We’re looking forward to Birkie 2025 with excitement for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner experience.  Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI, ski their way through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across Lake Hayward, cross over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge, and head toward the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.  We’ve heard it time and time again, once you ski a Birkie you’re forever changed and return to experience this amazing event year after year.  We hope to see you on the finish line! #Birkie2025

2025 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Registration for the Saturday 50k Skate/53k Classic will Open on May 1, 2024.

	May 1 through June 27	June 28 through September 5	September 6 through October 31	November 1 or until full
Registration Fee	$200	$215	$230	$240

Wave placement is automatically based on 2020, 2022, & 2023 American Birkebeiner/Kortelopet results and is subject to wave availability at the time of registration. 2024 results are not eligible for consideration.  If the wave you qualified for is closed, you will be placed in the highest wave that is still open. Wave upgrade requests (see below) are also subject to wave availability.

Registration Details to Know!

All participants must be 18 years of age or older on race day to register for the American Birkebeiner.

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 email registration@birkie.com or call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025.

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. There is not a waitlist for registration once the event fills to capacity and closes.

2025 Birkie Gear Bag

As part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative, we’ve partnered with SWIX on the Birkie gear bag!  The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $70 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie.

• During the 2025 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $70!  The $145 value Birkie gear bag is available during the registration process only.
• Quantities limited! Register for the race and gear bag soon to guarantee a Birkie gear bag!
• Birkie gear bags will be distributed as part of bib pick-up.
• To add-on a Birkie Gear Bag (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Change your “Birkie Gear Bag” selection

Birkie Gear Bag Features

The Birkie gear bag has large, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.

• Reinforced #10 zippers
• Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
• Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage (fits up to size 13 Nordic boot)
• Fleeced lined Sports Shield zipped compartment for glasses or visor, with brushed lining to prevent lens scratches and quick, easy access
• Large top-load zippered compartment for warm-up clothing, extra hats, and gloves
• Two zippered side compartments for extra water bottles and accessories
• Inside secured pocket for valuables; mobile phone, keys and wallet pocket
• Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester, internal frame-sheet transfers weight evenly and contours to the wearer’s back
• Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps and harness system to distribute weight evenly

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation utilizes a seeded start structure for four of its events:  Birkebeiner Skate, Birkebeiner Classic, Kortelopet Skate, and Kortelopet Classic.  Participants are seeded into start waves for 2025 based on your best result from 2020, 2022, or 2023 Birkie events (see the Wave Seeding Criteria tables below).  2024 results are not eligible for consideration. The goal of wave placement is to place participants of similar abilities together to minimize passing and encourage a smooth flowing race.  Prior participants without results from 2020, 2022, or 2023 will be assigned to the second to last wave of their technique. Participants with Open Track results will be moved out of the last wave as shown in the Wave Seeding tables below. Participants who have never completed an American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon event will be placed in the last wave. If you have no prior Birkie history, you may request an upgrade based on a qualifying race.  See below for wave upgrade request details.  If you’ve completed multiple events, the Event Adjustment Factor table accounts for the historical difference in the strength of competition between the races. (Take your Percent Back from event winner +/- the applicable Adjustment Factor. See a sample calculation under “Wave Upgrade Request.”).  While 2021 and 2024 Birkie and Open Track times will not count towards placement, race completion (in-person or virtual) will be applied according to tables below.  If you do not receive a wave placement e-mail within 14 business days, please contact registration@birkie.com.

There are also three special waves for those who qualify; Spirit of 35, Wave 70, and Elite Wave. Details on each are found below.

Wave Seeding Tables

2025 American Birkebeiner Skate

Birkie Skate	2023 Finish Time	2023 PBE	2022 Finish Time	2022 PBE	2020 Finish Time	2020 PBE
Wave 1	Up to 3:00:18	Up to 43.5%	Up to 3:01:33	Up to 42.5%	Up to 2:41:17	Up to 35.5%
Wave 2	3:00:19 to 3:12:52	43.5% to 53.5%	3:01:34 to 3:19:23	42.5% to 56.5%	2:41:18 to 2:54:23	35.5% to 46.5%
Wave 3	3:12:53 to 3:26:42	53.5% to 64.5%	3:19:24 to 3:35:57	56.5% to 69.5%	2:54:24 to 3:07:28	46.5% to 57.5%
Wave 4	3:26:43 to 3:41:46	64.5% to 76.5%	3:35:58 to 3:53:47	69.5% to 83.5%	3:07:29 to 3:22:57	57.5% to 70.5%
Wave 5	3:41:47 to 3:58:06	76.5% to 89.5%	3:53:48 to 4:11:37	83.5% to 97.5%	3:22:58 to 3:34:51	70.5% to 80.5%
Wave 6	3:58:07 to 4:20:43	89.5% to 107.5%	4:11:38 to 4:29:27	97.5% to 111.5%	3:34:52 to 3:52:43	80.5% to 95.5%
Wave 7	4:20:44 to 4:49:37	107.5% to 130.5%	4:29:28 to 4:53:39	111.5% to 130.5%	3:52:44 to 4:22:28	95.5% to 120.5%
Wave 8	4:49:38 to 5:39:53	130.5% to 170.5%	4:53:40 to 5:44:37	130.5% to 170.5%	4:22:29 to 5:21:59	120.5% to 170.5%
Wave 9*	5:39:54 and Up	170.5% and Up	5:44:38 and Up	170.5% and Up	5:22:00 and Up	170.5% and Up
*Wave 9	PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS
Wave 10	NEW PARTICIPANTS

