February 25th update. Due to deteriorating snow conditions, particularly on the lake segments of the course, we are unfortunately cancelling the Lotvola Cup. We want to have the safest course as possible and feel it is best to make this decision. We hope to set a date early season next year for 2026. Thanks for the interest and support for this year.
The Lotvola Cup is back! Mark your calendars, March 2nd at 12:12! Simply purchase a $25 regular day pass to register. Youth 18 and under purchase $15 fat bike or summer pass. (In Notes, please enter age and make note of Lotvola Cup) Day of registration also available. No better way to celebrate the great snow year at Maplelag this season than the return in what was one of the longest running traditional classic ski races in the country.
We will once again have a 12km race, utilizing much of the original course of the early years. Course will start at the trailhead near the Norwegian Log cabin. Head down Sukkerbusk to the left to Twin Lakes. Ski Twin Lakes normal direction. Back up to Sukerbusk, go left and continue to Bullhead lake trail. Down Eira Bikwadinaa hill, on to Bullhead lake, across the lake and ski Bullhead Lake trail and the Bootleg extension. After completing the Bullhead loop, continue on to Sukkerbusk just momentarily on to Kristin’s Kutoff to Mother North Star. Mother North Star (opposite normal direction) to Sap Run. Take a left on Sap Run and in! All intersection will be marked with orange Lotvola Cup signs. Course on Strava.
The 12 KM “classic technique” only race was named in honor of Elias Lotvola, an early local Finnish pioneer in the local Sugarbush who was famous for his skiing abilities and for making of the classic wooden skis in the Finnish tradition, by hand. Even when he was in 80’s Elias would ski thru the bush and woods checking his trapline of over 30 miles in length. His skis and poles were on display in the lodge, but sadly they were lost in the total destruction of the lodge in the fire of December of 1999.
We have many fond memories of the dynamite starts, the stories of waxing, extreme cold, warm and melting snow has always made for a memorable day. Lunch will be included. Simply purchase a $25 regular day pass to register. Youth 18 and under purchase $15 fat bike or summer pass. Fun prizes from the Maplelag gift shop. Look for updates on our website.
