Slumberland American Birkebeiner
Presented by Ariens
Saturday, February 22, 2025
53k Classic Race / 50k Skate Race
Cable to Hayward, WI, USA
Join the rich Northwoods tradition of North America’s largest and finest cross-country ski race, the Slumberland American Birkebeiner. Since 1973, skiers have raced along the American Birkebeiner trail, becoming part of legend. Skiers who have completed 20 or more American Birkebeiners recieve the prestigious Birchlegging Status. See you on the start line! #Birkie2025
The 2025 Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
- Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for skate skiers, and 53K for classic skiers
- Is North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
- Is proudly part of the Worldloppet circuit of over 20 international ski marathons
- Includes skiers from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 25 countries!
Charity Partners & Scholarships
Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research
Team Fox is the grassroots community fundraising program for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), the official charity partner of this year’s American Birkebeiner. Learn how you can join the team and raise funds for Parkinson’s Research.
Schwartz Miller Scholarship Endowment
The Schwartz Miller Scholarship Endowment will offer scholarships to high school seniors who are members of a ski team but for whom the entry fee is a challenge. An equal number of male and female entries will be granted for them to ski the Birkie or Korte. Initially, 20 scholarships will be given until the endowment grows to generate more scholarships. Learn More & Apply or Donate Here »
Additional Birkie Wave Seeding Tables
Wave Seeding Tables
2025 American Birkebeiner Skate
| Birkie Skate | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE | 2020 Finish Time | 2020 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 3:00:18 | Up to 43.5% | Up to 3:01:33 | Up to 42.5% | Up to 2:41:17 | Up to 35.5% |
| Wave 2 | 3:00:19 to 3:12:52 | 43.5% to 53.5% | 3:01:34 to 3:19:23 | 42.5% to 56.5% | 2:41:18 to 2:54:23 | 35.5% to 46.5% |
| Wave 3 | 3:12:53 to 3:26:42 | 53.5% to 64.5% | 3:19:24 to 3:35:57 | 56.5% to 69.5% | 2:54:24 to 3:07:28 | 46.5% to 57.5% |
| Wave 4 | 3:26:43 to 3:41:46 | 64.5% to 76.5% | 3:35:58 to 3:53:47 | 69.5% to 83.5% | 3:07:29 to 3:22:57 | 57.5% to 70.5% |
| Wave 5 | 3:41:47 to 3:58:06 | 76.5% to 89.5% | 3:53:48 to 4:11:37 | 83.5% to 97.5% | 3:22:58 to 3:34:51 | 70.5% to 80.5% |
| Wave 6 | 3:58:07 to 4:20:43 | 89.5% to 107.5% | 4:11:38 to 4:29:27 | 97.5% to 111.5% | 3:34:52 to 3:52:43 | 80.5% to 95.5% |
| Wave 7 | 4:20:44 to 4:49:37 | 107.5% to 130.5% | 4:29:28 to 4:53:39 | 111.5% to 130.5% | 3:52:44 to 4:22:28 | 95.5% to 120.5% |
| Wave 8 | 4:49:38 to 5:39:53 | 130.5% to 170.5% | 4:53:40 to 5:44:37 | 130.5% to 170.5% | 4:22:29 to 5:21:59 | 120.5% to 170.5% |
| Wave 9* | 5:39:54 and Up | 170.5% and Up | 5:44:38 and Up | 170.5% and Up | 5:22:00 and Up | 170.5% and Up |
| *Wave 9 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS |
|||||
| Wave 10 | NEW PARTICIPANTS | |||||
2025 American Birkebeiner Classic
| Birkie Classic | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE | 2020 Finish Time | 2020 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 4:08:45 | Up to 44.5% | Up to 4:17:04 | Up to 49.5% | Up to 3:46:46 | Up to 54.5% |
| Wave 2 | 4:08:46 to 4:56:58 | 44.5% to 72.5% | 4:17:05 to 4:58:20 | 49.5% to 73.5% | 3:46:47 to 4:21:59 | 54.5% to 78.5% |
| Wave 3 | 4:56:59 to 5:45:10 | 72.5% to 100.5% | 4:58:21 to 6:01:57 | 73.5% to 110.5% | 4:22:00 to 5:01:37 | 78.5% to 105.5% |
| Wave 4 | 5:45:11 to 6:54:01 | 100.5% to 140.5% | 6:01:58 to 8:02:19 | 110.5% to 180.5% | 5:01:38 to 5:50:03 | 105.5% to 138.5% |
| Wave 5* | 6:54:02 and Up | 140.5% and Up | 8:02:20 and Up | 180.5% and Up | 5:50:04 and Up | 138.5% and Up |
| *Wave 5 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS | |||||
| Wave 6 | NEW PARTICIPANTS | |||||
Event Adjustment Factors
