2025 Kortelopet Registration will Open on May 1, 2024.

	May 1 through June 27	June 28 through September 5	September 6 through October 31	November 1 or until full
Kortelopet Registration Fee	$200	$215	$230	$240
U20 Kortelopet (born after 2/21/2006)	$135	$140	$145	$150

Registration Details to Know!

All participants must be 13 years of age or older on race day to register for the Kortelopet.

Please register under the same name every year (exact spelling) in order to keep track of your previous race finishes.  If you are unsure of the name you registered under previously, please email registration@birkie.com.

• To update personal info (email, address, etc) for this event at any time:
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
  • Click on “Participant Info” (along either top or bottom menu)

Registration closing dates are determined by participant numbers/capacity and are not on a set, predetermined date.  Event closings are announced to email subscribers, via social media posts, and on the website. There is not a waitlist for registration once the event fills to capacity and closes.

2025 Birkie Gear Bag

As part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative, we’ve partnered with SWIX on the Birkie gear bag!  The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $70 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie.

• During the 2025 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $70!  The $145 value Birkie gear bag is available during the registration process only.
• Quantities limited! Register for the race and gear bag soon to guarantee a Birkie gear bag!
• Birkie gear bags will be distributed as part of bib pick-up.
• To add-on a Birkie Gear Bag (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Change your “Birkie Gear Bag” selection

Birkie Gear Bag Features

The Birkie gear bag has large, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.

• Reinforced #10 zippers
• Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
• Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage (fits up to size 13 Nordic boot)
• Fleeced lined 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
• Two zippered side compartments for extra water bottles and accessories
• Inside secured pocket for valuables; mobile phone, keys and wallet pocket
• Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester, internal frame-sheet transfers weight evenly and contours to the wearer’s back
• Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps and harness system to distribute weight evenly

Entry Scholarship for Wisconsin Student Athletes

Middle school or high school students who are on a ski team in Wisconsin and have not previously skied a Kortelopet may be eligible for a free race entry provided by the Wisconsin Nordic Network. Contact your school team coach to apply. The Korte Scholarship is made possible by donations, contact WINN to donate and send a kid to the Korte!

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation utilizes a seeded start structure for four of its events:  Birkebeiner Skate, Birkebeiner Classic, Kortelopet Skate, and Kortelopet Classic.  Participants are seeded into start waves in 2025 based on your best result from 2020, 2022, and 2023 Birkie events (see the Wave Seeding Criteria tables below). 2024 results are not eligible for consideration.  If you have no prior Birkie history or a result from a qualifying race that would place you in a higher wave, you may submit a wave upgrade request. If you’ve completed multiple events, the Event Adjustment Factor table accounts for the historical difference in the strength of competition between the races. (Take your Percent Back from event winner +/- the applicable Adjustment Factor. See a sample calculation under “Wave Upgrade Request.”).

While 2021 and 2024 Birkie and Open Track times will not count towards placement, race completion (in-person or virtual) will be applied according to tables below.

Participants who have never completed an American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon event will be placed in the last wave.  The goal of wave placement is to place participants of similar abilities together to minimize passing and encourage a smooth flowing race.

If you do not receive a wave placement e-mail within 14 business days, please contact registration@birkie.com.

The Korte has three special waves- Elite, U20 and Wave 70, for younger and older skiers. See the details for these waves below.

Kortelopet Skate Wave Seeding Criteria

Korte Skate	2023 Finish Time	2023 PBE	2022 Finish Time	2022 PBE	2020 Finish Time	2020 PBE
Wave 1	Up to 2:04:34	Up to 65.5%	Up to 2:07:36	Up to 60.5%	Up to 2:01:36	Up to 58.5%
Wave 2	2:04:35 to 2:23:23	65.5% to 90.5%	2:07:37 to 2:29:51	60.5% to 88.5%	2:01:37 to 2:16:56	58.5% to 78.5%
Wave 3	2:23:24 to 2:42:12	90.5% to 115.5%	2:29:52 to 3:19:09	88.5% to 150.5%	2:16:57 to 2:46:05	78.5% to 116.5%
Wave 4*	2:42:13 and Up	115.5% and Up	3:19:10 and Up	150.5% and Up	2:46:06 and Up	116.5% and Up
*Wave 4	PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS
Wave 5	NEW PARTICIPANTS

