Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Friday, February 20, 2026

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Participant and ABSF Wax Policy

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has joined U.S. Ski and Snowboard in banning the use of fluorinated ski wax in competition since the 2020-2021 season. We require all competitors to abide by this policy for all events on the Birkie Trail and at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. All athletes are subject to random ski testing at events and penalties will apply to any US Ski and Snowboard licensed or citizen skier that is found to be non-compliant.

All participants in the American Birkebeiner are required to use non-Fluoridated wax products and are subject to random testing to detect the presence of fluorine on their skis.  Racers in the Men’s & Women’s Birkie Skate Elite Waves MUST follow the wax testing protocol implemented at the event. Specific protocols will be shared with Elite Wave participants prior to the event. Even if not tested, we require all racers at all American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation events to follow the ABSF Wax Policy and we encourage skiers utilize fluoro-free wax at all times.

How to Clean Fluoros from Skis

• Cleaning Skis: Wax, Scrape, & Brush 2-3 times with a F-Free glide wax.
• Cleaning Tools: Clean brushes with vacuum bristles, spritz the bristles lightly with a base cleaner, and allow to dry. Clean scrapers and other hard tools with a base cleaner and allow to dry.
• Work Space: Be sure to vacuum and wipe down surfaces where skis and tools make contact.

Birkie Week Race Policies

All Birkie Week Races are run according to the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Skiing (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 Slumberland American Birkebeiner and American Birkebeiner Open Track must be 18 years of age by February 20, 2026. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancelation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Clothing Bag Procedures Policies for using the clothing transport from the start to the finish.

ABSF Participant Rules

ABSF Wax Policy

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 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.

Shuttle Bus Service

Open Track

Open Track skiers may choose from a few options to get to the race start (shown in the table below), be dropped off by friends or family at the start, or park at the start. Prince Haakon skiers ONLY- bussing is the ONLY option to get to the start. Please note that buses will not return to the start from the finish line for Open Track events. Be sure to have a plan to get back to your car after your race.

Thursday Events

Additional information about parking and shuttles for ParaBirkie, BarneBirkie, Junior Birkie, Barkie Birkie skiers and spectators is available on each event pages and in the Participant Guide.

Kortelopet

Bus service runs continuously to the start from the skier parking lot at Birkie Ridge.  Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. There is no participant drop off at the start area. We recommend at least 1 ½ hours from the time you park to your start time.

Parking at the start is by permit only. Premium Parking Passes for the Kortelopet Start Venue will go on sale in January 2025.

Prince Haakon

Parking and shuttle service is available from Birkie Ridge parking lot, located between Seeley and Cable. Please allow 1 hour minutes to bus to the start, while considering the time it will take to warm up and prepare for the race.

American Birkebeiner

Bus service runs continuously to the start from the Birkie Ridge and Cable parking lots for Saturday events.  Participants arriving from the south should park at Birkie Ridge (2 miles north of Seeley).  Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. On Saturday ONLY- Participants arriving from the North should follow the signs for parking at the Cable Lot just to the west of Cable.  Buses will run continuously from this lot from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. Please allow at least 1 ½ hours from parking to your start time.

There is no participant dropoff at the start without a permit. Participants may be dropped off at Birkie Ridge or the Cable lot.

Parking at the start is by permit only. Premium Parking Passes for the Start Venue will go on sale in January 2025.

Buses from the Finish in downtown Hayward will bring you back to both parking lots throughout the day on Saturday.

Participants must complete their race before their listed cut-off time, listed in the tables below. Cut-off times for races will be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers.  Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and possible ineligibility for future Birkie Events.

Aid Stations are available along race routes, providing snacks and hydration to racers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration vessels to fill at self-serve aid stations. Cut-off times for races must be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers. Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and possible ineligibility for future Birkie Events.

American Birkebeiner

Open Track

Kortelopet

Please note that cut-off times have changed for 2025. Participants of the 2025 Events must complete their race by 5 pm.

Prince Haakon

Telemark Northwoods Lodging

Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging

Telemark Northwoods Lodging is the Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging offering a great retreat in a year-round recreational playground.

Visit the Telemark Northwoods Lodging Website

Lodging Options

The Hayward, WI area boasts a wide variety of lodging options during race week, from boutique stays to affordable dorm-style lodging. For more information, visit our lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Dependable, fun, and safe childcare is provided on race days during Birkie Week for children of racers. Find more information and registration details here.

Birkie Week Community Events

• Cable Area Chamber of Commerce
• Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
• Downtown Hayward

Local Birkie Week Dining Specials

• 2026 Specials Coming Soon!