| Event You are Registering For in 2025 | Using Previous Birkie Skate Result | Using Previous Birkie Classic Result | Using Previous Korte Skate Result | Using Previous Korte Classic Result | Using Previous Prince Haakon Result | Using Any 2021 or 2024 Birkie/ Korte/ Prince Haakon Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkie Skate | 0 | + 8 % | + 15 % | + 15 % | Wave 9 | Wave 9 |
| Birkie Classic | – 8 % | 0 | + 8% | + 8 % | Wave 5 | Wave 5 |
| Korte Skate | – 15 % | – 7 % | 0 | 0 | Wave 4 | Wave 4 |
| Korte Classic | – 15 % | – 7 % | 0 | 0 | Wave 3 | Wave 3 |
Spirit of 35
This wave celebrates the spirit of the 35 intrepid skiers who finished the first Birkie in 1973. It is comprised of a small group of skiers who have completed the most Birkies and therefore have a special place in the race’s history. The current group of 2025 Spirit of 35 skiers have at least 45 American Birkebeiners completed, including Birkie Founder, Ernie St. Germain, who has finished all 50 American Birkebeiners!
Wave 70
Cross country skiing is a lifestyle sport that allows people to stay active and healthy into their later years. Each year the Birkie provides an opportunity to celebrate this for more than two hundred skiers over the age of seventy! We recognize these skiers with a special bib and special wave.
Birchleggers
Skiers who have competed in 20 or more American Birkebeiner races receive the designation of Birchlegger Skier. Birchleggers embody the spirit and endurance of this iconic skiing event and allow its legacy to be carried into the future. Birchleggers wear a distinctive purple and gold bib, awarded to skiers participating in their 20th and subsequent races. 30-year participants, Uberleggers, receive a black and purple bib as a mark of their enduring commitment. Learn more about Birchlegger skiers and the Birchleggings Club.
35 Endowment Forerunners
The Endowment Forerunners are 35 major donors who collectively gave nearly $1,000,000 to launch the Foundation for the Endowment of the American Birkebeiner, which provides a permanent source of funds for the American Birkebeiner organization. We recognize them permanently with their own specially numbered 35 white bibs.
Elite Wave
The Elite Wave is a long standing tradition at the American Birkebeiner. This wave accommodates competitors who have outstanding credentials from the previous year’s American Birkebeiner. The top 200 male and 65 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Skate race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2025 Birkie Skate race ONLY. The top 100 male and 40 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Classic race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2025 Birkie Classic race ONLY. Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2025, must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race here: Elite Waitlist Application
If you were in the Elite Wave in 2024 as an automatic qualifier based on 2023 results, you will automatically be in the Elite Wave in 2025. If you applied to the Elite Waitlist and were assigned to the Elite Wave in 2024, you will need to reapply to the Elite Waitlist for 2025.
Elite Wave registrations & Elite Waitlist requests close on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:59pm CST.
Positions in the Elite Waves are only guaranteed for returning skiers who meet the above finish place criteria. No exceptions. If you have an Elite Wave finish two or more years prior, top Kortelopet finish, or other outstanding cross country ski race results, you may request to be added to the Elite Wave Waitlist. Open positions in the Elite Wave will be filled from the Waitlist after January 26, 2025.
All American Birkebeiner 50K Skate Elite wave participants will be subject to equipment control. As per US Ski and Snowboard rules, all American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation events are fluoro free. Elite wave participants will be randomly checked to ensure a clean competition.
Seeded FIS Group
Competitors from all FIS member nations that meet the eligibility requirements will be included in the Seeded Group in the Birkie Skate Race. This group will start as part of the Men’s and Women’s Elite Birkie Skate Waves. Seeded athletes will be assigned designated starting positions at the front of the wave and the rest of the elite wave must stay behind the seeded group until the gun goes off.
There is no Seeded Group in the Birkie Classic Race.
Eligibility for the Seeded Group requires that the competitors be active FIS members with at least one FIS race result in the 365 days prior to February 7, 2025, with:
- fewer than 200 points for women and 150 points for men in competitions with a distance of 30 km or greater
- fewer than 150 points for women and 125 points for men in competitions with distance less than 30 km
Requests for Seeded Group entry must be sent to registration@birkie.com prior to February 7, 2025.
Team Captains Meeting
There will be a mandatory meeting for Seeded Group competitors prior to the race.
Athletes without team affiliation are encouraged to attend the meeting and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
A complete list of maps and trail conditions can be found on the Trails page.
Interactive Course Maps
Unable to ski the Birkie? Want to relive your race day? Experience the Birkebeiner virtually! Maps, 360 degree videos, and live stats enhance every leg of the race with skate or classic options.
Register for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner and make it real! Because…once the race is closed…it’s closed. Don’t miss out!
View Interactive Course Map »
Or, Tour the Interactive Birkie Trail Map »
Aid Stations
Aid Stations and Cut-off times are still in the works for 2025! Stay tuned for further information and announcements.
Race Schedule: Saturday, February 22
| Wave | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Spirit of 35 | 8:15 AM |
| Women Elite Skate | 8:30 AM |
| Men & Women Elite Classic | 8:35 AM |
| Wave 1 Classic | 8:40 AM |
| Men Elite Skate | 8:50 AM |
| Wave 1 Skate | 8:55 AM |
| Wave 2 Classic | 9:00 AM |
| Wave 2 Skate | 9:05 AM |
| Wave 70 Skate & Classic | 9:10 AM |
| Wave 3 Classic | 9:15 AM |
| Wave 3 Skate | 9:20 AM |
| Wave 4 Classic | 9:25 AM |
| Wave 4 Skate | 9:30 AM |
| Wave 5 Classic | 9:35 AM |
| Wave 5 Skate | 9:40 AM |
| Wave 6 Classic | 9:45 AM |
| Wave 6 Skate | 9:50 AM |
| Wave 7 Skate | 9:55 AM |
| Wave 8 Skate | 10:00 AM |
| Wave 9 Skate | 10:05 AM |
| Wave 10 Skate | 10:10 AM |
The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the FIS and any special requirements stated in the entry form, Birch Scroll, this web site, www.birkie.com and participant race instructions. Offenses against any of these rules may lead to disqualification for current or future events and the forfeiture of any and all awards.
All participants in the Birkebeiner must be 18 years of age by February 22, 2025. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age by February 22, 2025. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.
Skiers must ski the distance they have registered for- no participant in the American Birkebeiner can ski the Kortelopet or Prince Haakon without officially changing their race entry (see below for how to request an Event change). Participants who complete a technique for which they are not registered (for example – ski the skate course when they registered for classic) will be credited for completing the race but will not be given a finish time, will not be eligible for awards, and will not be included in the official results.
Trash Penalty
A trash penalty is now in place for all Birkie events. Any participant, coach, or support crew caught throwing waste on the trail or into the woods between aid stations could be assessed a 15 minute penalty. There will be “Last Chance” garbage disposal areas as you leave each aid stations at all 2025 races. Violators should be reported by bib number via email at birkie@birkie.com or to a volunteer at the next aid station. Read more in the Participant rules above.
