Barnebirkie Youth Ski Tour

Thursday, February 19, 2026
Non-Competitive Youth Ski Event
Main Street, Hayward, WI

The Barnebirkie is Where Birkie Dreams Begin!

Open to skiers between the ages 3 and 13, this non-competitive ski events gets kids excited to be outside, on skis, and having fun. Kids choose the distance that they are ready to ski: a 1/2 km, 1km, or 3km course, all ending on Main Street in Hayward, WI, at the iconic finish line of the American Birkebeiner. #Birkie2026

This event is non-competitive. Youth skiers looking to compete can race in the Junior Birkie on the same day at 1pm.

Registration for the 2026 Barnebirkie is Open!

	Registration Fee
Barnebirkie Participant	$20

Registration will stay open online until the event starts. There is no on-site registration.

School Group Registration

Is your school group interested in skiing the Barnebirkie? Please email registration@birkie.com to find out how to register your group. School group registration forms must be received at the Birkebeiner office by Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Birkie Junior Gear Bag, $60

Produced exclusively for the Birkie by SWIX
Participants purchasing the Jr. Gear bag will receive the bag at Bib pick-up in February
The ideal bag for youth’s sports and ski gear, both wet and dry; or everyday school use
Dimensions: 12″ wide x 9″ deep x 15″ high
Reinforced #8 zippers
Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage
Sports Shield zipped compartment for glasses or visor, with brushed lining to prevent lens scratches and quick, easy access
Large top-load zippered compartment for warm-up clothing, extra hats, and gloves
Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester
Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps
2 – side mesh pockets for water bottles
This bag may not be used at gear bag drop on race day for Birkie, Korte or Prince Haakon

Registration Refund Protection

Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Protecht offers refund protection so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Protecht can be purchased during your initial registration or up to five days after registration is completed.

Barnebirkie Wave/Distance Options

The Barnebirkie will start behind the Intermediate and Primary Schools and finish on Main Street at the American Birkebeiner Finish arch in downtown Hayward, WI.

Wave	Start Time	Distance	Start Location	Recommend Age
Purple	11:30 am	500 m (0.3 miles)	Behind the Intermediate School	3 to 8; Beginner
Red	11:35 am	3 km (1.9 miles)	Behind the Intermediate School	8 to 13; Intermediate to Advanced
Green	11:40 am	1 km (0.6 miles)	Behind the Intermediate School	5 to 10; Intermediate to Advanced

Wave Assignment

Barne skiers registering for the 3 km tour will be in the Red Wave.

Barne skiers registering for the 1 km tour will be in the Green Wave.

Barne skiers registering for the 500 m tour will be in the Purple Wave.

Race Start – Behind the Intermediate and Primary Schools

Race Finish – American Birkebeiner Finish Line on Main Street!

Limited parking is found in downtown Hayward. Please help ease the traffic congestion by utilizing the designated spectator parking on Hwy B (noted in orange on the map below). Buses will run continuously from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from the Spectator Lot to the Registration Bus Stop, and from the Registration Bus Stop and the Celebration Zone Bus Stop to the Spectator Lot. Parking restrictions are in place on most of the downtown area streets.

9:30 to 11:30am – Intermediate School

Please enter through the D entrance at the Intermediate School! Participants will receive their bib and Barnebirkie hat. Jr. Gear bags that were purchased during registration will also be available for pick-up during the scheduled bib pick-up hours.

To avoid congestion, we recommend just one representative per family pick up bib(s).

Thank you!

Please note the following important information regarding the safety of the children and the integrity of the course:

Any adult accompanying Barne skiers on the course must be on skis. Otherwise, adults must stay off of the groomed ski course. Thank you!
Meet your little skier directly outside of the Finish Line. Volunteers will be on hand to reunite skiers and family members. Please stay out of the direct finish line – some skiers may come in fast!
NO PETS PLEASE.

*Please note that none of the Barnebirkie distances go over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge.

Please help ease the traffic congestion by utilizing the designated spectator parking on Hwy B. Buses will run continuously from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from the Spectator Lot to the Registration Bus Stop, and from the Registration Bus Stop and the Celebration Zone Bus Stop to the Spectator Lot. Parking restrictions are in place on most of the downtown area streets.