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2. 2024 Birkie Week FAQs

Can I change events?

No, you may not change events between American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, or Open Tracks. However, we have opened an option on Thursday- the Thursday Alternative Event Day. For a limited amount, you may change from Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to Thursday if you follow the procedure found here. You may not change from Open Track events on Wednesday to the Alternative Event Day.

How do I switch to the new Thursday Alternative Event Day?

If you would like to ski on the Thursday Alternative Event Day, follow the procedure found here– even if you have previously filled out the survey. Bib pickup is at the Hayward High School/Expo on Thursday morning beginning at 7am and the event schedule can be found here. All transfers to Thursday Alternative Event Day must be completed by Tuesday, February 20th or until the participant cap has been met.

What is the schedule of events for Birkie Week 2024?

Up to date schedule times can be found on birkie.com/50

Confirmed Start Times

Up to date schedule times can be found on birkie.com/50

If I am registered for the American Birkebeiner, can I decide while skiing to ski the shorter Kortelopet distance during my race?

You may drop out of the race at any time, but you will not get credit for skiing a shorter distance.

Is it possible to defer to 2025?

There are no refunds or transfers for any reason, including event cancelation on any American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) events/registrations. Registrations are not deferrable to another event, year, or individual.

Are/will you consider allowing virtual events?

We will not have a virtual option for 2024. In order to earn completion credit, you must ski the event you are registered for during the designated event times on course.

Can another participant pick up my bib packet?

Yes, you may have another participant pick up your bib packet for you. They will need to provide 1) a paper or electronic copy of your bib confirmation email, 2) a copy of photo ID, and 3) signed authorization from you giving them permission to pick up your bib packet.  These can be in the form of a screenshot, photo, or hard copy.

Will age class awards be given out this year? 

There will be no age class awards at the 2024 events. You will still earn completion credit for your event and receive your decade award for American Birkebeiner 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years or Kortelopet 10, 20, 30 years. All finishers will receive a pin or medal. Official finish times will be posted but will not count for awards or wave placements in subsequent years. 

Can I get my Birkie Gear Bag/bib/hat shipped to me?

Thanks to generous donor support, a new offsite warehouse space allows us to store unclaimed bib packets for a limited amount of time this year.  Participant hats will be included, while supply lasts.  Please request your bib packet by March 31, 2024.  Bib packet shipping cost is $15, Pre-purchased Birkie Gear Bag shipping is $12 (sorry, shipping cannot be combined).  We will ship packets in April-May, please be patient as we have limited staff. You can also pick up in person, please use the request form below so we can have them at the office for you after April 2, 2024.

This shipping request is only if you pre-purchased a Birkie Gear Bag.  Any available 2024 Birkie Gear Bags for purchase will be listed as an item in the Birkie Store later this year (~June). 

Can I change distances?

At this point, no official changes to events can be made. The distances have been shortened (American Birkebeiner 30K, Kortelopet 20K, and Prince Haakon 10K). You may ski a shorter distance, but will not get completion credit if you do not ski the distance of the event you are registered for.

What does tour mean?

We encourage all participants to have fun and ski to their best abilities.  However, we know that there could be crowded sections of the course this year and caution and cooperation will be key to a successful event. Please ski fast when you are able and know that your time will not count for age group awards or future wave placement.

What will results look like?

Results will be in alphabetical order. No age group placements will be given for 2024.

Will I still receive an age class award?

There will be no age-class awards at the 2024 events. You will receive completion credit for your registered event and receive a decade award, if applicable, for American Birkebeiner 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years or Kortelopet 10, 20, or 30 years. All finishers will receive a year completion pin or first year medal. Official finish times will be posted, but will not count for age group awards or wave placements in future year.

What will the wave placements be for next year?

2025 wave placements will utilize American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, and Open Track event results from 2020, 2022, and 2023. Results from 2024 will not count towards 2025 wave placement. 2025 Elite Wave qualification will be based on 2023 results only. If you earned elite status in 2024 from waitlist qualifications, you must request to be placed on the waitlist for 2025. If you change technique from 2023, you must request to be placed on the elite waitlist. 

What/where is the Celebration Area at MTV?

The Celebration Area at MTV will be at the base of Mt. Telemark Village. There will be food, drinks, ice sculptures, saunas, fire pits, and more! There is a short 1K walking trail along the course to go from the Start- Finish Area, to the Celebration Area. You can also ride the shuttle bus between the Start/Finish Area and the Celebration Area on Friday and Saturday.

What is happening in Hayward?

Hayward still has a lot to offer! The American Birkebeiner Expo, the Barnebirkie, and the Giant Ski will still be happening in Hayward, in a modified no-snow fashion. The Birkie Bash will also still be happening at The Steakhouse and Lodge. There are also many other community pasta feeds. Be sure to check out our birkie.com/50 page for those dates and times. Make sure to check out all of the downtown businesses while you are in town!

The Park Center in Hayward also has special concerts and movie viewings to celebrate the 50th Birkie Week of Events: Park Center Schedule 

Parking & Bussing

Wednesday: There will be limited parking at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead on a first come, first serve basis. Bussing is available from Birkie Ridge. Check the participant guide for exact times.

Thursday-Sunday: Parking at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead is for Premium Permit holders only. Purchase a Premium Parking Pass here. Bus schedules can be found in the participant guide for schedules from Birkie Ridge and/or the Cable Lot.

There will be no bussing from Hayward. There are no dogs allowed on buses.

Birkie Office Hours during Birkie week

Can I get my Worldloppet Passport Stamped?

Yes, the Birkie Office will be open and offering passport stamping on Friday 12p-5p, Saturday 12p-5p, and Sunday 9am-2pm.

American Birkebeiner 2024 Course Map

If the race is canceled, will I get a refund?  Or will my registration get pushed to the 2025 race? 

There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races. We think you’ll agree that the Birkie is an incredibly special experience. Along with the safety of our participants, an exceptional event and race experience for all is our primary goal. Well before the start gates are lifted on race morning, the tent vendors, porta-potty providers, bib and medal suppliers, independent contractors, and a myriad of other parties, are prepaid. The staging of an event the magnitude of Birkie Week takes months and months of planning and results in substantial expense before the actual events take place. As you can imagine it takes our vendors months of planning to prepare for Birkie Week, too. When it comes right down to it, in the event of a forced cancellation, the financial impact is not much different than if the events were held without a compromise.