Kortelopet
Friday, February 21, 2025
Classic 29K Race / Skate 29K Race
Hayward, WI, USA
The Kortelopet is the legendary counterpart to the American Birkebeiner. Each year, 3,000+ skiers complete 29km on the Birkie Trail from OO Trailhead to the finish line in downtown Hayward, WI. The Kortelopet, fondly known as the Korte, provides all the challenge and excitement of a shorter-distance race while not compromising on competition. For skiers looking for a more relaxed version of the legendary course, Kortelopet Open Track takes place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. See you on the start line! #Birkie2025
- Wave Placement Information
- Additional Kortelopet Wave Seeding Tables
- Event Adjustment Factors
- Wave Upgrade Request
- Event/Technique Change Request
Wave Seeding Tables
Kortelopet Skate Wave Seeding Criteria
| Korte Skate | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE | 2020 Finish Time | 2020 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 2:04:34 | Up to 65.5% | Up to 2:07:36 | Up to 60.5% | Up to 2:01:36 | Up to 58.5% |
| Wave 2 | 2:04:35 to 2:23:23 | 65.5% to 90.5% | 2:07:37 to 2:29:51 | 60.5% to 88.5% | 2:01:37 to 2:16:56 | 58.5% to 78.5% |
| Wave 3 | 2:23:24 to 2:42:12 | 90.5% to 115.5% | 2:29:52 to 3:19:09 | 88.5% to 150.5% | 2:16:57 to 2:46:05 | 78.5% to 116.5% |
| Wave 4* | 2:42:13 and Up | 115.5% and Up | 3:19:10 and Up | 150.5% and Up | 2:46:06 and Up | 116.5% and Up |
| *Wave 4 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS | |||||
| Wave 5 | NEW PARTICIPANTS | |||||
Korte Classic Wave Seeding Criteria
| Korte Classic | 2023 Finish Time | 2023 PBE | 2022 Finish Time | 2022 PBE | 2020 Finish Time | 2020 PBE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Up to 2:30:56 | Up to 80.5% | Up to 3:04:14 | Up to 95.5% | Up To 2:38:00 | Up to 94.5% |
| Wave 2 | 2:30:57 to 3:12:44 | 80.5% to 130.5% | 3:04:15 to 3:46:38 | 95.5% to 140.5% | 2:38:01 to 3:13:44 | 94.5% to 138.5% |
| Wave 3* | 3:12:45 and Up | 130.5% and Up | 3:46:39 and Up | 140.5% and Up | 3:13:45 and Up | 138.5% and Up |
| *Wave 3 | PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS | |||||
| Wave 4 | 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 |
Kortelopet Elite Waves
The Kortelopet Skate and Classic races each have an elite wave. The Kortelopet Skate Elite Wave is comprised of the top 100 men and 60 women from the 2023 Kortelopet SKATE only; Kortelopet Classic Elite Wave is top 40 men and 30 women from the 2023 Kortelopet CLASSIC only. Participants qualifying for a Korte Elite Wave will automatically be placed in the Elite Wave wave upon registering. Skiers qualifying for the Elite Wave may register for the race until January 14, 2025. Elite Wave qualifiers that skied a different technique or did not participate in the 2023 Kortelopet will not be placed in the elite wave, but may request to be put on the Elite Waitlist. Anyone skiing in the 2023 elite wave due to an elite upgrade request will have to make the request again in 2024. Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2025, or elite athletes new to the Kortelopet 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 11:59 pm CST. Open positions in the Elite Wave will be filled from the waitlist after January 26, 2025.
U20 Wave for Junior Racers
If you are a skier born between February 21, 2005 and February 21, 2012 you will be assigned to start the Kortelopet in the U20 Classic or U20 Skate Waves. If you are placed in the U20 and are a top skier, please see details in the “Kortelopet Elite Waves” section above for requesting placement in the Elite Wave.
The U20 wave is timed using a gun start– all U20 skiers will receive the same start time in their respective wave. Official time of U20 skiers that start late will still reflect the U20 gun time. If you are a junior skier and do not want to ski in the U20 wave contact registration@birkie.com and you will be placed in a wave based on the normal seeding process and your time will start when you cross the start line. U20 skiers not starting in the U20 wave will not be eligible for overall or age group awards.
Wave 70
Cross country skiing is a lifestyle sport that allows people to stay active and healthy into their later years. Each year the Kortelopet provides an opportunity to celebrate this for over one hundred skiers over the age of seventy! We recognize these skiers with a special bib and special wave.
Like Birkie skiers, Kortelopet skiers are a dedicated bunch! In honor of a Korte skier’s determination and dedication, there is a well-deserved recognition program! Skiløper, Norwegian for “skier” (pronounced “Shē-lōp-păh”), began in 2019 and recognizes Kortelopet skiers who reach the milestones of 10, 20, and 30-years. In addition to the current recognition which includes a Kortelopet 10-year plaque, Skiløper skiers receive a unique bib and deservedly a little swagger for earning it! Here’s how it works:
- Skiers are recognized at 10, 20 and 30 years for their Kortelopet accomplishments!
- Skiløper – Ti (Pronounced “tee” means Ten )
- Unique bib for 10-19 years
- Kortelopet 10-year plaque
- Skiløper -Tjue (Pronounced “tu-a” means Twenty)
- Unique bib for 20-29 years
- Kortelopet 20-year plaque
- Skiløper – Tretti (Pronounced “tre-tee” means thirty)
- Unique bib for 30+ years
- Kortelopet 30-year plaque
- Skiløper – Ti (Pronounced “tee” means Ten )
Congratulations Skiløper – You’ve Earned it!