Korte Classic Wave Seeding Criteria

Korte Classic	2023 Finish Time	2023 PBE	2022 Finish Time	2022 PBE	2020 Finish Time	2020 PBE
Wave 1	Up to 2:30:56	Up to 80.5%	Up to 3:04:14	Up to 95.5%	Up To 2:38:00	Up to 94.5%
Wave 2	2:30:57 to 3:12:44	80.5% to 130.5%	3:04:15 to 3:46:38	95.5% to 140.5%	2:38:01 to 3:13:44	94.5% to 138.5%
Wave 3*	3:12:45 and Up	130.5% and Up	3:46:39 and Up	140.5% and Up	3:13:45 and Up	138.5% and Up
*Wave 3	PLUS PRIOR PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FROM LAST 3 YEARS, OR ONLY 2021 or 2024 RESULTS OR OPEN TRACK RESULTS
Wave 4	NEW PARTICIPANTS

Event Adjustment Factors

Event You are Registering For in 2025	Using Previous Birkie Skate Result	Using Previous Birkie Classic Result	Using Previous Korte Skate Result	Using Previous Korte Classic Result	Using Previous Prince Haakon Result	Using Any 2021 or 2024 Birkie/ Korte/ Prince Haakon Completion
Birkie Skate	0	+ 8 %	+ 15 %	+ 15 %	Wave 9	Wave 9
Birkie Classic	– 8 %	0	+ 8%	+ 8 %	Wave 5	Wave 5
Korte Skate	– 15 %	– 7 %	0	0	Wave 4	Wave 4
Korte Classic	– 15 %	– 7 %	0	0	Wave 3	Wave 3

Wave Upgrade Request

Participants may utilize their result from this list of qualifier competitions to improve on their placement from the above criteria. Similar to the comparison between the American Birkebeiner events, the results of the qualifiers will be adjusted based on the strength of competition, distance, and course elevation profile.

• All requests will be charged a $25 service fee, whether a wave upgrade is granted or not. To request a wave upgrade by 11:59pm CST on January 14, 2025 (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Make appropriate change to your “Wave Upgrade Request” section

Wave upgrades are subject to availability, if the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. You will receive an updated wave placement email confirmation if an upgrade has been made. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 14 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.  In an effort to create an environment with reduced on-trail passing, consistent race flow, reduced congestion in aid stations, and the safest possible environment for all skiers, we are unable to downgrade a skier to a wave that is slower than the wave they qualify for (and outside of the wave options provided in the Race Day Selection emails).

You may request to use a race result from the list of qualifier competitions to improve your wave placement. Follow these steps to see if you are eligible for an upgrade:

1. Determine your percent back in the qualifier race. Take the Difference in time between You and the Overall Winner. Divide that by the Overall Winner’s time. (Example: your time is 2:36, winning time is 2:00; Difference =36 minutes/2 hours = 0.3 x 100 = 30% back)
2. Determine your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE). Add the qualifier race’s Adjustment Factor, which is found on the Qualifier List. PBE = Your % Back + Adjustment Factor (Example your 30% back + 57% Adjustment Factor = 87% Back Equivalency.)
3. Determine where your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE) would place you. Look up your PBE in the year column of the Wave Seeding Table of the race for which you are registered. (Example: A 2022 PBE of 87% will place you in Wave 4 for Birkie Skate or Wave 3 for Birkie Classic or Wave 2 Korte Skate or Wave 1 Korte Classic)

Request an upgrade only if your PBE will place you in a lower wave.  Make sure you have completed steps 1-3 before submitting your request as there are no refunds.