2025 American Birkebeiner Classic

Birkie Classic	2023 Finish Time	2023 PBE	2022 Finish Time	2022 PBE	2020 Finish Time	2020 PBE
Wave 1	Up to 4:08:45	Up to 44.5%	Up to 4:17:04	Up to 49.5%	Up to 3:46:46	Up to 54.5%
Wave 2	4:08:46 to 4:56:58	44.5% to 72.5%	4:17:05 to 4:58:20	49.5% to 73.5%	3:46:47 to 4:21:59	54.5% to 78.5%
Wave 3	4:56:59 to 5:45:10	72.5% to 100.5%	4:58:21 to 6:01:57	73.5% to 110.5%	4:22:00 to 5:01:37	78.5% to 105.5%
Wave 4	5:45:11 to 6:54:01	100.5% to 140.5%	6:01:58 to 8:02:19	110.5% to 180.5%	5:01:38 to 5:50:03	105.5% to 138.5%
Wave 5*	6:54:02 and Up	140.5% and Up	8:02:20 and Up	180.5% and Up	5:50:04 and Up	138.5% and Up
*Wave 5	PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS
Wave 6	NEW PARTICIPANTS

Event Adjustment Factors

Event You are Registering For in 2025	Using Previous Birkie Skate Result	Using Previous Birkie Classic Result	Using Previous Korte Skate Result	Using Previous Korte Classic Result	Using Previous Prince Haakon Result	Using Any 2021 or 2024 Birkie/ Korte/ Prince Haakon Completion
Birkie Skate	0	+ 8 %	+ 15 %	+ 15 %	Wave 9	Wave 9
Birkie Classic	– 8 %	0	+ 8%	+ 8 %	Wave 5	Wave 5
Korte Skate	– 15 %	– 7 %	0	0	Wave 4	Wave 4
Korte Classic	– 15 %	– 7 %	0	0	Wave 3	Wave 3

Wave Upgrade Request

Closed waves that have reached capacity are not eligible for Wave Upgrades.

Participants may utilize their result from the list of qualifier competitions to improve on their placement from the above criteria. Similar to the comparison between the American Birkebeiner events, the results of the qualifiers will be adjusted based on the strength of competition, distance, and course elevation profile.

• All requests will be charged a $25 service fee, whether a wave upgrade is granted or not. To request a wave upgrade by 11:59pm CST on January 14, 2025 (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Make appropriate change to your “Wave Upgrade Request” section

Wave upgrades are subject to availability. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be upgraded and assigned to the next wave with space available. You will receive an updated wave placement email confirmation if an upgrade has been made. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 14 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.  In an effort to create an environment with reduced on-trail passing, consistent race flow, reduced congestion in aid stations, and the safest possible environment for all skiers, we are unable to downgrade a skier to a wave that is slower than the wave they qualify for (and outside of the wave options provided in the Race Day Selection emails).

Follow these steps to see if you are eligible for an upgrade:

1. Determine your percent back in the qualifier race. Take the Difference in time between You and the Overall Winner. Divide that by the Overall Winner’s time. (Example: your time is 2:36, winning time is 2:00; Difference =36 minutes/2 hours = 0.3 x 100 = 30% back)
2. Determine your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE). Add the qualifier race’s Adjustment Factor, which is found on the Qualifier List. PBE = Your % Back + Adjustment Factor (Example your 30% back + 57% Adjustment Factor = 87% Back Equivalency.)
3. Determine where your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE) would place you. Look up your PBE in the year column of the Wave Seeding Table of the race for which you are registered. (Example: A 2023 PBE of 87% will place you in Wave 5 for Birkie Skate or Wave 3 for Birkie Classic or Wave 2 Korte Skate or Wave 1 Korte Classic)

Request an upgrade only if your PBE will place you in a lower wave.  Make sure you have completed steps 1-3 before submitting your request as there are no refunds.

