Birkie Week Events

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: ParaBirkie, 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
• 2:30pm ParaBirkie, Main Street, Hayward
• 3:00pm Jr. Birkie Relays, Main Street, Hayward
• 5:00pm Giant Ski on Main Street, Hayward

Friday: Kortelopet & Prince Haakon

Saturday: Slumberland American Birkebeiner

Sunday: On Snow Ski and Bike Demo

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 Fluoros 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.

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.

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.

Wednesday Open Track Event

In the Celebration Tent/downtown Hayward* 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 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

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
• Kortelopet Race Day Bib Pickup: Friday, February 21
  • Location: Kortelopet Start Area Bib Pickup Tent
  • Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
• Prince Haakon Race Day Bib Pickup: Friday, February 21
  • Location: Prince Haakon Start Area Tent
  • Time: 12:00pm-1:15pm

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 

Shuttle Bus Service

Open Track

Open Track skiers may choose from a few options to get to the race start (shown in the table below), be dropped off by friends or family at the start, or park at the start. Prince Haakon skiers ONLY- bussing is the ONLY option to get to the start. Please note that buses will not return to the start from the finish line for Open Track events. Be sure to have a plan to get back to your car after your race.

Thursday Events

Additional information about parking and shuttles for ParaBirkie, BarneBirkie, Junior Birkie, Barkie Birkie skiers and spectators is available on each event pages and in the Participant Guide.

Kortelopet

Bus service runs continuously to the start from the skier parking lot at Birkie Ridge.  Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. There is no participant drop off at the start area. We recommend at least 1 ½ hours from the time you park to your start time.

Parking at the start is by permit only. Premium Parking Passes for the Kortelopet Start Venue will go on sale in January 2025.

Prince Haakon

Parking and shuttle service is available from Birkie Ridge parking lot, located between Seeley and Cable. Please allow 1 hour minutes to bus to the start, while considering the time it will take to warm up and prepare for the race.

American Birkebeiner

Bus service runs continuously to the start from the Birkie Ridge and Cable parking lots for Saturday events.  Participants arriving from the south should park at Birkie Ridge (2 miles north of Seeley).  Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. On Saturday ONLY- Participants arriving from the North should follow the signs for parking at the Cable Lot just to the west of Cable.  Buses will run continuously from this lot from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. Please allow at least 1 ½ hours from parking to your start time.

There is no participant dropoff at the start without a permit. Participants may be dropped off at Birkie Ridge or the Cable lot.

Parking at the start is by permit only. Premium Parking Passes for the Start Venue will go on sale in January 2025.

Buses from the Finish in downtown Hayward will bring you back to both parking lots throughout the day on Saturday.

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

Open Track

Kortelopet

Please note that cut-off times have changed for 2025. Participants of the 2025 Events must complete their race by 5 pm.

Prince Haakon

Finish Zone

Finisher Medals, Pins & Ski Ties

• First time finishers will receive a commemorative medal and all Prince Haakon finishers
• All other finishers will receive a commemorative pin indicating the total number of races completed (2025 included) (American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet)
• 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 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.

Birkie Week Community Events

• Cable Area Chamber of Commerce
• Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce

Local Birkie Week Dining Specials

• Anglers Bar and Grill – 10547 Main Street Hayward, WI
  • Feb 19-21, 2025 – Spaghetti Bowl with garlic toast and a small side salad for $11.
• Coop’s Pizza- 10588 California Ave, Hayward, WI 54843
  • Specials: Lasagna, Spaghetti with Veggie Marinara, Spaghetti with Sausage Marinara, Spaghetti with Chicken Marinara, Spaghetti with Alfredo, Spaghetti with Chicken Alfredo, and Spaghetti with Seafood Alfredo.
  • All served with garlic toast 
  • Salad Bar Add for $6
  • Sunday-Friday 11:00am-2:30pm: All you can eat lunch buffet – pizza, soup, garlic toast, salad bar
• Eddy’s on Third – 15882 W Third St. Hayward, WI
  • Nordic Wrap: Wild rice, Cranberry Dijon sauce, roasted pulled chicken with rosemary, prosciutto, & toasted walnuts in a wrap.
• St . Joseph Church, 5th & Dakota Ave
  • Pasta Feed- February 21st from 4p-7p – Price: $14 Adults | $7 Ages 6-12
  • Proceeds benefit: All proceeds will go toward the Hayward Sports Center’s “Heat the Rink” campaign, benefiting the entire community, including many St. Joseph families involved in ice skating, hockey, and figure skating. Everyone is welcome—come enjoy great food and help keep the rink warm for all to enjoy!