Birkie Week Events
February 19 – 23, 2025
Cable-Hayward, WI, USA
Welcome to the North Woods and the 2025 Birkie Week of Events!
From its humble beginnings, the American Birkebeiner has grown to become North America’s largest ski race and the third largest in the world. To date, over 250,000 skiers have finished Birkie ski events. Approximately 40,000 spectators and skiers gather each February in the Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin areas for the Nordic sports festivities and in celebration of the determination and perseverance of the Birkebeiner warriors.
We think you’ll agree that there is something magical about Birkie week. It’s a time when new skiers and seasoned veterans gather together to celebrate cross-country skiing with friends, new and old. The excitement in the air is palpable and Birkie Fever is alive and well around every corner.
Registration for the 2025 Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, and Open Track is Filling Fast!
Birkie Week 2025 Registration FAQs
Start Times
Wednesday: Open Track
- 8-9am American Birkebeiner 50K Skate/Classic Open Track Start Window
- 11:00-11:45am Kortelopet 29K Skate/Classic Open Track Start Window
- 11:00-11:30am Prince Haakon Open Track Start Window
- 5:00pm Finish Cut-Off
Thursday: Barnebirkie, Jr. Birkie, & Giant Ski
- 9:00am Barkie Birkie, Main Street, Hayward
- 11:30am Barnebirkie; Main Street, Hayward
- 1:00pm Jr. Birkie, Main Street, Hayward
- 3:00pm Jr. Birkie Relays, Main Street, Hayward
- 5:00pm Giant Ski on Main Street, Hayward
Friday: ParaBirie, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon
Saturday: Slumberland American Birkebeiner
Sunday: On Snow Ski and Bike Demo
Track Your Skier With RTRT!
The 2024 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Live Results are available via web at https://track.rtrt.me/e/ABSF-BIRKIE-2024. Have a Smartphone? Download the RTRT.me Mobile App at https://rtrt.me/app and search for the 2024 Birkie event. Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Results to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, position on the map and estimated finish will be instantly available! Sign-up now to have race progress posted automatically to your Twitter feeds! Live Email Notifications are also available.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Participant and ABSF Wax Policy
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has joined U.S. Ski and Snowboard in banning the use of fluorinated ski wax in competition since the 2020-2021 season. We require all competitors to abide by this policy for all events on the Birkie Trail and at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. All athletes are subject to random ski testing at events and penalties will apply to any US Ski and Snowboard licensed or citizen skier that is found to be non-compliant.
All participants in the American Birkebeiner are required to use non-Fluoridated wax products and are subject to random testing to detect the presence of fluorine on their skis. Racers in the Men’s & Women’s Birkie Skate Elite Waves MUST follow the wax testing protocol implemented at the event. Specific protocols will be shared with Elite Wave participants prior to the event. Even if not tested, we require all racers at all American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation events to follow the ABSF Wax Policy and we encourage skiers utilize fluoro-free wax at all times.
How to Clean Flouros from Skis
- Cleaning Skis: Wax, Scrape, & Brush 2-3 times with a F-Free glide wax.
- Cleaning Tools: Clean brushes with vacuum bristles, spritz the bristles lightly with a base cleaner, and allow to dry. Clean scrapers and other hard tools with a base cleaner and allow to dry.
- Work Space: Be sure to vacuum and wipe down surfaces where skis and tools make contact.
Birkie Week Race Policies
All Birkie Week Races are 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 Slumberland American Birkebeiner and American Birkebeiner Open Track must be 18 years of age by February 21, 2025. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age. 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.
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.
Bib Number Email Confirmations will be sent out the week before Birkie Week. You will pick up your bib and the bag option you choose during registration: Birkie Gear Bag or Plastic Bag, unless you indicated you would be using a previously purchased Birkie Gear Bag. You will only receive what you indicated during registration.
Credentials Required for Bib Pick-Up
- You must bring a paper or electronic copy of your bib confirmation email and a PHOTO ID to pick up your bib
- Youth without a photo ID will be verified by their parent/guardian
- You may pick up a bib for another skier, only if you are also picking up your own bib. You must have a paper or electronic copy of the other skier(s) bib confirmation email(s), copy of photo ID, and signed authorization
- Entries are non-transferable between individuals
Wednesday Open Track Event
In the Celebration Tent on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 19 from 6:30-10:00 am.
