American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Timed & Supported Non-Competitve Race
Hayward, WI, USA
1 Day, 3 Events, Main Street Finish!
The Open Track provides a opportunity for skiers looking for a less competitive Birkebeiner experience while still enjoying our world-famous course. Because the event is limited to the first 1,500 people, Open Track skiers enjoy less crowding, more open trail, and an opportunity to ski with other registered friends and family. Choose your own start time and pace, and get excited for the beginning of Birkie Week 2026! #Birkie2026
Open Track skiers will ski the same courses as the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon events later in the week. Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Kortelopet Stadium, or Prince Haakon Stadium, respectively, then they’ll ski down the Birkie Trail, over frozen Lake Hayward, and across the American Birkebeiner International Bridge to the finish on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. American Birkebeiner classic skiers must use the classic course.
Experience the American Birkebeiner Skate (50K) and Classic (53K) races at a more relaxed pace. All participants must be registered for the American Birkebeiner Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.
Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:
In the Celebration Tent/downtown Hayward on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 18 from 7:30-10:00 am. OPEN TRACK BIBS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE START AREA for each event, bib pickup is only downtown Hayward in the Celebration Tent.
Getting to the Start:
You have options!
- Participants may bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the American Birkebeiner start line. Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 8:15-9:00 am on Wednesday.
- Get dropped off at the Start! A special bonus of the Open Track!
- Park at the Start! No parking pass needed for the Open Track on Wednesday! (Please note: buses will NOT return to the start from the finish line. Make sure you have a plan in place to get back to your car.)
Start Window:
9:00-10:00am at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable.
Start your event at the appropriate time to ensure all volunteers are ready for you on course. Think you’ll ski the course in 2 hours? Don’t start the event until 9:00 am! Are you aiming for a 8 1/2 hour event? Start by 8:30 am to ensure you can finish within the timing window.
Finish Window:
11:00 am-5:00 pm on Main Street in Hayward.
Baggage:
Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 8:45-10:00 am. Bags will be waiting for you at the Recovery Zone!
Finish Line:
You made it! After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal or pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink. Pick up your drop bag (if you have one), change, have a soup meal in the Recovery Zone, and meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate! Busses will run 12:00 pm-5:30 pm to return to the Spectator Lot.
Experience the Kortelopet 29K event at a more relaxed pace. All participants must be registered for the Kortelopet Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.
Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:
In the Celebration Tent/downtown Hayward on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 18 from 7:30-10:00 am. OPEN TRACK BIBS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE START AREA for each event, bib pickup is only downtown Hayward in the Celebration Tent.
Getting to the Start:
You have options!
- Participants may bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the start line. Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 10:00-10:30 am on Wednesday.
- Get dropped off at the Start. A special bonus of the Open Track!
- Park at the Start! No parking pass needed for the Open Track on Wednesday. (Please note: buses will NOT return to the start from the finish line. Make sure you have a plan in place to get back to your car.)
Start Window:
11:00-11:45 am at the Kortelopet Start at Hwy OO Trailhead.
Finish Window:
12:00-5:00 pm on Main Street in Hayward.
Baggage:
Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 10:45-11:45 am. Bags will be waiting for you at the finish line!
Finish Line:
You made it! After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal/pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink. Pick up your drop bag (if you have one) and have a bowl of soup in the Recovery Zone. Meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate! Busses will run 12:00pm-5:30pm to return to the Spectator Lot.
Experience the Prince Haakon 15K event at a more relaxed pace. All participants must be registered for the Prince Haakon Open Track Event and must follow all participant rules.
Bib and Gear Bag Pick-up:
In the Celebration Tent/downtown Hayward on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 18 from 7:30-10:00 am. OPEN TRACK BIBS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE START AREA for each event, bib pickup is only downtown Hayward in the Celebration Tent.
Getting to the Start:
Participants must bus from the Spectator Lot in the city of Hayward to the start line. Buses will leave the Spectator Lot between 10:00-10:30 am on Wednesday. There is no participant drop off or parking at the start area.
Start Window:
11:00-11:30 am at the Prince Haakon Start.
Finish Window:
Finish cut off time is 5:00 pm on Main Streeet in Hayward.
Baggage:
Drop your baggage at the designated location at the start from 10:45-11:30 am. Bags will be waiting for you at the finish line!
Finish Line:
You made it! After receiving your ski ties and finisher medal/pin, recharge with Kemps chocolate milk and energy drink. Pick up your drop bag (if you have one) and have a cup of soup at the Recovery Zone. Then meet your friends in the Celebration Zone to celebrate! Busses will run 12:00pm-5:30pm to return to the Spectator Lot.
Save the date for future Birkie Open Tracks!
February 18-22, 2026
February 17-21, 2027