Kortelopet Elite Waves

The Kortelopet Skate and Classic races each have an elite wave. The Kortelopet Skate Elite Wave is comprised of the top 100 men and 60 women from the 2023 Kortelopet SKATE only; Kortelopet Classic Elite Wave is top 40 men and 30 women from the 2023 Kortelopet CLASSIC only.  Participants qualifying for a Korte Elite Wave will automatically be placed in the Elite Wave wave upon registering. Skiers qualifying for the Elite Wave may register for the race until January 14, 2025.  Elite Wave qualifiers that skied a different technique or did not participate in the 2023 Kortelopet will not be placed in the elite wave, but may request to be put on the Elite Waitlist. Anyone skiing in the 2023 elite wave due to an elite upgrade request will have to make the request again in 2024.  Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2025, or elite athletes new to the Kortelopet must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race here: Elite Waitlist Application

If you were in the Elite Wave in 2024 as an automatic qualifier based on 2023 results, you will automatically be in the Elite Wave in 2025. If you applied to the Elite Waitlist and were assigned to the Elite Wave in 2024, you will need to reapply to the Elite Waitlist for 2025.

Elite Wave registrations & Elite Waitlist requests close on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST. Open positions in the Elite Wave will be filled from the waitlist after January 26, 2025.

U20 Wave for Junior Racers

If you are a skier born between February 21, 2005 and February 21, 2012 you will be assigned to start the Kortelopet in the U20 Classic or U20 Skate Waves.   If you are placed in the U20 and are a top skier, please see details in the “Kortelopet Elite Waves” section above for requesting placement in the Elite Wave.

The U20 wave is timed using a gun start– all U20 skiers will receive the same start time in their respective wave.  Official time of U20 skiers that start late will still reflect the U20 gun time.  If you are a junior skier and do not want to ski in the U20 wave contact registration@birkie.com and you will be placed in a wave based on the normal seeding process and your time will start when you cross the start line. U20 skiers not starting in the U20 wave will not be eligible for overall or age group awards.

Wave 70

Cross country skiing is a lifestyle sport that allows people to stay active and healthy into their later years. Each year the Kortelopet provides an opportunity to celebrate this for over one hundred skiers over the age of seventy! We recognize these skiers with a special bib and special wave.

Event/Technique Change Request

Participants may request to change from the Kortelopet to the American Birkebeiner, Prince Haakon, or Open Track events or change technique between Skate and Classic until 11:59pm CST on January 14, 2025 unless an event is full (see allowed transfers below).  Wave placement is subject to availability at time of request. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. (Participants may no longer transfer from the Kortelopet to the American Birkebeiner once the American Birkebeiner is full.)  A change fee of $25 will be applied. You will receive an updated e-mail confirmation reflecting the change once the change has been approved. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 10 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.

• To change your event/technique:
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
  • Click on “Transfer Event” (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Select the event you want to transfer to and complete the registration
  • Transfers to the American Birkebeiner are not allowed if the race is at capacity.

2025 Eligible Transfer Table

Event you are registered for currently	Eligible for a transfer request to this event
Birkie Skate	Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Birkie Classic	Birkie Skate, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte Skate	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Korte Classic	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Prince Haakon, Open Track*
Prince Haakon	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Open Track*
Open Track	Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Korte Skate, Korte Classic, Prince Haakon*
	*subject to wave availability

Ineligible event change requests will be reversed and refunded minus processing fees if requested.

Like Birkie skiers, Kortelopet skiers are a dedicated bunch!  In honor of a Korte skier’s determination and dedication, there is a well-deserved recognition program!  Skiløper, Norwegian for “skier” (pronounced “Shē-lōp-păh”), began in 2019 and recognizes Kortelopet skiers who reach the milestones of 10, 20, and 30-years.  In addition to the current recognition which includes a Kortelopet 10-year plaque, Skiløper skiers receive a unique bib and deservedly a little swagger for earning it!  Here’s how it works:

• Skiers are recognized at 10, 20 and 30 years for their Kortelopet accomplishments!
  • Skiløper – Ti (Pronounced “tee” means Ten )
    • Unique bib for 10-19 years
    • Kortelopet 10-year plaque
  • Skiløper -Tjue (Pronounced “tu-a” means Twenty)
    • Unique bib for 20-29 years
    • Kortelopet 20-year plaque
  • Skiløper – Tretti (Pronounced “tre-tee” means thirty)
    • Unique bib for 30+ years
    • Kortelopet 30-year plaque

Congratulations Skiløper – You’ve Earned it!

