Mt. Telemark Village Campaign to Benefit from Proceeds

Hayward, Wis. – 12/21/23 – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is proud to announce that Jessie Diggins, decorated world-class athlete and Olympic gold medalist, will be the guest of honor at the 2024 Birkie Bash celebration on Thursday, February 22, 2024, for an unforgettable evening in celebration of winter sports. As part of the 2024 50th American Birkebeiner (Birkie) celebration, the annual Birkie Bash gathering will bring together skiing enthusiasts from all fifty-years of the Birkie, their friends and family, and community supporters. Proceeds from the Birkie Bash celebration will support the Mt. Telemark Village campaign, a cause with roots that run deep through the history of the Birkie ski race. The campaign is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the beloved outdoor space, ensuring accessibility of the land for generations to come, fostering a love for outdoor activities, and continuing to build a sense of community.

The highlight of the evening will be a special appearance by Jessie Diggins, three-time Olympic medalist, fourteen-time World Cup winner, and 2021 World Cup overall winner. Diggins, originally from Afton, Minn., is one of the most dominant and successful cross-country skiers in the world. Known for her inspiring performances and dedication to the sport, Diggins will share insights into her experiences as a world-class athlete and her journey from America’s heartland to making international sports history, navigating challenges and triumphs with rugged grit and a splash of glitter. The 2024 Birkie Bash will be held on Thursday, February 22, at 5:30 pm, at the Steakhouse & Lodge in Hayward, Wisc., a warm and inviting setting for an evening of fun, inspiration, and celebration.

“We are thrilled to have Jessie Diggins join us for the 2024 Birkie Bash celebration. Her passion for cross-country skiing and commitment to community aligns perfectly with the values of the Birkie Bash,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “This event not only promises a night of entertainment but also an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Mt. Telemark Village for the benefit of all outdoor enthusiasts.”

As part of the Birkie Bash, the ABSF invites attendees to lend their support to theMt. Telemark Village campaign. Proceeds from the evening’s festivities will play a crucial role in preserving the cherished space formerly occupied by Telemark Lodge (home of the first American Birkebeiner ski race) and to ensuring that it remains a haven for current and future outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone interested in learning more about Mt. Telemark Village or in supporting and securing its future can visitwww.birkie.com/mtv.

Tickets for the Birkie Bash will go on sale in early January and are $200 per person, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to be part of an evening that blends entertainment, philanthropy, and a celebration of winter sports. In addition to Jessie Diggins’ appearance, the event will feature live music by Molly and the Danger Band and other festivities adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Be the first to know when tickets go on sale by following @AmericanBirkebeiner on Facebook or Instagram, or by signing up for email alerts at www.birkie.com.

Posted December 21, 2023 at 11:45 am