The 100+ kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers seeking fun and adventure in the north woods of Wisconsin. From events like the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, the Fat Bike Birkie, and the Birkie Trail Run, there is challenge to be had on event days and all days on the rolling hills of the Birkie Trail. We are dedicated to providing silent sports recreation and invite people of all ages to enjoy all the Mother Nature has to offer. Come out this winter, enjoy a day on the trails, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun on the trail with family and friends.

The non-profit 501(c)(3) American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation maintains 100% of the trail system. Donations to help cover the annual maintenance costs are welcome. You can help with a personal donation which may be tax deductible (consult your tax professional) and by joining the Foundation.  We think the American Birkebeiner Trail is a pretty fantastic recreational resource.  If you think it is as spectacular as we do, we’d love your support in making sure it stays amazing for generations to come.

Anderson’s Maple Syrup is Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Map, below.

2023/2024 Ski Trail Pass

Trail Passes On Sale Now!

Birkie Trail ski passes are required December – March to ski on any part of the 100+ km American Birkebeiner Trail System.  100% of funds collected go toward our growing costs to maintain the trail.

In addition, an All-Access Snow Pass is required to ski on the Tormondsen Family Snowmaking Trail as soon as it opens for the season.  See the link below for more information.

Trail passes or parking passes for Birkie Trail use are not required April – November (with the exception of the Early Season Tormondsen Family Snowmaking Trail), however if you are using the CAMBA mountain bike trails, please consider making a donation to CAMBA!

Birkie Ski Trail Pass Information

By order of the Sawyer County Board of Directors, no person may use that portion of the American Birkebeiner Trail System in Sawyer County between December 1st and March 31st unless they have purchased a Trail Pass.  Sawyer County grants to the named holder of a Trail Pass a revocable temporary license to access the Trail System.  

Virtual Birkie Trail Tour

Experience the amazing Birkie trail, named the No.1 cross-country ski destination in the U.S. Explore every section of the trail, including trailside cabins, as you virtually ski from near Cable, WI, to near Hayward, WI. Immerse yourself in the great north woods whenever or wherever you are!

Tour the Interactive Birkie Trail Map »

Or, Tour the Race Course on Race Day »

Birkie Trailheads & Trailside Cabins

Birkie Trail – Trailside Warming Cabins are Open

  • Derksen Family Timing Building – American Birkebeiner Trailhead (Birkie start line)
  • Derksen Family Great Hall at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead (see more information below)
  • Timber Trail Cabin – 43K
  • Franzen Fire Tower Trail Cabin – 38K
  • Birkie Ridge – Highway 63, two miles north from Seeley
  • Mandli Boedecker Trail Cabin – 33.5K
  • Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center (OO) – 29K
  • Strand-Johnson Gravel Pit Trail Cabin – 20K
  • Birchleggings Club Mosquito Brook Trail Cabin – 14K
  • Hatchery Creek County Park – 8K

How to Get There

American Birkebeiner Trailhead

From Hayward, take Highway 63 North to Cable, turn right/East on County Highway M to Telemark Road.  Follow Telemark Road until it dead ends at the Derkson Family Great Hall/Birkie Trailhead. Some maps may show access from McNaught Road, but there is a gate there and access is only from Telemark Road.

Mt. Telemark Village Trail Conditions

The Trek Trails Powered by OTM are closed until the spring of 2024.

The Trek Trails Powered by OTM, are now closed until spring. We had a beautiful snow fall, and with the upcoming thaw and rain, the trails need a little TLC to be at their best. Looking forward to seeing all of you back on the trails next year! Remember, stay updated on trail conditions and statuses by checking Trailforks.

Paved Recreational Trail Loop

For Rules, Guidelines, and Information visit the Mt. Telemark Village webpage.

Tormondsen Family Machine-made Snow Ski Trails

The Tormondsen Family snowmaking loops at Mt Telemark Village are 5km of ski trails with machine-made snow.  A few “rules of the road” include:

  • While snowmaking is happening, trails open for skiing at 9am.  Once snowmaking is done, trails open at 7am
  • The trails have lights – but there are some dark spots – when skiing at night, a headlight is recommended
  • Please make sure to have your “All Access Trail Pass”
  • Find the most recent trail conditions BELOW
  • If you are bringing a group or team, please email birkie@birkie.com to request space in the Derksen Family Great Hall. Note: no reservations will be accepted for December 15-17, January 5-7, January 18-21, January 27, February 9-11, and February 19-25. Reservations are $50/day and are not exclusive.
  • Derksen Family Great Hall is available for warming up/changing boots etc.

Grooming Procedures/FAQ's

When does the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) head out to groom?  What shapes our decision on when to groom, where and how?  How long does is take to groom the Birkie trail?

For these answers and more, check out the Birkie Trail Grooming Procedures and FAQs

Trail Conditions Map

Until Grooming begins on the larger Birkie Trail – the Nordic Pulse grooming map & grid may not be up to date – please just check these daily reports for latest updates.

Trail Conditions Report

View Live Birkie Trail Cameras »

Until Grooming begins on the larger Birkie Trail – the Nordic Pulse grooming map & grid may not be up to date – please just check these daily reports for latest updates.


Snowmaking

Trail Profile

The total climb on the Birkie Skate Course from the start line at Telemark to the finish line in Hayward (north to south) is 1,398 meters. The Birkie Classic Course’s total climb from the start line to the finish line is 21 meters less or 1,379 meters.

The Birkie Classic Trail which ends at OO has a total climb of 727 meters compared to the Birkie Trail’s total climb of 729 meters to that point. See chart to right for elevation break down.

Support the Trail