Trail Report | Maplelag Resort

Morning temp checking in at 15 degrees, 22 degrees warmer than coldest temp last night which was -7. Another gorgeous winter day on tap. Packing this morning on Rootin Tootin, North Loup and Mother North Star. Yesterday Sap Run, Skaters Waltz, Sukkerbusk, Suicide Hill and Twin Lakes trails combed with Ginzu groomer. JibFly was rollpacked. We have the trails open for early season “rock” skiing. No tracks set. Thin 1-2″ base with areas of thin cover and rough spots. Use caution on the hills and advised to use “rock” skis or older skis. Best trail to ski would be Skaters Waltz and Suicide Hill. Other trails bit more rough. A check of the trails skiing late afternoon on Thursday found fair to good rock skiing conditions. A great start to the season!

Off and on prairie effect snow this week resulting in 3-4″ of snow. Heavy snow showers on Wednesday afternoon resulting in another inch or so. Snow depth in the woods around 4-6″. Later afternoon we were out skiing, checking the trails and enjoyed some fun powder conditions! This new snow will help out nicely and are now able to open at least one trail, Skaters Waltz.

There is no fee to use the trails at this time. No lodging available and limited services in the main lodge. This coming weekend the lodge is reserved for a private wedding but feel free to park, click in and just ski!

We have been packing select trails (early season trails) to flatten the snow/grass and prepare for the next snowfalls since last week. Grooming helps freeze the ground down and drive frost farther down providing a better refrigeration effect when it warms up. Interesting enough, soil temps 5-6 feet below the surface are still in the 50-60 degree range. Noticed on the trail this week was a group of turkeys on Sukkerbusk and later discovered them up high in a tree! The covered quite a bit of area during the day, being sighted along the trails that were groomed.

Cold temps allowing Little Sugubush (lake Maplelag is next to) to freeze over entirely early Friday morning. This follows the other small area lakes that froze over earlier this week. Always exciting when the lake freezes over as a sign winter is approaching or in this weeks case, is here!

We have also been taking advantage of the cold temps and working on the ice skating rink. Should be ready within a week or so!

Overall, the trails are in great shape after an amazing fall for clearing, brushing and preparing for snow.

Think Snow!!

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