Kortelopet 20-Year and “Combi” Skiers Can Join the Birchleggings Club
The Birchleggings Club is thrilled to now offer our membership and extend a warm invitation to Kortelopet Tuje and Tretti Skiløpers—those who have completed the Kortelopet for the 20th or 30th time or more. In addition, we welcome “Combi” skiers whose combination of Korte and Birke finishes totals 20 or more!
Your Kortelopet registration status and bib assignments will continue as you have received up to the present, and you will now be able to join and participate in all Birchleggings Club events (including the annual awards breakfast), be recognized as a veteran skier, participate in our efforts to support the Birkie and the Birkie trail, and have a strong voice in the future of the American Birkebeiner. For information visit the Birchleggings Club web site at: www.birchleggings.com and their Facebook page.
Click Here for 2025 Bib Pickup Information »
There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start. Pick up your gear bag at the 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.
Premium Parking
Opens Monday, Jan 13th
Premium parking includes 3 options:
- Kortelopet Start Venue Parking – formerly called “Park at the Start.” This option is available only for Friday, Feb 21at Kortelopet start. Parking is on the SCJFOC side of Hwy 00 and have pass displayed in window at all times, participants then walk over the bridge to the start venue. $250
- Birkebeiner Start Venue Parking – formerly called “Park at the Start.” This option is available only for Saturday, Feb 22 at the Birkebeiner start. Parking is in the airport lot. Participants then walk the pedestrian walk path to the start venue. Must access Mt. Telemark Village property from Cty Hwy M/Telemark Rd and have pass displayed in window at all times. $250
- Premium Coach to the Start – formerly called “Park at the Finish. ” This option is available only for the Saturday, Feb 22 Birkebeiner race. Park just past the finish line in downtown Hayward and ride a coach bus to the start of the Birkebeiner. Includes snacks and drinks, bathroom on board, leave your gear bag on the bus. $325
Passes are mailed to purchasers ahead of race week. Parking passes are not needed for Open Track events on Wednesday, February 19th. See the Open Track Events page for parking and shuttle information..
Race Day Parking and Shuttles
Participant and Spectator parking is available at Birkie Ridge on Hwy 63. Buses will shuttle to the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon starts on the below schedule. Buses will shuttle back to Birkie Ridge and to the Spectator Parking Lot in Hayward.
| Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Continuous Shuttle Service To & From | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | Kortelopet Start | 8:00am – 12:30pm |
| Spectator Parking Lot | Celebration Zone Bus Stop | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Birkie Ridge Parking Lot | 12:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Recovery Zone Bus Stop | Kortelopet Start (Permit Holders ONLY) | 12:30pm – 5:30pm |
Race Schedule: Friday, February 21
| Wave Start Order | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Elite Skate Men/U20 | 10:15 |
| Elite Skate Women/U20 | 10:25 |
| Elite Classic Men/Women/U20 | 10:35 |
| Wave 1 Classic | 10:40 |
| Wave 1 Skate | 10:45 |
| Wave 70 | 10:50 |
| Wave 2 Classic | 10:55 |
| Wave 2 Skate | 11:00 |
| Wave 3 Classic | 11:05 |
| Wave 3 Skate | 11:10 |
| Wave 4 Classic | 11:15 |
| Wave 4 Skate | 11:20 |
| Wave 5 Skate | 11:25 |
Aid Stations
Aid Stations and Cut-off times are still in the works for 2025! Stay tuned for further information and announcements.
Kortelopet Skate and Classic Overall Awards
The top three male and female finishers across the line in both skate and classic will be recognized at the Kortelopet Award Ceremony in the Celebration Plaza in Hayward at 12:45 pm on Friday.
Finisher Recognition
Skiers finishing their first Kortelopet will receive a medal at the Finish.
Skiers who have completed more than one Kortelopet will receive a pin indicating the number of Kortelopets they have finished.
Age Class Awards
Age class awards will be awarded 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 the participants net time (finish arrival time minus start time).
13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 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.
Skiloper Recognition
Kortelopet Skiers who finish their 10th, 20th, or 30th race will be rewarded with a personalized commemorative plaque.
Ti – 10 years
Tjue – 20 years
Tretti – 30 years
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 among the nine races that comprised the founding events, which have grown to over 20 races on five continents.
Worldloppet Ambassadors
There are many Birkie Skiers who have experience traveling to races around the globe. If you are interested in a particular race or just about the Worldloppet in general, we can connect you with someone who can share their experience with you and help to plan a trip. Click Here to submit an inquiry.
Worldloppet Passports
Tens of thousands of skiers around the world record their Worldloppet race finishes in a special Passport. Finishers of the Kortelopet Skate or Classic can have their passport stamped for Worldmaster Silver credit or purchase a new passport to start their Worldloppet adventure.
Worldloppet passports may be purchased on-line by clicking HERE. If you have completed an American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet race in the past, you can request that a stamped passport be mailed to you at any time. The cost of new passports are $35.
Worldloppet Breakfast
All are welcome to join Worldloppet Skiers, delegates from other Worldloppet Competitions, and honored guests at the Worldloppet Breakfast on Friday of Birkie Week. More information and registration details coming for the 2024 event.
Save the date for future Kortelopets!
February 18-22, 2026
February 17-21, 2027
