of trail in the AMA area will not be groomed this year. Areas of thin cover and rough in the marshy crossings. Check the trail report board in the main lodge for the latest trail information.

Yes, the trails are open! We have been grooming and skiing since January 1st. We groomed and skied over 20 days in November and December. Trail fee for non-lodging guests is $15. Ski rental is $15 daily. Hours in the rental shop are 9am to 4pm. The trails are open during daylight hours and in the evening (headlamp or moonlight skiing). Lunch available for sale during the midweek. Contact us for reservations.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6121763039003322001

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6121507069048876497

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6120948336461605729

 

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6120291387178479009

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6119797120344263681

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6119429167526310289

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6118682398479098417

https://plus.google.com/photos/117475008862763984699/albums/6118164702943046545

Ski Trail, Uncategorized

Trail Report

Another beautiful frosty morning with trees flocked with frost. Skiing has been very good this week for the amount of snow that we have. Rock ski conditions but a ski patrol on Skaters Waltz late yesterday was possible with “B” skis. We have been working on the start area building up the base with snow and also on Skaters Waltz with more attention to a 4km loop. Best skiing has been on Sukkerbusk, Skaters Waltz, Twin Lakes and most of North Loup. With the current base, 2-3″ of additional snow will make for nice skiing and support larger volume of skier traffic. Cooler temps forecasted for today and tomorrow as a result of a low southerly flow keeping clouds above us. The trails will be open today and Friday. Closing the trails Saturday and Sunday to preserve the base as much as possible during the forecasted warm spell. We will continue working on skaters waltz, building up the base on the thin areas. Get out and ski today and Friday!! Good to see a handful of folks on the trail this past weekend enjoying the early season conditions. Saturday morning sunrise ski was gorgeous with light filtering through from the east. Bit warmer on Sunday but the snow stayed dry, silky and fast with no melting and no freezing rain. Last week we worked on building up the base on Skaters Waltz and the start area, farming snow from the rink, court and fields. We also did some “test” track setting, placing track on most of Sukkerbusk. Ski patrol Friday afternoon found it skiable with a few thin areas but good glide and firm base. Few sections where thin, no track was set. Skaters waltz is skiing very nice for skating with the snow that we have and the shoveling last week. There is no charge to use the trails at this time until more snow and more trails open than the day pass is $15. Be advised the base is thin with some rough areas. Best to use older skis or “rock” skis. With that said, there is some fun skiing to be had if careful! The compacted base is 1-3″, solid and hard after a melt freeze cycle before Thanksgiving weekend. Total snowfall this season has been 8″ of mostly light fluffy snow and snow depth in the woods is around 4″. Ski rental service and lodging available the weekend of December 17th-19th. Just Ski and Think Snow!  

stevan Gombocz enjoying the frosty morning on the trails. December 10th, 2014.
Istevan Gombocz enjoying the frosty morning on the trails. December 10th, 2014.
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