Mission

To reduce barriers and increase participation in an active outdoor lifestyle including skiing, biking and running for underserved groups.

Ski de She – First Ever All-Women Ski Event

On January 27-29, 2023 the Birkie hosted a ski camp exclusively for women, who came from all skill levels, beginner to advanced. The skiers were able to learn different techniques, depending on their skill level, and gain insights from multiple speakers that came over the weekend. Speakers sharing information from nutrition to waxing and clothing selection. In addition to the ski camp, over 400 women skiers participated in a race during the weekend! In 2025, Ski de She will be held on January 17-19, 2025! Learn more here.

ParaBirkie Joins Forces with Ski for light

The 2023 ParaBirkie, held on the Friday of Birkie week, hosted a record number of adaptive skiers, 29. Participation was bolstered through a new partnership with Ski for Light, Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit, organization founded in 1975. The mission of Ski for Light is “to teach visually- and mobility-impaired adults the sport of classic cross-country skiing, to give participants who have already mastered the basics the chance to improve their skills and endurance, and to enable participants to just have fun on the snow.” The ParaBirkie continues to be held on the Friday of Birkie week, this year it lands on February 21, 2025. Make your way downtown to cheer these athletes on to the finish line.

Zhooshoomemiikaanis Trail Brought Back to Life at LCO College

The summer of 2022 was full of trail restoration at the Lac Courte Oreilles College. This trail was established in 1982 and rebuilt in 2022 with the support of Ernie St. Germaine, Birkie Founder and Anishinabeg Indian. The trail was rebuilt with the help of the LCO Ojibwe School, Akii-gikinoo’amaading Charter School, and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Read more about the trail restoration here: Zhooshoomemiikaanis Trail

Students from the Akiigikinoo’amaading Charter School Skiing

The students from the Akii-gikinoo’amaading Charter School were able to get out on the Birkie Trail multiple times during the winter of 2022/23. For some this was their first time ever cross country skiing. Board members, staff, and Ernie St. Germaine helped teach them techniques to get started.

5k Paved Trail Completed at Mt. Telemark Village

During the fall of 2022 the Birkie completed a 5-kilometer paved loop at the Birkie Trailhead. This loop is accessible to individuals who are unable to access unpaved trails due to different abilities. The paved trail can be used by pedestrians, individuals who use a wheelchair, cyclists, and roller skiers. The addition of this trail offers an accessible location for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to recreate and enjoy the Northwoods.

• Brooke Dorman DeFoe is heading to the 2023 Indigenous Games
• Colorado Springs Trail Running Camp for Kids: a collaboration with Joseph Gray’s Project Inspire Diversity
• Inclusion Opens the Door to Dream
  Birch Scroll 2022 article by Joseph Gray, most decorated American mountain runner of all time.
• Zhooshoomemiikaanis Trail
  Birch Scroll 2022 article by Ernie St. Germaine, Birkie Founder & Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director