Saturday, February 21, 2026
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 receive the prestigious Birchlegging Status. See you on the start line! #Birkie2026
The 2026 Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
| May 1 through June 26 | June 27 through September 11 | September 12 through October 23 | October 24 or until full | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $220 | $230 | $240 | $245 |
Birkie Gear Bags are a part of race day that will last years into the future. Don’t miss the special offer on the 2026 Birkie Gear Bag »
Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Protecht offers refund protection so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Protecht can be purchased during your initial registration or up to five days after registration is completed.
Wave placement is automatically based on 2022, 2023, & 2025 American Birkebeiner/Kortelopet results and is subject to wave availability at the time of registration. 2024 results are not eligible for consideration. If the wave you qualified for is closed, you will be placed in the highest wave that is still open. Wave upgrade requests are also subject to wave availability at the time of the request. Wave seeding tables update each year. Wave placement in a wave one year does not guarantee the same wave placement for 3 years.
The Birkie has three special waves for those who qualify; Spirit of 35, Wave 70, and Elite Wave. See details on these waves on the Birkie event page.
| Birkie Skate | 2025 Finish Time | 2025 PBE | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 2:49:53 | Up to 38% | Up to 2:59:03 | Up to 42.5% | Up to 3:00:16 | Up to 41.5% |
| Wave 2 | 2:49:54 to 3:04:02 | 38% to 49.5% | 2:59:04 to 3:11:37 | 42.5% to 52.5% | 3:00:17 to 3:15:34 | 41.5% to 53.5% |
| Wave 3 | 3:04:03 to 3:15:44 | 49.5% to 59% | 3:11:38 to 3:24:11 | 52.5% to 62.5% | 3:15:35 to 3:28:18 | 53.5% to 63.5% |
| Wave 4 | 3:15:45 to 3:28:39 | 59% to 69.5% | 3:24:12 to 3:38:00 | 62.5% to 73.5% | 3:28:19 to 3:43:35 | 63.5% to 75.5% |
| Wave 5 | 3:28:40 to 3:44:39 | 69.5% to 82.5% | 3:38:01 to 3:54:20 | 73.5% to 86.5% | 3:43:36 to 3:58:53 | 75.5% to 87.5% |
| Wave 6 | 3:44:40 to 4:04:21 | 82.5% to 98.5% | 3:54:21 to 4:11:56 | 86.5% to 100.5% | 3:58:54 to 4:17:59 | 87.5% to 102.5% |
| Wave 7 | 4:04:22 to 4:31:26 | 98.5% to 120.5% | 4:11:57 to 4:38:19 | 100.5% to 121.5% | 4:18:00 to 4:46:01 | 102.5% to 124.5% |
| Wave 8 | 4:31:27 to 5:42:50 | 120.5% to 178.5% | 4:38:20 to 5:42:24 | 121.5% to 172.5% | 4:46:02 to 5:44:37 | 124.5% to 170.5% |
| Wave 9* | 5:42:51 and Up | 178.5% and Up | 5:43:25 and Up | 172.5% and Up | 5:44:38 and Up | 170.5% and Up |
| *Wave 9 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS |
|||||
| Wave 10 | NEW PARTICIPANTS | |||||
| Birkie Classic | 2025 Finish Time | 2025 PBE | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 3:53:35 | Up to 50.5% | Up to 3:58:26 | Up to 38.5% | Up to 4:10:11 | Up to 45.5% |
| Wave 2 | 3:53:36 to 4:21:31 | 50.5% to 68.5% | 3:58:27 to 4:32:51 | 38.5% to 58.5% | 4:10:12 to 4:44:35 | 45.5% to 65.5% |
| Wave 3 | 4:21:32 to 4:57:12 | 68.5% to 91.5% | 4:32:52 to 5:09:01 | 58.5% to 79.5% | 4:44:36 to 5:22:24 | 65.5% to 87.5% |
| Wave 4 | 4:57:13 to 5:49:59 | 91.5% to 125.5% | 5:09:02 to 5:55:29 | 79.5% to 106.5% | 5:22:25 to 6:15:43 | 87.5% to 118.5% |
| Wave 5* | 5:50:00 and Up | 125.5% and Up | 5:55:30 and Up | 106.5% and Up | 6:15:44 and Up | 118.5% and Up |
| *Wave 5 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS | |||||
| Wave 6 | NEW PARTICIPANTS | |||||
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 2026 Spirit of 35 skiers have at least 44 American Birkebeiners completed, including Birkie Founder, Ernie St. Germain, who has finished all 50 American Birkebeiners!
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.
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.
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.
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 2025 Birkie Skate race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2026 Birkie Skate race ONLY. The top 100 male and 40 female finishers from the 2025 Birkie Classic race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2026 Birkie Classic race ONLY. Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2026, must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race here: Elite Waitlist Application will be available May 1
Elite Wave registrations & Elite Waitlist requests close on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 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 23, 2026.
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.
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 6, 2026, with:
Requests for Seeded Group entry must be sent to registration@birkie.com prior to February 6, 2026.
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.
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!
Aid Stations and Cut-off times are still in the works for 2026! Stay tuned for further information and announcements.
| 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 21, 2026. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age by February 21, 2026. 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.
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 2026 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.
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 |
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.
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
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 $179.99!
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 premium pillow. It’s close enough to walk from Main Street, or there is plenty of parking. Store Hours: SAT: 10-6 / SUN: 11-5. Pillows must be picked up at the Hayward Slumberland location by, or before, March 31, 2026.
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.
All prize money paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money
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 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 be given to the top three males and females of each age class in both classic and freestyle races.
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.
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.”
Join us at the podium around 3 pm for the Midwest Collegiate Cup Awards Ceremony.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
Skiers who complete 20 or more American Birkebeiners earn presitigious Birchlegging status and don distinctive purple bibs. Learn more about becoming a Birchlegger here.
