American Birkebeiner

In order to provide a better race experience for all skiers, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation developed the Birkie Classic Trail. Construction for the new trail began in late 2006 and was completed in three stages by the Fall of 2008. The 27K Birkie Classic Trail was used in its entirety for the 2009 event with Classic Skiers enjoying their own trail from just past the Race Start to County Hwy. OO.

Construction cost for the 27K trail totaled $104,000, which was raised with the help of many generous donations from skiers, businesses, organizations and friends of the American Birkebeiner.

The trail was designed and laid out by ABSF Board member Dave Nelson of Hayward and Rhinelander. Jack Moin, Cable, who also is Trail Chief at Telemark was Trail Construction Chief for the entire project. The project was successful due to the efforts of these two men who donated many hours of their time. The trail was built with the help and hard work of many volunteers who came out to numerous work nights and days over the three years.

The 27K Classic Trail is 20’ in width, and results in the Birkie Classic Race being 4K longer than the existing Birkie Trail used for the Skate course. Elevations of both trails is very similar with the major difference being that the Classic Trail climbs and descents are more gradual, but longer, facilitating the Classic technique. The two courses come together at each of the food/aid stations and close enough to be visible at several points.

The Birkie Classic Trail is groomed for both classic and skate skiing through the winter, but will be groomed for classic skiing only on race day. The trail is available for hiking, trail running and mountain biking the remainder of the year. There are no plans at present to further extend the Birkie Classic Trail.

The Birkie Classic Trail was built to provide the following benefits:

• The Classic Trail will be used by classic skiers on race day, with skate skiers following the existing Birkie Trail. This separation will provide better course conditions for all skiers on race day. Classic skiers will have the best tracks we can provide, and skate skiers will have more room since the Birkie Trail will not be tracked, except on downhills, through these sections.

• The new trail has elevated the stature of the Birkie Classic Race which we believe will draw additional participants, including top classic skiers, resulting in the Classic Birkie joining the Birkie in being recognized not only as the premier cross-country ski race in North America, but among the best in the world.

• The “loops” created by linking the Birkie and Classic Trails at each food station and at several other points provide more options for other events and general recreation for all silent sport users, including hikers, runners and mountain bikers year around.

• The new trail now provides another alternative for the Birkie in poor snow years. The new trail can serve as a return route to Telemark allowing a full marathon event to take place on the northern portion of the course when we can’t get to the much preferred finish in Hayward.

Contributing $1000 or more to the construction and maintenance of the Birkie Classic Trail:

• John and Leslie Taylor
• Johnson Family Foundation
• Joseph and Cheryl Hoida Family
• Judy and Gordon Faulkner
• Becker Law Offices, Madison, WI
• Phil and Ann Zink
• Lori Steinbach
• Bill and Nancy Bauer
• Alvin and David Nelson
• Lance Scott
• Daniel R. Huber Family
• Gail and Willi VanHaren
• John Stien
• The Hayward Lions Club
• Jane Bidwell
• Barbara Klippel
• Seeley Ski Club
• John Schneider
• Steven Eyer
• Kassbohrer All Terrain Vehicles
• Michael Devanie

The corners at C24K+ and C25K have been revised. The work was completed on September 8, 2009, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers. See photo on left.

Annual maintenance of the trail includes mowing, erosion control and repair, downed tree removal, brushing and snow grooming.  Total annual cost of maintaining the Birkie Trail system is over $130,000.

This trail was built for all cross-country skiers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. We are still in need of donations to help cover the annual maintenance costs. You can help with your personal donation which is tax deductible.

Sponsoring a K-marker as a Birkie Trail Friend is another way to help us maintain the trail. Again, all trail donations are tax deductible and all donations will be solely used to maintain the Birkie Trail system.

Please consider helping us. All you need do is mail your donation check payable to "ABSF" to:

ABSF
PO Box 911
Hayward WI 54843

Add a note that it’s for the Trail Fund.
Thanks for your consideration!