American Birkebeiner

As of June 16, there are more than 2,000 skiers registered for the 2012 American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet events. The cap this year is set at 9,000 skiers. The next fee deadline is July 31, 2011. See wave seeding criteria, below.

Register Online, by Mail, or Fax

Skiers can register online or print a race application off the Birkie website home page and fax it to 715-634-5663 or mail it to:

ABSF
PO Box 911
Hayward WI 54843

Wave Seeding Criteria

See the Wave Seeding Criteria for the 2012 Birkie and Kortie events online. Wave Placement is based on a first received, first placed basis. If a wave fills, you will be placed in the next fastest available wave.

Skier Confirmation -- By Mail and Online

All registered skiers in the Birkie, Kortie, and Prince Haakon events will receive their registration confirmation cards by mail. Registered skiers can also access their registration confirmation online.

Online registrations can be viewed approximately 5 days after completing the process. Mailed or faxed entries can be viewed approximately 10 days after sending the forms. 

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing its annual contest to design the official T-shirt for the 2012 American Birkebeiner ski race events to be held February 23-25, 2012. The winning T-shirt design will be the featured retail T-shirt for the 2012 events.

“We have created the T-shirt design contest as another creative way for artists who love the Birkie to participate in the 2012 Birkie event,” said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “Proceeds from sales of the official 2012 T-shirt will benefit young skier programs. We hope that people will consider supporting the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and our effort to foster youth skiing by entering the contest.”

“It is our goal to inspire people to live active and healthy lives by participating in our events throughout the year. More simply put, we hope that people choose to ‘Live the Birkie.’” said Zuelsdorff. “We’re looking for the design to help people ‘Feel the Energy’ of the Birkie and in turn inspire them to ‘Live the Birkie.’”

Artists interested in participating in the contest should submit designs in Vector format (.EPS, .AI, .CDR file extensions). All designs must include the words, “2012 Birkie.” Designs should be limited to a maximum of six colors. The deadline for submission of T-shirt artwork is Monday, August 1, 2011.

Artwork and questions can be directed to Susan Kendrick, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Media and Public Relations Coordinator at media@birkie.com. Artwork may also be mailed to ABSF, PO Box 911 or shipped to ABSF, 10527 Main, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843, by the deadline. A complete list of contest rules and information is available at www.birkie.com.

The winning T-shirt design will be part of the largest and most prestigious cross country ski event in North America. As well as being recognized for their winning design the artist will receive a new pair of skis, either Classic or Skate, with their choice of bindings and installation provided by New Moon Ski & Bike Shop of Hayward, WI. The winner also receives a complimentary race registration to the 2012 or 2013 American Birkebeiner and a VIP Parking Pass to the Race Start.

The 39th anniversary American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet is expecting 9,000 skiers to register. Another 2,500 are expected for shorter races and events. To learn more about North America’s largest and most prestigious cross country ski race, visit http://www.birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.

The Birkie is sponsored by Becker Law Office SC, Marshfield Clinic-Hayward Center, Swiss Miss, Johnson Bank, CenturyLink, Peoples Bank, Sawyer County Record, Marketplace Foods and other businesses throughout the region and country.