The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the FIS and any special requirements stated in the entry form, Birch Scroll, this web site, www.birkie.com and participant race instructions. Offenses against any of these rules may lead to disqualification for current or future events and the forfeiture of any and all awards.

All participants in the Birkebeiner must be 18 years of age by February 22, 2025. Kortelopet skiers must be 13 years of age by February 21, 2025. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Participants who complete an event for which they are not registered (for example – ski the skate course when they registered for classic) will be credited for completing the race but will not be given a finish time, will not be eligible for awards and will not be included in the official results.

Clothing Bag Procedures: policies for using the clothing transport from the start to the finish.

ABSF Participant Rules

ABSF Wax Policy

Trash Penalty

A trash penalty is now in place for all Birkie events.  Any participant, coach, or support crew caught throwing waste on the trail or into the woods between aid stations could be assessed a 15 minute penalty. There will be “Last Chance” garbage disposal areas as you leave aid stations.  Violators should be reported by bib number via email at birkie@birkie.com or to a volunteer at the next aid station.  Read more in the Participant rules above.

Cut-Off Times have changed for 2025. Stay tuned for more info.

Participants of the 2025 Events must complete their race by 5 pm. Cut-off times for races must be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers.  Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and possible ineligibility for future Birkie Events.

Time	Location	Kilometer from Start
1:30 pm	Gravel Pit Aid Station	9 KM
2:30 pm	Mosquito Brook Aid Station	15 KM
3:35 pm	Hatchery Park Aid Station	21 KM
5:00 pm	Finish Line	29 KM

Kortelopet Skate and Classic Overall Awards

The top three male and female finishers across the line in both skate and classic will be recognized at the Kortelopet Award Ceremony in the Celebration Plaza in Hayward at 12:45 pm on Friday.

Finisher Recognition

Skiers finishing their first Kortelopet will receive a medal at the Finish.

Skiers who have completed more than one Kortelopet will receive a pin indicating the number of Kortelopets they have finished.

Age Class Awards

Age class awards will be awarded to the top three males and females, in both the freestyle and classic races, in each of the following age classes. Awards are based on the participants net time (finish arrival time minus start time).

13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85-89.

Skiloper Recognition

Kortelopet Skiers who finish their 10th, 20th, or 30th race will be rewarded with a personalized commemorative plaque.

Ti – 10 years

Tjue – 20 years

Tretti – 30 years

View Kortelopet Results »

Worldloppet is an international association of long distance ski races, created in 1979 from the inspiration of American Birkebeiner creator, Tony Wise. The Birkie is among the nine races that comprised the founding events, which have grown to over 20 races on five continents.

Worldloppet Ambassadors

There are many Birkie Skiers who have experience traveling to races around the globe. If you are interested in a particular race or just about the Worldloppet in general, we can connect you with someone who can share their experience with you and help to plan a trip. Click Here to submit an inquiry.

Worldloppet Passports

Tens of thousands of skiers around the world record their Worldloppet race finishes in a special Passport. Finishers of the Kortelopet Skate or Classic can have their passport stamped for Worldmaster Silver credit or purchase a new passport to start their Worldloppet adventure.

Worldloppet passports may be purchased on-line by clicking HERE. If you have completed an American Birkebeiner or Kortelopet race in the past, you can request that a stamped passport be mailed to you at any time.  The cost of new passports are $35.

Worldloppet Breakfast

All are welcome to join Worldloppet Skiers, delegates from other Worldloppet Competitions, and honored guests at the Worldloppet Breakfast on Friday of Birkie Week.  More information and registration details coming for the 2024 event.

Lodging

For lodging information, see our Lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Find more information and registration details HERE!

Click Here to Meet Our Sponsors

Save the Date:

2025: February 19-23

2026: February 18-22

2027: February 17-21