Category Archives: News

Items for the News Archive — usually front page items go here, especially once no longer on front page

Lotvola Cup 2025

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) 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 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.

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.

Section 8 Nordic Ski Championships

We will be hosting the Section 8 Nordic Ski Championships on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. Store will be open in the Hygge and lunch will be available in the Candy Store lodge. Please no walking on the trails.

Ski trails will be open for day use, recommended to use Loon Return to access the west and north side classic trails. Skate trails will be closed for the races.

Fat Bike Trail Report

Fat Bike Trails are open.  Good to excellent riding conditions. Dusting of new snow on top or firm base. Entire 25km FatLagChilada course groomed Tuesday. The trail groomed out very nice and set up well. Might be a few soft spots but cold temps tightening up the base again. We do not close the trail because of cold weather, just if above 32. When riding in colder temps, be prepared, dressed properly and good riding to be had. Stop in the Hygge before or after to change, have some snacks and beverages! 

The FatLagChilada includes the east side of Bullhead Bootleg loop and the west side of Twin Lakes. Ski trail segments and inner singletrack in between along with crossing of Bullhead lake consists of the “FatLagChilada”.   

Start at Skaters Waltz ski trail and go right to access the start. Stay on Skaters Waltz and only going off to singletrack where signed.

To access Twin Lakes singletrack only, take driveway down and start at bridge section. SukkerWest also accessed off the driveway for a good starter/beginner loop. 

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Saturday riding, January 18th, 2025.
Fat bike trail, January 18th, 2025.
SukkerWest groomed singletrack, January 16th, 2025.
Fat bike trail grooming, January 14th, 2025.
Excellent fat biking conditions, January 14th, 2025.
Bullhead Bootleg fresh groomed and ready for riders, January 14th, 2025.
Groomed track across Bullhead lake to access Bullhead Bootleg singletrack loop, January 14th, 2025.
Great group of riders on Saturday, January 11th, 2025. Parking across from Hygge building which is also a day center. 
Rolling through on Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, January 11th, 2025.
Rolling through on Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, January 11th, 2025.
Bullhead lake crossing. Fun riding Saturday with fresh snow all day, January 11th, 2025. 
Grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack January 10th, 2025. 
Bullhead Bootleg singletrack rider packed after dusting, January 10th, 2025. Great riding! 
Fat bike riding, January 10th, 2025.
Good coverage on Bullhead Lake, January 10th, 2025. 
Riding on Bullhead Bootleg, January 8th, 2025.
Riding on Bullhead Bootleg, January 8th, 2025.
Riding on Bullhead Bootleg, January 8th, 2025.
Magical nigh riding, January 8th, 2025. 
Mid ride break on Bullhead lake under the moon, January 8th, 2025. Night riding some of the best riding! 
Rolling across Bullhead Lake, January 8th, 2025.
Post ride in the Hygge.
Grooming on Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, January 7th, 2025.
Grooming on Bullhead Bootleg singletrack, January 7th, 2025.

In Memory of Jim Richards

Jim with a pair of unique skis, one of the many of hundreds he had collected over the year. Sadly, most were lost in the fire of October 2022.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jim Richards, whom was a co-founder of Maplelag. 
Jim was surrounded by family and friends as he took his last breath on earth, after suffering a stroke four weeks ago.



Jim had exceptional vision to create a magical place in the forest, along the shores of Little Sugarbush, a retreat that has been enjoyed by 100's of thousands of people from skiing, biking, weddings, retreats and language learning. His work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward in this next chapter. A special tree grove memorial will be constructed this fall. There will be a private celebration of life. A full obituary linked here.
Jim checking in folks at the main office. Jim loved. visiting with people and could always connect with people from anywhere around the world.

Jim could be found at the end of the Scandinavian Smorgasbord at Maplelag serving the fruit soup while always making sure the coffee pot was full.
The day before his stroke, Jim
Carrying sap buckets for maple syruping back in the day.
Before starting a cross country skiing resort, Jim and Mary were avid downhill skiers.
Jim attended college at Dartmouth and played hockey there.
Taking a break from cutting wood back in the early years.
Paddling to a beaver dam during the “blasting” years.
The old “bomb” used
So long Jim, you will be missed….Rest In Peace!

In Memory of Jim Richards

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jim Richards, whom was a co-founder of Maplelag.
Jim was surrounded by family and friends as he took his last breath on earth, after suffering a stroke four weeks ago.

Jim had exceptional vision to create a magical place in the forest, along the shores of Little Sugarbush, a retreat that has been enjoyed by 100’s of thousands of people from skiing, biking, weddings, retreats and language learning. His work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward in this next chapter. A special tree grove memorial will be constructed this fall. There was a private celebration of life at Maplelag in August. Obituary posted here.

9/19/39-08/03/24

More photos posted on the News Page.