We skied the Sukkerbusk trail using red kick wax just as the sun was setting.  The clouds had disappeared and it was windless.  The snow was much deeper than in the Twin Cities and the tracks were perfect.   The Lodge was framed by a pink-orange-red sky as we returned.  It was the beginning of a wonderful, long weekend of great skiing, food and camaraderie.

Food is a major attraction at Maplelag.  Made from scratch meals are served family style in a large dining hall where long wood tables seat four on a side. Breakfast was a Norwegian smorgasbord.  The specialties included Kransekaka or Norwegian wedding cake.  Caps sold in the gift shop say EAT instead of SKI. The guest rooms have no clocks, radios, telephones, televisions or computers.  Internet access is limited to the Lodge office computer.  The annual talent show is a throw-back to a simpler time when people entertained each other instead of watching television.  There are no newspapers or news.  Maplelag is a great retreat!

As a testimonial to this wonderful North Star tradition,  trip participants included two three-generation families. Below are trip leaders Barb and Al and daughters.