Event/Technique Change Request

Participants may request to change from the American Birkebeiner to the Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, or Open Track , and/or change technique between Skate and Classic 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. 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 14 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.

• To change your event/technique:
  • 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
  • Transfers to the American Birkebeiner are not allowed at this time.  The event is full.

2025 Eligible Transfer Table

Event you are registered for currently	Eligible for a transfer request to this event
Birkie Skate	Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Birkie Classic	Birkie Skate, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte Skate	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte Classic	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Prince Haakon	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Open Track*
Open Track	Birkie 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.

Spirit of 35

This wave celebrates the spirit of the 35 intrepid skiers who finished the first Birkie in 1973. It is comprised of a small group of skiers who have completed the most Birkies and therefore have a special place in the race’s history. The current group of 2025 Spirit of 35 skiers have at least 45 American Birkebeiners completed, including Birkie Founder, Ernie St. Germain, who has finished all 50 American Birkebeiners!

Wave 70

Cross country skiing is a lifestyle sport that allows people to stay active and healthy into their later years. Each year the Birkie provides an opportunity to celebrate this for more than two hundred skiers over the age of seventy! We recognize these skiers with a special bib and special wave.

35 Endowment Forerunners

The Endowment Forerunners are 35 major donors who collectively gave nearly $1,000,000 to launch the Foundation for the Endowment of the American Birkebeiner, which provides a permanent source of funds for the American Birkebeiner organization. We recognize them permanently with their own specially numbered 35 white bibs.

Elite Wave

The Elite Wave is a long standing tradition at the American Birkebeiner. This wave accommodates competitors who have outstanding credentials from the previous year’s American Birkebeiner.  The top 200 male and 65 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Skate race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2025 Birkie Skate race ONLY.  The top 100 male and 40 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Classic race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2025 Birkie Classic race ONLY.  Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2025, must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race here: Elite Waitlist Application

If you were in the Elite Wave in 2024 as an automatic qualifier based on 2023 results, you will automatically be in the Elite Wave in 2025. If you applied to the Elite Waitlist and were assigned to the Elite Wave in 2024, you will need to reapply to the Elite Waitlist for 2025.

Elite Wave registrations & Elite Waitlist requests close on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:59pm CST.

Positions in the Elite Waves are only guaranteed for returning skiers who meet the above finish place criteria. No exceptions. If you have an Elite Wave finish two or more years prior, top Kortelopet finish, or other outstanding cross country ski race results, you may request to be added to the Elite Wave Waitlist. Open positions in the Elite Wave will be filled from the Waitlist after January 26, 2025.

All American Birkebeiner 50K Skate Elite wave participants will be subject to equipment control. As per US Ski and Snowboard rules, all American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation events are fluoro free. Elite wave participants will be randomly checked to ensure a clean competition.

Seeded FIS Group

Competitors from all FIS member nations that meet the eligibility requirements will be included in the Seeded Group in the Birkie Skate Race. This group will start as part of the Men’s and Women’s Elite Birkie Skate Waves. Seeded athletes will be assigned designated starting positions at the front of the wave and the rest of the elite wave must stay behind the seeded group until the gun goes off.

There is no Seeded Group in the Birkie Classic Race.

Eligibility for the Seeded Group requires that the competitors be active FIS members with at least one FIS race result in the 365 days prior to February 7, 2025, with:

• fewer than 200 points for women and 150 points for men in competitions with a distance of 30 km or greater
• fewer than 150 points for women and 125 points for men in competitions with distance less than 30 km

Requests for Seeded Group entry must be sent to registration@birkie.com prior to February 7, 2025.

Team Captains Meeting

There will be a mandatory meeting for Seeded Group competitors prior to the race.
Athletes without team affiliation are encouraged to attend the meeting and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

A complete list of maps and trail conditions can be found on the Trails page.

Click the image above for PDF map.

Interactive Course Maps

Check out great new skis, boots, poles, wax, gear, clothing, ways to fuel your active outdoor lifestyle, fat bikes, trail running shoes, and more! This is THE place for samples, swag, big discounts, and a chance to connect with some great organizations that support your passion for skiing and the Birkie community. 

Click Here for Birkie Expo Information »

The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the 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 Birkebeiner must be 18 years of age by February 22, 2025. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age by February 22, 2025. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Skiers must ski the distance they have registered for- no participant in the American Birkebeiner can ski the Kortelopet or Prince Haakon without officially changing their race entry (see below for how to request an Event change).  Participants who complete a technique for which they are not registered (for example – ski the skate course when they registered for classic) will be credited for completing the race but will not be given a finish time, will not be eligible for awards, and will not be included in the official results.

