Trail Report

Beautiful spring day in place after another rain event on Tuesday. Around a half inch of rain recorded yesterday afternoon. Overall we are right around 4″ of rain the month of April until today. The rain was welcomed with the relatively dry conditions the past 6 months and to keep the soil damp and moist for our tree planting project this spring. The lake, ponds, sloughs and water tables are pretty much at normal levels now. The moss on the trails has really come to life as well adding a vibrance to the forest floor. The leaves are starting to pop from most of the trees and the wild plants and flowers are beginning to emerge.    

We have been clearing deadfall and blow downs off the trails after windy conditions in mid April and clearing out the mountain bike singletrack.  Mountain bike trails now open. (click here for updates)

We will have a big season of tree planting this year! Summer ski trail work will include fixing rutted areas, working on drainage and removing rocks and filling in low spots.

Ice went off Little Sugarbush lake Saturday April 6th. True to form, the loons returned the same day and combined with other waterfowl the lake is busy with activity and one of the more special times of the year on the lake. 

Although this year was one of the lowest snow years to date on record, it was an opportunity to learn more about grooming, preparing the trails for winter and being prepared for future low snow years. For as long as we have been grooming, every year is different and what makes it interesting and enjoyable! 

Thank you to everyone that has visited us this past year from the overnight guests to the day users. We appreciate it very much! 

On a side note, the end of February and early March with low snow and frozen ground it has been favorable for cutting deadfall and windblown trees from storms and wind. Most of the woods we use for the wood fire stoves and campfires at Maplelag but bigger logs that have are not rotten we use for shelving, tables and other projects! 

Golden hour spring sunset, May 7th, 2024. Leaves on the trees starting to pop the past few days.
Maple seedling sprouting to life, May 7th, 2024.
Forest floor coming to life, May 7th, 2024.
Switchyard scene at sunset, May 7th 2024.
Switchyard scene at sunset, May7th, 2024.
Calm morning on the edge of Little Sugarbush lake, May 5th, 2024,
Beautiful spring sunset over Little Sugarbush lake, May 3rd, 2024.
Tree planting has begun for the spring! April 30th, 2024. We will be planting around 1000 trees, mostly coniferous. 
Moss on Sukkerbusk ski trail coming to life after recent rain, April 29th, 2024.
Moss along the bike trail singletrack, April 29th, 2024.
First batch of trees ready for spring tree planting, April 26th, 2024.
Pair of loons enjoying the calm waters of Little Sugarbush lake after the ice went off.
Calm waters on Little Sugarbush