Maplelag was in great shape on Saturday, and the trails have held up incredibly well in these unseasonably warm temps. No hat or jacket needed. The classic skiing was not icy or too fast, and there was good kick and very decent glide during the time we were on the trails between 11 and 3. Waxless worked well in today's ideal spring-like conditions. If what you seek is snow, Maplelag's still the place to go.

(Glenn Gifford)

Minimal to no snow loss so far. Fast skating in the morning, 22 K. Afternoon - classic on Sukkerbusk, Twin Lakes, Island Lake, and Wavy Gravy 18 K - a bit slower, but still very good recreation. Lots of happy skiers all over the trails. I have decided to stay for another half day on Sunday. Thank you!

(Istvan Gombocz)

Despite temps rising above 50, we had a beautiful day of spring like skiing. The transition period or "sweet spot" was limited today but before 11am some really nice skiing. A check of the trails mid afternoon found lots of happy skiers enjoying the mild temps and corn snow. Best skiing reported on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and Twin Lakes. The fat biking was fantastic this am. The fat bike course on Twin Lakes singletrack will be open 6am-10am Saturday and Sunday mornings provided it freezes down.We will be grooming select ski trails this evening. Mostly on the inner system/ main trails. The ski trails will remain open all day through the weekend.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

A great day of spring skiing. Was slow to warm up making for fast skiing all morning but jumped quickly to 40 after lunch, softening the snow nicely and making for very nice skiing. At dusk we cut new track on about 20 km of trail than this evening we renovated and groomed the skate trails. Trails are freezing down now and setting up the fresh groomed well. Ideal skiing should be in the 10-2 time frame tomorrow. We will plan on grooming again in the evening Friday.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Drove five hours from Sioux Falls, SD to ski at Maplelag and it was well worth the trip. Trails were in excellent condition and there is plenty of snow. Skating trails and Classical trails were fast and in great conditon. Skied on Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures were never above 31 degrees.

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(Jason Sage)

Temps a little bit cooler than forecasted today and temps actually dropped by late afternoon to the mid teens. Combined with a stiff wind, the windchill was single digits. No grooming today, went out skiing to check conditions. Skate skiing about as good as it gets, bit more firm and fast across the road. Tracks varied from firm/hardpacked to icy. The Twin Skins have been incredible skis for current conditions and making for some really fun skiing. With temps to hold steady until Thursday, grooming on hold until Thursday afternoon during anticipated transition period from softer snow to glazing/hardening.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

After Friday's warm up, we've cooled down with lows in the lower teens at night and highs 31-36 during the day. We've transitioned to frozen granulated snow and enjoying textbook spring conditions. (Hard/fast in morning, softening up early afternoon than glazing over again at dusk) Grooming has occurred on select trails refreshing tracks as needed on a tracksetting rotation basis. Typical double track will have a renovated, softer and slower track and opposite track will by icy hard and fast. Perfect for Twin Skins/hairies etc.! The skate deck on Skaters Waltz is pretty much perfect for spring skiing. The 8-12" compacted base on trail is holding strong. Today's temps really only softened the southern exposed sections. Temps looks to cool down the next couple days ensuring good skiing this week. The fat bike trail on TwinLakes singletrack is in mint condition. Thursday's night groom is holding strong. Best riding is before noon. Most of the loop faces the north and the base is deep keeping the snow cold.

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(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)

Maplelag has excellent snow coverage, and no shortage of snow. The classic tracks were firm and fast in spots. The skiing was very good. I skied Twin Skins and they worked very well for the conditions.

(Glenn Gifford)

Temps in the low teens mid morning made the trail a bit icy in places but these fast conditions were quite enjoyable for us Fargoans who haven't seen skiable snow for several weeks. Skaters Walz was certainly danceable today! 56"of snow this season promises to stick around Maplelag for awhile. Crossing Goat Ranch Road to ski the North Loop and Roy's Run was worth hopping out of our skis. These two runs were much less skied and consequently less icy offering mostly excellent ski conditions, not to mention a silent deep woods experience. One diversion from Roy's was a brand new section of trail this year. Kudos to the Maplelag family that continues a legacy of excellence. If ever my interest in Nordic skiing wanes I know I must make the pilgramage.

(Jeffrey Quam)

The entire trail system groomed 1-3 times this past week. Around 15km of classic trail groomed this morning, cutting new track and cleaning up a few drifted areas from last nights wind. A classic ski around lunch time found the snow holding up great despite temps near 40 and overall really nice skiing. Softened up before freezing down again this afternoon. Spring skiing conditions, bit icy and fast in the morning before softening up again in the afternoons. Next ski trail grooming planned Sunday morning on select trails. Fat bike trail was groomed Thursday evening. Closed for the afternoon but will be open again Saturday and Sunday. Try to ride early if possible to prevent rutting if temp climbs above freezing. We have a deep base of snow with cold temps down low, thanks to -15 to -20 lows during the week that will provide skiing opportunities during this warm spell and beyond.

Photos:

(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)