ABSF Participant Rules

Birkie 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 2025 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.

Birkie Skate Overall Prize

Prize money will be awarded to the first six male and female competitors who cross the finish in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race. A total purse of $39,000 will be awarded in the increments below at an award ceremony in the Celebration Plaza.  All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Place	Prize Money (US $)
1st	$7,500
2nd	$4,500
3rd	$3,000
4th	$2,000
5th	$1,500
6th	$1,000

Tony Wise Award for the First American Finisher

A $2500 Tony Wise Award will be given to the top American male & female finishers in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race.  Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

In addition, the first U.S. finishers will receive a premium, luxury mattress set from Slumberland, title sponsor of the American Birkebeiner.

Sprint Bonus Presented by Madshus

Two Madshus Sprint Bonus awards will be given to the first male and female competitors in the Birkie Skate Race to cross the intermediate sprint lines.  The first sprint line is located right before the Birkie Skate course exits the powerline section and enters the woods at approximately 2.5K into the race.  The second sprint line is located prior to the OO Aid Station at 20K into the race. All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Wave Winner Awards

From Slumberland, Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner:
Win Your Birkie Wave—Win a Tempur-Pedic Pillow! The top male and female in waves 1 and up of the Birkie Skate and Classic will each receive a premium Tempur-Pedic Pillow from Slumberland, valued at $149!

* To Claim Your Award, check Birkie Results online then go directly to the Slumberland Furniture store on Highway 63 right in downtown Hayward to pick up your pair of premium pillows.  It’s close enough to walk from Main Street, or there is plenty of parking. Store Hours: SAT: 10-6 / SUN: 11-5. Unable to pick up your pillows? Have them shipped, at your expense, by March 31, 2024. Call the Birkie for details (715-634-5025).

Birkie Classic Overall Awards

Prize money will be awarded to the first three male and female competitors who cross the finish in the Birkie Classic Race at a ceremony held in the Celebration Plaza at 12:30 pm.

• 1st Place $1000
• 2nd Place $500
• 3rd Place $250

All prize money paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Finisher Awards

First time American Birkebeiner Finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish.
Skiers finishing subsequent Birkies will receive a pin recognizing the number of American Birkebeiners completed at the finish.

Age Class Awards

Age class awards will not be given to the top three males and females, in both the freestyle and classic races, in each of the following age classes. Awards are based on net finish time (finish arrival time minus start time). Age classes are:
18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 -89.

10 Year Awards

We celebrate participants that have completed 10 American Birkebeiners! After finishing your 10th race, you will be awarded a personalized commemorative plaque.  Please pick up your plaque at the Awards tent on Saturday or Sunday after you finish your race!

Birchlegger Awards

Birkie skiers completing their 20th race become a “Birchlegger”. Birchlegger is the English translation for the Norwegian, Birkebeinerne, the nick-name of the birch bark armored warriors who saved Prince Haakon. These special skiers are recognized with the honor of wearing a special bib in the race and a personalized award for 20, 30, and 40 years completed!

Birchleggers will receive their awards at a special breakfast hosted by the Birchleggings Club on Sunday morning following the Birkie. First time Birchleggers will be treated to breakfast at no charge.

If you cannot attend the Birchleggings Club Breakfast to receive your award, they will be available at the Birkie Store Tent near the finish line on Main Street.

The Birchleggings Club is not a part of the American Birkebeiner Foundation. It is a separate organization dedicated to be “a strong promoter of continued participation in the American Birkebeiner and would contribute toward enhancement of the rich traditions that mark the Birkie as a unique skiing event.”

View Birkie Results »

Click Here to Meet Our Sponsors

Worldloppet is an international association of long distance ski races, created in 1979 from the inspiration of American Birkebeiner creator, Tony Wise. The Birkie is one of the nine races that comprise the founding events.  The Worldloppet has grown to over 20 races on five continents. Learn more about Worldloppet Ambassadors, Passports, and the annual Birkie Week Worldloppet breakfast!

Click to view more Worldloppet details

Visma Ski Classics

The Slumberland American Birkebeiner is the first American event to enter the world of Visma Ski Classics as a Challenger Series event. Based in Sweden, the Visma Ski Classics is an international, long-distance, skiing circuit. The Visma Ski Classics Challenger series was launched in 2019 as a common platform to connect and promote long distance skiing events worldwide.

Lodging & Transportation

For lodging information, see our Lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Find more information and registration details HERE!

Save the date:

2025: February 19-23

2026: February 18-22

2027: February 17-21