Thursday Events
- Barkie Birkie bib pick-up will be from 8am – 9:15am (prior to race start) at the Celebration Tent on Main Street
- Barnebirkie bib pick-up wil be from 9:30am to 11:30am at the e Hawyard Intermediate School
- Barne racers will receive their bib and BarneBirkie hat. Birkie Junior gear bags will be available for pickup for those who purchased them.
- Junior Birkie bib pick-up will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hayward Intermediate School
- Jr. racers will receive their bib and Jr. Birkie hat. Birkie Junior gear bags will be available for pickup for those who purchased them.
Friday Events
- ParaBirkie bib pick-up will begin at 8:30am at Wheeler Rd, prior to the start of the race
- Kortelopet and Prince Haakon:
- Pre-Race Bib Pickup: Thursday, February 20
- Location: Birkie Expo, Hayward High School
- Times:
- Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- You will pick up your bib and the bag option you choose during registration: Birkie Gear Bag or Plastic Bag, unless you indicated you would be using a previously purchased Birkie Gear Bag. You will only receive what you indicated during registration.
- Expo Preview
- Race Day Bib Pickup: Friday, February 21
- Location: Start Area Near Warming Tent
- Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
- There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start nor at the Friday Expo prior to the race. Plastic bags will be given to all those picking up bibs at the start. If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag following your race at the Birkie Expo between 12pm-8pm, you can have your 2025 Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you for $12. Deadline to claim your Birkie Bag is March 31, 2025. Bags will be mailed in April 2025.
- Pre-Race Bib Pickup: Thursday, February 20
Saturday American Birkebeiner Skate & Classic
Bib Number Email Confirmations will be sent out the week before Birkie Week
Pre-Race Bib Pickup: Thursday, February 20 & Friday, February 21
- Location: Birkie Expo, Hayward High School
- Times:
- Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- You will pick up your bib and Birkie Gear Bag (if you ordered one) or plastic bag (unless you have a previous Birkie Gear Bag- thank you!). You will not receive both types of bags.
- Expo Preview
Race Day Bib Pickup: Saturday, February 22
- Location: Start Area
- Time: 7:00 am – 10:00 am
- There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start. Plastic bags will be given to all those picking up bibs at the start.
- If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag at the Birkie Expo, you can have your Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you (link to pay for shipping will be posted here on February 25th). Deadline to request 2025 Birkie Bag shipping is March 31, 2025. Bags will be mailed in April-May 2025.
Participants must complete their race before their listed cut-off time, listed in the tables below. 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 are available along race routes, providing snacks and hydration to racers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration vessels to fill at self-serve aid stations. Cut-off times for races must 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.
American Birkebeiner
Location | Aid Available | from Start (Skate) | from Start (Classic) | to Finish (Skate) | to Finish (Classic) | Cut-off Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start | Water | 0 | 0 | 50K | 53K | — |
Timber Trail | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 7K | 6.2K | 42.6K | 46.1K | 11:10 AM |
Fire Tower | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 11.5K | 12.7K | 38K | 39.7K | 12:00 PM |
Boedecker | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Oranges | 16.1K | 18.1K | 33.4K | 34.2K | 12:55 PM |
OO | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 20.6K | 23.4K | 28.9K | 28.9K | 1:40 PM |
Gravel Pit | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Oranges | 29.5K | 32.3K | 20K | 20K | 3:00 PM |
Mosquito Brook | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 35.4K | 38.2K | 14.1K | 14.1K | 3:55 PM |
Fish Hatchery | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Untapped Waffles | 41.1K | 44K | 8.4K | 8.4K | 4:45 PM |
Finish Line | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | 50K | 53K | 0 | 0 | 6:00 PM |
Open Track
Aid Station Location | Aid Available | American Birkebeiner | Kortelopet | Prince Haakon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Timber Trail | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 8:20-10:00 am | ||
Fire Tower | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 8:30-11:00 am | ||
Boedecker | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Oranges | 9:00 am-12:00 pm | ||
OO | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 9:30 am-12:30 pm | ||
Gravel Pit | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Oranges | 10:00 am-1:30 pm | 10:00 am-1:30 pm | |
Mosquito Brook | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 11:00 am- 2:30 pm | 11:00 am- 2:30 pm | |
Fish Hatchery | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, UnTapped Waffles | 11:30 am- 3:30 pm | 11:30 am- 3:30 pm | 11:30 am- 3:30 pm |
Finish | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | Finish Cut-off Time: 5:00 pm | Finish Cut-off Time: 5:00 pm | Finish Cut-off Time: 5:00 pm |
Kortelopet
Please note that cut-off times have changed for 2025. Participants of the 2025 Events must complete their race by 5 pm.
