American Birkebeiner

Mark your calendars for the 39th Anniversary celebration of the American Birkebeiner, slated for Feb. 23-25, 2012, and plan to join us for the Greatest Show on Snow, the Boston Marathon of Skiing, The New York Marathon of Cross Country Competition!

In the 39 years since the inaugural event, over 200,000 men and women have skied the American Birkebeiner and its sister event, the Kortelopet. Thousands of others have participated in shorter races and events catered to youth, teens, families and recreational skiers. It’s 10,000 skiers from all walks of life and from around the world. It’s 3 days of challenge and determination. It’s lots of action, color and hoopla! And it would be PERFECT as part of your news coverage.

A very limited number of Media Parking Passes will be issued for near the Start Area. Please read all information carefully before completing your Media Credential application.

• Consideration will be given to Reporters/Photographers/News Crews who need access to the start and various points along the race course in order to cover the event.
• Skiing members of the media will be asked to ride the buses and will not be issued a pass to the Media Start Parking Lot.
• Television crews will be provided a parking pass and access Media Start Parking Lot due to their equipment requirements.
• Only one Media Start Parking Pass per media source will be considered for non-skiing media members.
   

• A copy of your press credentials from your employer must accompany all applications. If you are a freelance writer/photographer and do not have credentials then a letter from the media you are submitting your materials to must accompany the application.
   
• Media parking passes will only be necessary to gain access by vehicle to the Media Start Parking Lot. Other areas are open to media and non-media vehicles alike. There is no special parking area for Media at the Finish Lines. In the event that the finish lines move then Media Finish Area passes will be needed. Please contact Media Headquarters Race Week for more information.
   
• Media will need Media Badges on their person in order to gain access to the Start and Finish Lines. Be advised that there are still restricted areas within these points. Please follow the directions of Race Officials, Law Enforcement and Securitry Personnel. We ask that all Media at the event wear a badge.
   
• We would love to see your stories and photos. Please send a copy of your published article/ photo to the American Birkebeiner following the event. ABSF/PO Box 911, Hayward WI 54843.

Click "Apply Here" to download your Media Credential Application Form for the 2012 American Birkebeiner.

If you covered the Birkie last year or in previous years, thank you! Please note that on this year's Media Credentials Application we are requesting that you email us that coverage. Please submit the article you wrote or related coverage and where it was published or posted. Again, thank you!

Again this year, the American Birkbeiner Media Headquarters will located in the Birkie Cabin, located on the corner of Main Street and Hwy 63 in Hayward, WI.