News

The legendary American Birkebeiner is just days away, and excitement is building as skiers from around the world converge on Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, for one of the largest ski festivals in the sport. The American Birkebeiner Ski Week, running from February 18–22, celebrates Nordic skiing with community, competition and shared passion for classic and freestyle skiing. The Birkie is North America’s largest ski race and the third largest in the world, drawing tens of thousands of participants and spectators each February.

For Worldloppet participants, this year’s Birkie offers again a unique chance to meet fellow Passport holders, delegates from other Worldloppet races, and honored guests, including Epp Paal, Worldloppet CEO, as well as the 2025 Birkie Champions Gerard Agnellet (freestyle) from France and Fabian Stocek (classic) from the Czech Republic. Don’t miss the European-style Worldloppet Breakfast Buffet on Friday morning (February 20) at Steakhouse and Lodge — free for registered Worldloppet Masters. It’s a perfect place to swap stories and learn about races around the globe, with special gifts for attendees and a direct bus to the Kortelopet start for those registered.

Weather & Track Conditions: What to Expect

Trail conditions for American Birkebeiner 2026 are evolving as a warm weather system moves into the Hayward/Cable area. Recent warm temperatures have prompted organizers to adjust early week events for safety. Wednesday’s Open Track has been postponed to Thursday to give crews time to adapt to forecasted rain and snow, and Thursday’s Barkie Birkie, Barne Birkie and Junior Birkie races originally planned on Hayward’s Main Street will now take place at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, where snow conditions are better.

While forecasts show mixed precipitation around Tuesday/Wednesday with potential rain switching to snow, the Birkie Trail itself remains in good shape, and organizers are confident that Friday and Saturday’s main events — including the Kortelopet and American Birkebeiner races — will proceed as planned on the legendary course finishing on Main Street in Hayward.

The heart of Birkie Week for most skiers includes:

• Worldloppet Breakfast on February 20
• Kortelopet (29 km) on Friday, February 20 — Worldloppet Silver Stamp Race.
• The Slumberland American Birkebeiner (50/53 km) on Saturday, February 21 — Worldloppet Gold Stamp race
• Open Track and community events that offer recreational opportunities and festival vibes ahead of the big races.

This year, weather adjustments mean some early week festivities have shifted, but the community spirit of Birkie Fever endures. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, celebrating the culture of Nordic skiing, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of the trail, Birkie Week remains a must-experience event on the Worldloppet calendar.

Practical Tips for Participants

Safety and flexibility are key this year. Keep an eye on the official Birkie app and participant guide for real-time updates on schedule changes and trail information. With weather patterns variable, wax choices may hinge on rapidly changing conditions — consider checking local forecasts and trail cams for last-minute planning.

Above all, embrace the festival atmosphere, make new friends from the global skiing community, and enjoy the shared passion that makes events like the American Birkebeiner Ski Week a highlight of the world skiing season.