Birkebeiner Rennet

In January 1206 in the civil war-ridden Norway two Birkebeiner skiers carried the 18 months old prince Haakon over the mountains and brought him to safety. While rescuing the later great king they wore leggings of birch bark, hence the name of the world’s biggest ski race: the Birkebeinerrennet! (birch legs). Nowadays more than 14000 participants are skiing this track, starting in the Norwegian Rena and leading to the olympia venue Lillehammer. For this season’s edition there are some news:

New sheltered course

An agreement was settled last week between land owners and Birken about the construction of a new 13 km section, getting around the most wind exposed part of the course. The new course starts from Dambua, goes on the sheltered south side of Raufjellet to Nysæteråsen and is 6 km longer than the original course. This new section will only be taken in use if the organisers feel that security of skiers requires a more sheltered course and will be groomed a week in forehand.

From last year, the original course has been secured by several measures. A closer cooperation with the meteorologists, snow and wind fenses on the most exposed parts, intensified control of the content of the backbag (warm and wind proof clothes) and even snow making machines will increase the level of security and reliability. This new possibility to redirect the flow of participants over the mountains in a sheltered section is a sort of new life insurance for Birken.

Weaker norwegian krone

The norwegian krone hit hard by falling oil prices, has lost value against the euro, the dollar and the other Scandinavian currencies. Norway’s currency has dropped by almost a third over the last year and so both entry fee and accommodation cost nearly 30% less than last year.

“Four months before the race, we can already notice a significant increase in number of participants from Sweden, Danemark and Alpine countries. We can not measure the impact of the weak krone alone, but we believe that this positive factor combined with dedicated promotion actions will give new opportunities to people who have considered participation in Birken as too expensive. ” says Birken CEO Jo Gunnar Ellevold.

Eraly bird conditions

For those who register for the race before the 1st of December, there is a cheaper entry fee available. The starting field is limited to 17000 skiers!