Hayward, WI (December 2, 2022) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has partnered with Backroads Coffee, Vibes Bakery, and New Moon Ski and Bike shop to provide amenities at the created a 286-acre conservancy that will house silent sports trails for generations to come, constructed a new 5km paved roller ski and multi-use trail, and began constructing an observation tower atop Mt. Telemark. In collaboration with the Trek Foundation, the first of nearly 17 miles of mountain bike trails were also built during the fall of 2022. These trails will add diversity to the already extensive Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association trails in the Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin area.
ABSF will continue to reinvigorate the property over time by increasing snowmaking capacity in the winter, rehabilitating and adding additional world-class trails, and creating a biathlon course. The vision for the property is for it to eventually include an outdoor plaza, ice skating rink, strength park, and climbing wall on the old Telemark Lodge elevator shafts.
“The exciting part about the outdoor center is the amazing partners we will have with us in the building. New Moon Ski and Bike Shop, Backroads Coffee, Vibes Bakery, and the Trek Foundation will help create the ultimate launching point for any outdoor adventure,” said Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director. “The business model for the outdoor center is to partner with industry leaders that are experts in their field of play,” said Popp. “The Birkie is great at hosting events and maintaining world-class trails and facilities, so we’re going to stick to that. We’ll leave the rest to our business partners, the foundation, and individuals who are invested in making this vision a reality,” said Popp.
“Backroads Coffee and Vibes Bakery are excited to partner with ABSF in bringing the community together, with the introduction of Mt. Telemark Village. We look forward to warming up and fueling up skiers, bikers and hikers alike, as they take advantage of the facilities and vast trail systems,” said Teresa Peters, President and CEO of Backroads Coffee & Vibes Bakery.
“New Moon is excited to join the ABSF in the new chapter of the enduring legacy that is Telemark USA. This project is a natural and obvious next step in growing Nordic skiing, cycling, and healthy lifestyle opportunities in the Cable-Hayward area,” said Chris Young, Co-owner of New Moon Ski & Bike.
While the amenities at Mt. Telemark Village are far from complete, the momentum and support ABSF has received during the first year and a half of development has been immense. From receiving over $700,000 in grant money from the State of Wisconsin Department of Tourism to raising thousands from private donors and partnering with local businesses, it is clear the community is invested in the future of Mt. Telemark Village. Learn how you can be a part of the excitement by visiting www.mttelemarkvillage.com or by stopping by the Birkie office at 10527 Main St. in Hayward, Wis.
Posted December 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm
