The Prince Haakon 15km is named after the baby prince who started it all! Prince Haakon is the ideal event for first-time racers, those looking for a shorter ski race, or skiers who are too young to compete in other Birkie Ski Week Events. Over 15km, skiers race through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across frozen Lake Hayward, and ski over the infamous American Birkebeiner International Bridge towards the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. Prince Haakon is open to skiers 13-years and older, and has classic or skate category options. #Birkie2025

Slumberland Furniture Complimentary race entry with a purchase of $1499 or more at Slumberland Furniture - Click for complete details

Registration

2025 Prince Haakon Registration is Now Open!

May 1 through June 27June 28 through September 5September 6 through October 31November 1 or until full
Prince Haakon Registration Fee$200$215$230$240
U20 Prince Haakon
(born after 2/21/2005)
$135$140$145$150

Registration Details to Know!

All participants must be 13 years of age or older on race day in order to register for the Prince Haakon.

Please register under the same name every year (exact spelling) in order to keep track of your previous race finishes.  If you are unsure of the name you registered under previously, please call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025 or email registration@birkie.com.

  • To update personal info (email, address, etc) for this event at any time:
    • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
    • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
    • Click on “Participant Info” (along either top or bottom menu)

Registration closing dates are determined by participant numbers/capacity and are not on a set, predetermined date.  Event closings are announced to email subscribers, via social media posts, and on the website.

Skiers interested in skiing the Prince Haakon on Friday, the Birkie on Saturday, and the Open Track Korte on Wednesday can register for all races!

U20 Skiers

As part of the ABSF’s efforts to promote youth development in the sport, we will be offering a U20 (born in 2005 – 2012) age class wave for the Prince Haakon.  U20 athletes will be the first off the starting line!

2025 Birkie Gear Bag Information »

Event Change Request

Participants may request to change from the Prince Haakon to the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Open Track at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 14, 2025 unless an event is full (see allowed transfers below).  Wave placement is subject to availability at time of request. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. Participants may no longer transfer to the American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet once they are full.  A change fee of $25 will be applied. You will receive an updated e-mail confirmation reflecting the change once the change has been approved. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.

  • To change your event:
    • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
    • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
    • Click on “Transfer Event” (along either top or bottom menu)
    • Select the event you want to transfer to and complete the registration
Event you are registered for currentlyEligible for a transfer request to this event
Birkie SkateBirkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Birkie ClassicBirkie Skate, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte SkateBirkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte ClassicBirkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Prince HaakonBirkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Open Track*
Open TrackBirkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon*
*subject to wave availability

Ineligible event change requests will be reversed and refunded minus processing fees if requested.

Race Policies

The race is 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 Prince Haakon must be 13 years of age by February 21, 2025. 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.

Cut-Off Times

Participants must complete their race by 5 pm. 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 and Cut-Off Times

LocationAid Availablefrom Start Cut-off Time
StartWater0
Fish HatcheryWater, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies7K3:35 PM
Finish LineCelebration Zone and Soup Tent!15K5:00 PM

Awards

All Prince Haakon finishers will receive a medal when they cross the finish line!

The top three overall women and men will be recognized in a ceremony in the Celebration Plaza at 3:00 pm on Friday. Winners are based on overall, chip time, not the first to cross the finish line. There is no technique distinction in the awards.

Lodging & Services

For lodging information, see our Lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Find more information and registration details HERE!

Future Event Dates

Save the Date:

2025: February 19-23

2026: February 18-22

2027: February 17-21