The Campaign for Mt. Telemark Village
Phase 1
Land Purchase | Lodge Removal | Conservancy
Acquisition of the Telemark Property and creation of the Conservancy or Conservation easement to protect the land for recreation forever.
Phase 2
Building New Opportunities
XC Skiing | Fitness Park | MTB Park | Walking / Hiking | Observation Tower | Sledding Hill | Skating Rink
Phase 3
Creating a New Community Center
Constructing a new building which will become a gateway to outdoor opportunities at Mount Telemark Village.
The first American Birkebeiner had its roots in a Norwegian legend and its finish line at Telemark Lodge and Resort. Since 1973, tens of thousands of people have skied the Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon races. They’ve skijored with beloved pets, cheered children on to a medal in the Barnebirkie, and sprinted down Main Street. As the Foundation has prospered, many more people have learned skills to ride a fat bike, shuffled with friends on a giant ski, or completed a running marathon on the famed Birkebeiner Trail.
People have rung bells trailside and handed out cups of water to strangers. Friendships and memories have been made and traditions have grown, all centered around outdoor recreation. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s mission is to promote and conduct the finest international cross country ski competition; to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail; and to support healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. The Foundation acquires land for conservation purposes to help reach our goals.
In purchasing the historic Telemark property, we’re reaching toward a dream. We’ve established a conservancy to protect the property’s recreation and conservation value forever. We envision bringing people together for recreation to make new traditions and memories. This is our mission, and Mt. Telemark Village and the Mount Telemark Conservancy are our legacy and future.
A Dream in Three Phases
PHASE 1 – LAND PURCHASE, LODGE REMOVAL, CONSERVANCY
Now Completed
Phase One has seen American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation raise $2.1 million through private donations, grants and the sale of a portion of Telemark property to Landmark Conservancy. Funds were used for land acquisition, lodge demolition, and the creation of conservancy.
PHASE 2 – BUILDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
With $1.1. million in funding from private donations and grants from the State of Wisconsin, the second phase of the Mount Telemark Village redevelopment of the Telemark Property includes the expansion of XC skiing, a new paved roller ski/walking/hiking trail, MTB park and trails, observation tower, sledding hill and skating ponds.
PHASE 3 – Creating a New Community Center
The third phase of the Mt. Telemark Village dream is to build a close to 9,000 square foot community center that will be a gateway to outdoor activities! We are seeking $2.5 million to build the new building with a goal of breaking ground in spring 2023! Please join us in making the dream of a revitalized Telemark a reality. 
What People Are Saying
“We have so many memories of staying at Telemark and many hours skiing there—first downhill in the late 60’s and then starting in the late 70’s cross country skiing. But out of the ‘ashes‘ rises the phoenix. Telemark begins anew. We hope our contribution helps.”
Allan Ohm and Katie Smith Ohm
“These are exciting times for Cable. It is a joy to contribute to the Birkie Foundation’s vision for Telemark.”
Paul and Sarah Saldin and Family
“My dad never skied a Birkie race, but he eagerly followed my participation in every one and we always shared a phone call as soon as I crossed the finish line so he could get my first-hand trail and race report. The Mt. Telemark Conservancy is the perfect way to honor his memory and to make sure that the land will always be preserved to benefit future generations.”
Ken Walz, in honor of Robert Allen Walz
Contribute to the Campaign
A Place to Gather and Make New Memories
Ways to Give
- Make a donation online.
- Mail a check using these Offline Payment Instructions.
- Use a donor advised fund. Make your contribution payable to:
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation/Telemark
Our EIN is: 39-1503175
Our mailing address is:
ABSF/Telemark, PO Box 911, Hayward,
Wisconsin 54843. - Do you want to transfer stock, contribute an IRA distribution, learn about naming rights for a larger donation, or ask questions? Contact at: 715-634-5025, or: tracy.lynn@birkie.com.
How Will You be Recognized
Recognition can be for $100 shares, $5000 acres or further naming opportunities in the Mt. Telemark Village may be on behalf of yourself, from families, groups and clubs, from businesses, or in someone’s honor or memory. Shareholders will be recognized on a Mt. Telemark Conservancy sign at a trailhead in the Conservancy. Acres are recognized through a symbolic stock certificate of ownership, a framed print of the 1978 Birkebeiner ascent of Mt. Telemark, an invitation to the dedication of the Mt. Telemark Conservancy, and the good feelings that come with helping to make the world a better place. We look forward to celebrating with you. Contact Tracy Lynn at ABSF for naming right opportunities.
Make a Donation Now!
Offline Payment Instructions
Contributing through a Donor Advised Fund? The charity is American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. The EIN is 39-1503175. The mailing address is ABSF/Telemark, PO Box 911, Hayward, Wisc. 54843.
Your support is truly appreciated. Please contact us with questions or comments. Projects & Bids.
Ben Popp
Executive Director
715-634-5025
Tracy Lynn
Development Manager
715-634-5025
