Kortelopet

Like Birkie skiers, Kortelopet skiers are a dedicated bunch!  In honor of a Korte skier’s determination and dedication, there is a well-deserved recognition program!  Skiløper, Norwegian for “skier” (pronounced “Shē-lōp-păh”), began in 2019 and recognizes Kortelopet skiers who reach the milestones of 10, 20, and 30-years.  In addition to the current recognition which includes a Kortelopet 10-year plaque, Skiløper skiers receive a unique bib and deservedly a little swagger for earning it!  Here’s how it works:

• Skiers are recognized at 10, 20 and 30 years for their Kortelopet accomplishments!
  • Skiløper – Ti (Pronounced “tee” means Ten )
    • Unique bib for 10-19 years
    • Kortelopet 10-year plaque
  • Skiløper -Tjue (Pronounced “tu-a” means Twenty)
    • Unique bib for 20-29 years
    • Kortelopet 20-year plaque
  • Skiløper – Tretti (Pronounced “tre-tee” means thirty)
    • Unique bib for 30+ years
    • Kortelopet 30-year plaque

Congratulations Skiløper – You’ve Earned it!

Kortelopet 20-Year and “Combi” Skiers Can Join the Birchleggings Club

The Birchleggings Club is thrilled to now offer our membership and extend a warm invitation to Kortelopet Tuje and Tretti Skiløpers—those who have completed the Kortelopet for the 20^th or 30th time or more. In addition, we welcome “Combi” skiers whose combination of Korte and Birke finishes totals 20 or more!

Your Kortelopet registration status and bib assignments will continue as you have received up to the present, and you will now be able to join and participate in all Birchleggings Club events (including the annual awards breakfast), be recognized as a veteran skier, participate in our efforts to support the Birkie and the Birkie trail, and have a strong voice in the future of the American Birkebeiner. For information visit the Birchleggings Club web site at: www.birchleggings.com and their Facebook page.

Click Here for 2026 Bib Pickup Information »

If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag, you can have your 2026 Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you for $12. Deadline to claim your Birkie Bag is March 31, 2025. Bags will be mailed in April 2026.

Premium Parking

Opens Monday, Jan 12^th 

Premium parking includes 3 options:

• Kortelopet Start Venue Parking – formerly called “Park at the Start.” This option is available only for Friday, Feb 20at 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 21 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 21 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 18th. See the Open Track Events page for parking and shuttle information..

Race Day Parking and Shuttles

Participant and Spectator parking is available at Birkie Ridge on Hwy 63. Buses will shuttle to the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon starts on the below schedule. Buses will shuttle back to Birkie Ridge and to the Spectator Parking Lot in Hayward.

Race Schedule:  Friday, February 21

Aid Stations

Aid Stations and Cut-off times are still in the works for 2026! Stay tuned for further information and announcements.

Kortelopet Skate and Classic Overall Awards

The top three male and female finishers across the line in both skate and classic will be recognized at the Kortelopet Award Ceremony in the Celebration Plaza in Hayward at 12:45 pm on Friday.

Finisher Recognition

Skiers finishing their first Kortelopet will receive a medal at the Finish.

Skiers who have completed more than one Kortelopet will receive a pin indicating the number of Kortelopets they have finished.

Age Class Awards

Age classes are: 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 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.

Skiloper Recognition

Kortelopet Skiers who finish their 10th, 20th, or 30th race will be rewarded with a personalized commemorative plaque.

Ti – 10 years

Tjue – 20 years

Tretti – 30 years

View Kortelopet Results »

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 among the nine races that comprised the founding events, which have grown to over 20 races on five continents.

Worldloppet Ambassadors

There are many Birkie Skiers who have experience 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 Kortelopet Skate or Classic can have their passport stamped for Worldmaster Silver credit or purchase a new passport to start their Worldloppet adventure.

Worldloppet passports may be purchased on-line by clicking HERE. If you have completed an American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet race in the past, you can request that a stamped passport be mailed to you at any time.  The 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 of Birkie Week.  More information and registration details coming for the 2026 event.