Skied both skate and classic this morning. Did all of Skaters Waltz and the big hill down to Bullhead lake. Base is very thin but just enough to make it skiable with plenty of good sections. Flicked most of the sticks on the trails so it was a meaningful ski. After skating met up with son Jon and no tracked classic skied the groomed Sukkerbusk and non groomed Sap Run. Classic wasn't as good as skating I thought but a beautiful day in the forest and great to be out just skiing. Grooming plans: We will be snow farming and grooming on a 300 meter loop tomorrow then focusing on the better segments on the east side which is a 2km loop in preparation of forecasted warm weather end of next week.

Photos:

(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

We had 3" of new snow as of 1pm. After 2" had fallen this morning, groomed around 10km of trail using the roll compactor. After another 1" had fallen, combed 5km of the 10km with the Ginzu groomer. Skied the trails I groomed after they had a chance to firm up and found really nice conditions for such little snow. Both the only roll compacted trails and Ginzu trails skied nice. Ginzu trails obviously bit more firm. Grooming plans: We will be back out grooming the entire Skaters Waltz this afternoon. The trails groomed this morning will be open on Sunday, which include all of Sukkerbusk and Skaters Waltz east segments using the Sap Run and Skinny Field connectors to make a loop. Recommended for experienced skiers with adventure at heart. Yes, there are rough spots and base is very thin, especially in the open areas at the start, but it's skiing on organic snow! Just Ski!

Photos:

(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Snuck in one more ski this morning before closing the gates. Probably the best day skiing so far out of this early season run. A clear cold night down to 18F degrees froze the groomed base down hard. The trails not groomed skied good as well. Fun to see a few other folks out yesterday, thanks for coming out! The trails are now closed in respect of local landowners that deer hunt. We plan to open the trails Thanksgiving week for skiing and fat biking, weather permitting.

Photos:

(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Happy Halloween! Always a treat to groom and ski in October. There were no tricks today! Just a nice covering of dry powder on top of a frozen surface and partially frozen ground. With warm temps in the coming days only groomed around 3km with the early season low snow equipment on the early season low snow trail segments. We have been putting a little extra time on the early season trails this year and today paid off. Skied about 5-6 hours after grooming, which allowed the deck to set up thanks to low dew points, mid 20 temps and partial clearing. Skiing was some of the best October groomed skiing I've ever experienced. Wow. The trails will be open just tomorrow (Nov 1st) for any eager early season skiers then closing at dusk for the upcoming MN firearm season. We plan to open again Thanksgiving week for skiing and fat biking! Think snow and cold!

Photos:

(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)