American Birkebeiner

The 46th American Birkebeiner Slumberland Festival is on, this weekend

The American Birkebeiner weekend has finally started and is ready to charme passionates about cross country skiing not only from the United States, but also travelling from far away to join this ski-celebration.
Over 13.500 the skiers from around 30 different countries and almost from all the States are on spot for the different events!

The kick-off was already today, Thursday, February 20th starting with the Barkie Birkie Skijor and the Barnebirkie youth race, the Junior Birkie and the Birkie Giant Ski, granting for fun at all ages and abilities on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. Have you ever seen the Giant Ski event? A real challenge for balance and coordination amongst skiers!

The schedule for the next 3 days is really full and exciting, not to forget the Friday’s Worldloppet breakfast where not only Masters and Passport Holders are invited, but also all other skiers that fancy a good start of the day with a ski-friends gathering. The meeting is at Flat Creek Inn & Suites, Hwy. 27 South, Hayward, WI at 7:30 and in this special occasion skiers will also have the chance to meet Kikkal Randall, American Olympic Champion at Pyeongchang 2018! Tickets available also on spot.

But…let’s have a look at the upcoming events to be sure not to miss any of them:

Friday, February 21, 2020
▪ Worldloppet Breakfast 7:30am to 9:00am
▪ American Birkebeiner Expo 9:00am to 8:00pm
▪ Birkie Adaptive Ski Events – 9:00am
▪ Kortelopet – 29K Classic & Skate – 10:15am • North America’s second largest cross-country ski race departs from the Highway OO Trailhead and ends on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street LIVE ON WORLDLOPPET FACEBOOK!
▪ Prince Haakon 15K – 1:15pm • In honor of the infant Prince Haakon, the future Norwegian King, who was rescued and skied to safety by Birkebeiner warriors, this exciting race ends amongst cheering fans and the ringing cowbells in downtown Hayward

Saturday, February 22, 2020
▪ 46th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner – 50K Skate/55K Classic – 8:15am

Sunday, February 23, 2020
▪ Sunday On-Snow Ski & Fat Bike Demo – 9:00am to 2:00pm
Everyone from newbie skiers to seasoned veterans can try out the latest in new equipment–skis, poles, boots, bindings, and fat bikes at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI – vendors galore!

Intense days and intense emotions are awaiting all skiers and people involved in this what the Organizing Committee has been defining “Birkie Fever”

Birkie Fever is the palpable sensation of determination and accomplishment in the air. For those with Birkie fever, it’s more than a race – it’s a lifestyle and a feeling held close all year through.

Enjoy your Birkie, dear friends!