Updated November 18, 2024
The American Birkebeiner, affectionately known as the Birkie, is far more than just a race—it’s a tradition rooted deeply in endurance, camaraderie, and historical legacy, all played out on the scenic trails of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. As the largest cross-country ski marathon in North America, the Birkie spans an impressive 50 kilometers for skate skiers and 53 kilometers for classic skiers, drawing thousands of competitors from around the globe. Since its humble beginnings in 1973, when founder Tony Wise and 35 pioneering skiers first took to the trails, the event has blossomed into a beloved spectacle, attracting skiers from every U.S. state, numerous countries, and varying skill levels. Part of the prestigious Worldloppet Series, the Birkie’s roots trace back to a heroic Norwegian tale of Birkebeiner warriors saving young Prince Haakon in 1206—a legacy still honored by participants today as they embody that fierce spirit while skiing from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. Strambecco rates the American Birkebeiner as one of the Best Nordic Ski Races in the Midwest.
Event & Course Info
The race itself is an exhilarating challenge through rugged and rolling terrain, marked by iconic sections that have become part of its rich lore. The Birkie Trail is known for its relentless climbs and thrilling descents, testing both the physical and mental endurance of every skier. As mentioned, the official American Birkebeiner course spans an impressive 50 kilometers for skate skiers and 53 kilometers for classic skiers. From the start line at Telemark in Cable, the course quickly throws skiers into a series of climbs known as the Powerline Hills. These early kilometers are just a preview of the demanding course ahead, which includes Firetower Hill, the highest point of the race at 1,730 feet, and the infamous "Bitch Hill," where the steep ascent is countered by a raucous crowd of supporters cheering skiers onward. The trail continues with unrelenting hills, culminating in the final push across Lake Hayward—a flat, exposed stretch that is as mentally taxing as it is physically challenging—before winding through downtown Hayward, where thousands of spectators line Main Street to celebrate every skier's achievement. Wave placement for the event is determined by results at one or more of the various Birkebeiner Qualifier Series races.
Participants in the Birkie are supported along the way by numerous aid stations offering hydration, nutrition, and encouragement. The race features multiple distance options, including the shorter 29-kilometer Kortelopet and the 15-kilometer Prince Haakon race, making it accessible to skiers of varying skill levels. Completing the Birkie is a badge of honor, with skiers who reach 20 races earning the esteemed Birchlegging Status, symbolized by a special bib and celebrated during a dedicated awards breakfast. The spirit of camaraderie extends to skiers over 70 years old, who are honored in their own wave, and to elite competitors, who vie for prize money and the coveted Tony Wise Award for top American finishers.
Beyond the race itself, the Birkie experience is enriched by year-round training, multi-sport events, celebrations, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Skiers of all ages and backgrounds come together not only to test their limits but to share in the joy of winter sports and the enduring legacy of the Birkie tradition. The trail, meticulously maintained by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, stands as a testament to this commitment, welcoming skiers, runners, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. To ski the Birkie is to become part of a living legend—one of grit, history, and a shared love for the trails.
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The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting active lifestyles through its world-renowned cross-country ski races, including the American Birkebeiner, the largest ski race in North America. In addition to hosting year-round outdoor events, ABSF focuses on trail stewardship, health initiatives, and fostering a community of endurance sports enthusiasts. The iconic race, inspired by the historic Norwegian Birkebeiner, has become a cornerstone of the global cross-country skiing calendar. Qualifying for the Birkie is a goal for many skiers, and there are several key events in the Birkebeiner Qualifier Series.
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides.