Location | Aid Available | from Start | Cut-off Time |
---|---|---|---|
Start | Water | 0 | — |
Gravel Pit | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies, Oranges | 9K | 1:30 PM |
Mosquito Brook | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 15K | 2:30 PM |
Fish Hatchery | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 21K | 3:35 PM |
Finish Line | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | 29K | 5:00 PM |
Prince Haakon
Location | Aid Available | from Start | Cut-off Time |
---|---|---|---|
Start | Water | 0 | — |
Fish Hatchery | Water, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies | 7K | 3:35 PM |
Finish Line | Celebration Zone and Soup Tent! | 15K | 5:00 PM |
Finish Zone
Finisher Medals, Pins & Ski Ties
- First time finishers will receive a commemorative medal
- All other finishers will receive a commemorative pin indicating the total number of races completed (2025 included)
- All finishers will receive a pair of Birkie ski ties presented by Salomon
Refreshments & Nutrition
- The finish line is stocked with post aid food to start your recovery including Kemps Chocolate Milk.
Medical Care
- A team of trained medical professionals from Tamarack Health will be serving those in need of assistance in the Finish Zone
Recovery Zone
Birkie Gear Bag & Plastic Bag Pick-up
- Finishers must present their bib to claim their Birkie gear bag or plastic bag
- Friends or family may pick up a gear bag on behalf of a finisher if a bib is presented
Changing Area
- Changing area space is available, but there are no showers
Finish Area Food Tent (Skiers Only)
- Enjoy a hydration drink, soup (vegetarian and gluten free options available), bananas, and bread
- Spectators may purchase food in the Celebration Zone
Celebration Zone
Earth Rider Beer Garden
Wed, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm
Earth Rider Beer Garden proudly serves Earth Rider Beer, crafted from cold, clear Lake Superior water.
Birkie Store
Thur & Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 9am – 1pm
The Birkie Store is home to official Birkie apparel, gifts, and commemorative items.
Information Booth at the Birkie Store
Thur & Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 9am – 1pm
Provided in collaboration with Frandsen Bank.
Race Results at the Birkie Store
- Kortelopet, American Birkebeiner, and Prince Haakon skiers can pick up personal results printouts. Please remember finishers in later waves may displace racer results as printed.
- Track live results on online at birkie.com.
- Please submit any result discrepancies at birkie.com by March 31, 2025.
Telemark Northwoods Lodging
Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging
Telemark Northwoods Lodging is the Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging offering a great retreat in a year-round recreational playground.
Visit the Telemark Northwoods Lodging Website
Lodging Options
The Hayward, WI area boasts a wide variety of lodging options during race week, from boutique stays to affordable dorm-style lodging. For more information, visit our lodging page.
Camp Birkie Childcare
Dependable, fun, and safe childcare is provided on race days during Birkie Week for children of racers. Find more information and registration details here.
Save the Date for Future Birkie Weeks!
February 19-23, 2025
February 18-22, 2026
Februrary 17-21, 2027
Gold Circle Elite
Gold Level Sponsors of the Major Birkie Events Year-Round
Presenting Sponsors
Sponsors of Birkie Events or Venues
Supporting Sponsors
Supporting the Birkie World Class Events and Year-Round Lifestyle
Be Part of the Birkie and the Markets We Serve!
For Information, Please Contact:
Mike Brown
Interim Partnership Director
American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation
mike.brown@birkie.com