Trail to Prince Haakon Program
2025-26 Registration is Open!
Since 2021, New Moon Ski & Bike Shop and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation have partnered to create programs to increase opportunities for people to get outside and get active. The Trail to Prince Haakon program aims to help people find the joy of winter and be healthy year round. We are happy to again be working together to provide this great opportunity.
The program is a guided ski progression for first-time Birkie event skiers, emphasizing “eventing” vs racing. Participants will learn basic classic technique instruction, advice, a race training plan, and attend weekly in-person sessions beginning Tuesday, December 9th. The program will culminate with the February 18th Prince Haakon Open Track or the February 20th Prince Haakon. This program is geared toward those new to classic cross-country skiing, those returning to the sport, or recreational skiers who want to give “eventing” a try. Participants must be first time Prince Haakon registrants.
Details: Program will meet for 6 Tuesday sessions at 5:00-6:30 pm at Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. Tuesday lessons will be under the lights of the ‘OO’ loops. The group will also meet on Saturday, December 13th, Sunday, January 11th, Saturday, January 24th (Birkie Tour), and Sunday, February 7th for longer skis on the Birkie Trail and the Prince Haakon course.
- Tuesday, December 9th
- Saturday, December 13th
- Tuesday, December 16th
- Tuesday, January 6th
- Sunday, January 11th
- Tuesday, January 20th
- Saturday, January 24th (Birkie Tour)
- Tuesday, January 27th
- Sunday, February 7th
- Tuesday, February 10th
Beginner Group Fee: $250 for first-time Prince Haakon skiers, includes entry to Prince Haakon event (Friday race or Wednesday Open Track) , Birkie Tour entry, and an All Access Birkie Trail Pass (Greater Birkie Trail, groomed, natural snow). All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Limited to 25 participants.
Trail to Prince Haakon Training Group
For skiers who have participated in our Trail to Prince Haakon program previously or skiers looking to find a group to keep training, learning, and improving. The Introduction Training group will meet at the OO Trailhead on Tuesday nights at 5:30-7:00pm from December 9th-February 10th, 2026; and weekends for distance skis (see dates above). Skate and classic techniques are both welcome and the program is open to anyone interested. Coaches will provide a training focus each week, but there will be no individual technique instruction. The Intro Training group will focus on fun and accountability- it will be a great group to hang out with on skis. Come for the skiing, stay for the community- and maybe even have a potluck after your training! Includes an All Access Birkie Trail Pass and a Birkie Tour entry (does not include Prince Haakon entry).
Details: Program will meet Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00 pm at Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. Tuesday lessons will be under the lights of the ‘OO’ loops. The tentative start date, weather-dependent, is December 9th, 2025.
Fee: $150. Includes All Access Trail Pass and Birkie Tour entry.
For further information contact:
Kristy Maki at the Birkie office 715-634-5025.
