The Prince Haakon event is named after the baby prince who started it all!  Be a part of the Birkie week fun and excitement!  You’ll ski through the forest on the amazing Birkie Trail, glide across frozen Lake Hayward, ski over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge as you make your way to the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street! #Birkie2024

  • The ideal event for first-time racers and skiers looking for a shorter event
  • Is open to both skate and classic technique skiers age 13 and older
  • Check out the new Open Track version for a more relaxed event!
Slumberland Furniture Free Race Entry! With purchase of $1000 or more at Slumberland - Click for complete details

Bib Pickup and Event Week Schedule

Pre-Race Bib Pickup:

Bib Number Email Confirmations will be sent out the week before Birkie Week

Thursday, February 22

  • Location: Birkie Expo, Hayward High School
  • Times:
    • Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • You will pick up your bib and Birkie Gear Bag or Plastic Bag (if you ordered one).  You will not receive both types of bags.
  • Expo Preview

Race Day, Friday, February 23, Bib Pickup: 

  • Location: Start Area 
  • Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
  • There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start.  Plastic bags will be given to all those picking up bibs at the start. If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag following your race at the Birkie Expo between 12pm-8pm, you can have your Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you. Deadline to claim your 2024 Birkie Bag is March 31, 2024. Bags will be mailed in April 2024.

Race Policies

The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Skiing (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 Prince Haakon must be 13 years of age by February 23, 2024. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancelation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

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 each aid stations at all races. 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

Participants must complete their race by 5 pm. Cut-off times for races will 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.

Aid Stations and Cut-Off Times

LocationAid Availablefrom Start Cut-off Time
StartWater0
Fish HatcheryWater, UnTapped Energy & Hydration, Bananas, Sandwich Cookies7K3:35 PM
Finish LineCelebration Zone and Soup Tent!15K5:00 PM

Untapped All Natural Athletic Fuel logoLearn how to refuel wth Untapped!

Race Tracking

Track your ski with RTRT!

The 2024 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Live Results are now available via web at https://track.rtrt.me/e/ABSF-BIRKIE-2024. Have a Smartphone? Download the RTRT.me Mobile App at https://rtrt.me/app and select the 2024 Birkie event. Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Results to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, position on the map and estimated finish will be instantly available!

Awards

All Prince Haakon finishers will receive a medal when they cross the finish line!

The top three overall women and men will be recognized in a ceremony in the Celebration Plaza at 3:00 pm on Friday. Winners are based on overall, chip time, not the first to cross the finish line. There is no technique distinction in the awards.

Lodging & Services

For lodging information, see our Lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Find more information and registration details HERE!

Future Event Dates

Save the Date:

2025: February 19 – 22