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After the Race: Finding Your Skis & Clothing at the Birkie Start

Lostfound

Every year after the races, the Birkie Start area fills with a familiar sight: piles of jackets, warm-ups, and occasionally a lonely pair of skis or poles waiting to be reunited with their owner. While most items are eventually claimed, the process is smoother—and less stressful—when everyone follows a few simple steps.

Collection Boxes at the Start

You’ll see collection boxes and signage throughout the Birkie Start area for abandoned or discarded items. Volunteers gather clothing and gear from these locations and bring it to Lost & Found.

These boxes are there to keep the Start area safe and organized—not as a gear-check service.

Please Don’t Use Volunteers as Valets

Some participants intentionally leave items at the Start, planning to pick them up later at Lost & Found instead of bagging them. This is not allowed.

Birkie volunteers work hard to make race day possible. They are not personal valets, and managing intentionally abandoned gear takes time away from essential race operations.

How Lost & Found Works Now

In the past, every item was individually cataloged. With the volume of gear left behind, that process is no longer practical.

  • Many items are placed into bags and brought to Lost & Found.
  • Donated or unclaimed items may be grouped together.
  • If you’re missing something, Lost & Found may allow you to look through the bags to find it.

The Biggest Issue: Mixed-Up Skis

One of the most common problems after the race is skiers accidentally taking the wrong skis or poles. This creates a chain reaction—one person grabs the wrong pair, and suddenly multiple people are missing their gear.

The Simple Solution: Label Everything

Before race day:

  • Use a permanent marker to write your name and phone number on your skis and poles.
  • Double-check your gear before leaving the finish area.
  • If you lend skis or poles to someone, make sure their name is on the equipment.

A quick label can save hours of frustration—and help ensure everyone gets home with the right gear.

Help Us Keep Birkie Week Running Smoothly

A little preparation goes a long way. Bag your clothing, label your equipment, and take a moment to check before you leave.

Together, we can keep the Start area organized, reduce lost items, and make race day better for participants and volunteers alike.

Posted February 16, 2026 at 11:41 am