Premium Parking
Opens Monday, Jan 13th
Premium parking includes 3 options:
- Kortelopet Start Venue Parking – formerly called “Park at the Start.” This option is available only for Friday, Feb 21at Kortelopet start. Parking is on the SCJFOC side of Hwy 00 and have pass displayed in window at all times, participants then walk over the bridge to the start venue. $250
- Birkebeiner Start Venue Parking – formerly called “Park at the Start.” This option is available only for Saturday, Feb 22 at the Birkebeiner start. Parking is in the airport lot. Participants then walk the pedestrian walk path to the start venue. Must access Mt. Telemark Village property from Cty Hwy M/Telemark Rd and have pass displayed in window at all times. $250
- Premium Coach to the Start – formerly called “Park at the Finish. ” This option is available only for the Saturday, Feb 22 Birkebeiner race. Park just past the finish line in downtown Hayward and ride a coach bus to the start of the Birkebeiner. Includes snacks and drinks, bathroom on board, leave your gear bag on the bus. $325
Passes are mailed to purchasers ahead of race week. Parking passes are not needed for Open Track events on Wednesday, February 19th. See the Open Track Events page for parking and shuttle information.
Shuttle Information
On Saturday, busing is provided from the Birkie Ridge and Cable parking lots to the American Birkebeiner start at the times listed below. Busing back to the parking lots from the Recovery Zone in downtown Hayward or to the Spectator Lot in Hayward is also provided.
| Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | American Birkebeiner Start | 6:15am – 10:30am |
| Cable Parking Lot | American Birkebeiner Start | 6:15am – 10:30am |
| Celebration Zone Bus Stop | Spectator Parking Lot | 9:00am – 6:30pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | 12:30pm – 6:30pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Cable Parking Lot | 12:30pm – 6:30pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | American Birkebeiner Start (Permit Holders ONLY) | 12:30pm – 6:30pm |
Birkie Skate Overall Prize
Prize money will be awarded to the first six male and female competitors who cross the finish in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race. A total purse of $39,000 will be awarded in the increments below at an award ceremony in the Celebration Plaza. All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money
| Place | Prize Money (US $) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $7,500 |
| 2nd | $4,500 |
| 3rd | $3,000 |
| 4th | $2,000 |
| 5th | $1,500 |
| 6th | $1,000 |
Tony Wise Award for the First American Finisher
A $2500 Tony Wise Award will be given to the top American male & female finishers in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money
In addition, the first U.S. finishers will receive a premium, luxury mattress set from Slumberland, title sponsor of the American Birkebeiner.
Sprint Bonus Presented by Madshus
Two Madshus Sprint Bonus awards will be given to the first male and female competitors in the Birkie Skate Race to cross the intermediate sprint lines. The first sprint line is located right before the Birkie Skate course exits the powerline section and enters the woods at approximately 2.5K into the race. The second sprint line is located prior to the OO Aid Station at 20K into the race. All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money
Wave Winner Awards
From Slumberland, Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner:
Win Your Birkie Wave—Win a Tempur-Pedic Pillow! The top male and female in waves 1 and up of the Birkie Skate and Classic will each receive a premium Tempur-Pedic Pillow from Slumberland, valued at $149!
* To Claim Your Award, check Birkie Results online then go directly to the Slumberland Furniture store on Highway 63 right in downtown Hayward to pick up your pair of premium pillows. It’s close enough to walk from Main Street, or there is plenty of parking. Store Hours: SAT: 10-6 / SUN: 11-5. Unable to pick up your pillows? Have them shipped, at your expense, by March 31, 2024. Call the Birkie for details (715-634-5025).
Birkie Classic Overall Awards
Prize money will be awarded to the first three male and female competitors who cross the finish in the Birkie Classic Race at a ceremony held in the Celebration Plaza at 12:30 pm.
- 1st Place $1000
- 2nd Place $500
- 3rd Place $250
All prize money paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money
Finisher Awards
First time American Birkebeiner Finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish.
Skiers finishing subsequent Birkies will receive a pin recognizing the number of American Birkebeiners completed at the finish.
Age Class Awards
Awards are based on net finish time (finish arrival time minus start time). Age classes are: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85-89. Age class awards will not be given to the top three males and females of each age class in both classic and freestyle races.
10 Year Awards
We celebrate participants that have completed 10 American Birkebeiners! Finishers of their 10th race will be awarded a personalized commemorative plaque. Plaques can be picked up at the Awards tent on Saturday or Sunday after the conclusion of the race.
