Training Programs

Train, Live, and Enjoy Birkie Events and the Year-Round Birkie Lifestyle

A big idea here at the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is to be part of and support your year-round healthy, outdoor lifestyle. Although we put on some great events, we know there’s more going on for you the rest of the year–like getting ready for those events or just getting out and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

That’s what Birkie Programming is all about, to get moving and make that dream a reality. The Birkie is not just a destination. As a true lifestyle, it happens wherever you are. So, come and enjoy the Birkie Trails, but we’re also happy to bring the Birkie Lifestyle to you, wherever you live and train. This is just the beginning. We hope you will be part of it!

Seasonal & Year-Round Programs/Camps

Team Birkie High Performance Racing Team

Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC), the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, and the Loppet Foundation are teaming up to create a high performance racing team.
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Birkie Trail Kids

Birkie Trail Kids is open to children age 3 years – 5th grade. Teach your child to love skiing and the great outdoors with Birkie Trail Kids!
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Trail to Prince Haakon Program

The Trail to Prince Haakon program aims to help people find the joy of winter and be healthy year round. The program is a guided ski progression for first-time Birkie event skiers, emphasizing “eventing” vs racing.
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Ski Training Plans & Tips

Train to Ski

Birkie Ski Training Plans

Birkie Training Tips

Training suggestions and guide from Jan Guenther, Owner of Gear West XC Ski & Run Shop.

XC Ski Training Tips from Birkie Champion Matt Liebsch

Previous Training Plans

Running Training Plans & Tips

Train to Run

Birkie Trail Run Training Plans

12 Tips for Crushing Your Birkie Trail Run Event

12 Birkie Trail Run training tips from Gear West’s Jan Guenther, 2x Birkie Trail Marathon first place finisher.