Birchlegger Awards
Birkie skiers completing their 20th race become a “Birchlegger”. Birchlegger is the English translation for the Norwegian, Birkebeinerne, the nick-name of the birch bark armored warriors who saved Prince Haakon. These special skiers are recognized with the honor of wearing a special bib in the race and a personalized award for 20, 30, and 40 years completed!
Birchleggers will receive their awards at a special breakfast hosted by the Birchleggings Club on Sunday morning following the Birkie. First time Birchleggers will be treated to breakfast at no charge.
If you cannot attend the Birchleggings Club Breakfast to receive your award, they will be available at the Birkie Store Tent near the finish line on Main Street.
The Birchleggings Club is not a part of the American Birkebeiner Foundation. It is a separate organization dedicated to be “a strong promoter of continued participation in the American Birkebeiner and would contribute toward enhancement of the rich traditions that mark the Birkie as a unique skiing event.”
Start Line
Spectators may accompany racers to the start line in Cable to cheer them on as they begin their journey towards Main Street. See the “How to Get to the Start” section above for information on getting to the Start. Spectators can then ride a bus back to their cars at Birkie Ridge or Cable parking lots.
Finish Line – Main Street, Hayward
Skiers, whether elite or citizen, count on spectators to cheer them on as they set their sights on the finish line. Just when they think they’re fading, spectators provide an emotional lift that encourages them along their way. Catch Birkie Fever!
Watch the live video from the start and along the course beginning at 8:00 am on the big screen from the Frandsen Bank & Trust Celebration Plaza on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The first finishers are welcomed with the ringing of the church bells as they come off of Lake Hayward on to Main Street at approximately 10:40 am. Good viewing is possible along the length of Main Street.
Parking is available at designated parking lots with shuttle service throughout the day. There is limited street parking within the downtown area, respect the parking direction signs and utilize the parking lots.
For skier and spectator safety, there are no pedestrian crossings on Main Street. Please use the access under the International Bridge for travel to the other side of the street.
Worldloppet is an international association of long distance ski races, created in 1979 from the inspiration of American Birkebeiner creator, Tony Wise. The Birkie is one of the nine races that comprise the founding events. The Worldloppet has grown to over 20 races on five continents. Learn more about Worldloppet Ambassadors, Passports, and the annual Birkie Week Worldloppet Breakfast!
Worldloppet Ambassadors
There are many Birkie Skiers who have experienced traveling to races around the globe. If you are interested in a particular race or just about the Worldloppet in general, we can connect you with someone who can share their experience with you and help to plan a trip. Click Here to submit an inquiry.
Worldloppet Passports
Tens of thousands of skiers around the world record their Worldloppet race finishes in a special Passport. Finishers of the American Birkebeiner Skate or Classic can have their passport stamped for Worldloppet Gold credit or purchase a new passport following the race on Saturday or on Sunday.
Click here to purchase a Worldloppet passport on-line. If you have completed a Birkie in the past, you can request that a stamped passport be mailed to you at any time. Cost of new passports are $35.
Worldloppet Breakfast
All are welcome to join Worldloppet Skiers, delegates from other Worldloppet competitions, and honored guests at the Worldloppet Breakfast on Friday morning of Birkie week. The breakfast is an informal, European-style buffet.
This event is open to all skiers, not just Passport Holders.
2024 Information TBD!
When:
Friday, February 21, 2025
7:30 a.m. Coffee Social
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
Where:
Flat Creek Inn & Suites, Hwy. 27 South, Hayward, WI
Cost:
Cost: $16
Kortelopet skiers in attendance can bus to the start after breakfast. Kortelopet bus departs at 9:00am
Ski Classics
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner is the first American event to enter the world of Ski Classics as a Challenger Series event. Based in Sweden, the Ski Classics is an international, long-distance, skiing circuit. The Ski Classics Challenger series was launched in 2019 as a common platform to connect and promote long distance skiing events worldwide.
Save the date:
2025: February 19-23
2026: February 18-22
2027: February 17-21
Earn Your Purple Bib
Skiers who complete 20 or more American Birkebeiners earn presitigious Birchlegging status and don distinctive purple bibs. Learn more about becoming a Birchlegger here.
