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WI State Legislature declares February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HAYWARD, WI (February 18, 2024) – Last week the WI State Senate adopted Assembly Joint Resolution 104, officially declaring February 19th – 25th American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin. American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp commented, “we are honored to be recognized state-wide as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this globally renowned race. […]
Changes to Birkie Week 2024: Lapped Courses and Race Distance Changes
Hayward, WI, February 13, 2024 – As anticipation builds for Birkie Week 2024, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing several updates to this year’s 50th Slumberland American Birkebeiner anniversary celebration event. Birkie Week promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, with the introduction of lapped courses, shortened distances, and the excitement of […]
Ernie St. Germaine Received 50th Anniversary Custom Skis
On Friday, February 9th, Ernie St. Germaine, the only skier to have skied all 49 American Birkebeiners, picked up his custom skis for his 50th race in just two weeks. Months ago, Erine realized he needed new pair of skis for this year’s race. He stopped by Hayward’s Riverbrook Bike and Ski. Owners Tim Swift […]
Executive Director Ben Popp discusses a warmer Birkie year on MPR
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp chatted with Jenn White on Minnesota Public Radio. Ben discusses the current and forecasted weather conditions as well as the initial Birkie contingency plans. Interviewed live on January 31, 2024.
Marketing & Communications Director Shawn Connelly talks Birkie 2024 on Civic Media Network
As Birkie week 2024 approaches American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Marketing and Communications Director Shawn Connelly appeared on the Matenaer on the Air show hosted by WUAK 101FM and the Civic Media Network. The Civic Media Network‘s Hayward station 910AM will also be carrying race coverage the week of the Birkie. More details to come as the […]
Trio Selected to Portray Historic Inga & Warriors During Birkie Week 2024 Celebration
Hayward, Wisc. (January 25, 2024) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation proudly announces the selection of Kirsten Sandman, Todd Sandman, and Craig Hokanson, to portray the iconic figures of Inga & the Warriors during the 50th-anniversary Birkie celebration, February 21–24, 2024. The trio hails from the Cumberland Area Timberland Hills ski area in Barron County, […]
Executive Director Ben Popp discusses Birkie contingency plans on WCCO
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp appeared on WCCO-Minneapolis to discuss the 50th Anniversary American Birkebeiner week-long ski event and celebration coming this February 20th – 25th. He sheds light on the history of the event and the potential contingency plans in the event the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins to Headline 2024 Birkie Bash Celebration
Mt. Telemark Village Campaign to Benefit from Proceeds Hayward, Wis. – 12/21/23 – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is proud to announce that Jessie Diggins, decorated world-class athlete and Olympic gold medalist, will be the guest of honor at the 2024 Birkie Bash celebration on Thursday, February 22, 2024, for an unforgettable evening in […]
Mt. Telemark Village Club Challenge
Best club in the Midwest? Best club in the country? Best club in North America? There are many ways to measure the value of a club and the Birkie is here to provide a scale – with a great reward for the winning team. It’s simple, fun, and tax deductible. The Birkie will recognize the […]
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Events Draw Record Number of Skiers for 50th Anniversary of Birkie Week
Registration Closes for Prince Haakon and Birkie Open Track Events HAYWARD, WISCONSIN – November 9, 2023 – The 50th Anniversary of Birkie Week is already making history with a surge of registrations causing races to fill up earlier than ever before. Registration for the Prince Haakon (15K) and Birkie Open Track events closed at midnight […]
Birkie Signs New Official Outfitter
Maloja is New Official Outfitter of the American Birkebeiner, the Largest Cross Country Ski Race in North America Rimsting, 04.10.2023 – German sportswear brand Maloja signs a 3-year contract and underlines its focus towards Nordic sports with long-term partnership Founded in 2004 in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, Maloja has become a true pioneer […]
50th Anniversary Slumberland American Birkebeiner Makes History by Closing Registration on September 27, 2023
HAYWARD, WISCONSIN – September 28, 2023 – The 50th Anniversary Slumberland American Birkebeiner has witnessed an unprecedented rate of registrations for the 2024 event. As a result, the iconic Slumberland American Birkebeiner 50K/53K race has closed its registration earlier than ever before, on September 27, 2023. As of closing, nearly 7,500 participants were registered for […]
Icebug Birkie Trail Run: Participants Brave the Rain for a Memorable Event
Hayward, Wis. – September 25, 2023 – The 2023 Icebug Birkie Trail Run, which took place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, proved to be an unforgettable experience despite the rainy conditions. Runners from across the midwest gathered to test their mettle on the challenging trails of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), and their determination […]
Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins to Ski 50th Anniversary Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Announcement Made at Capital Campaign Kickoff Event
Hayward, Wis. (August 28, 2023) – The Slumberland American Birkebeiner, North America’s premier cross-country ski race, is thrilled to announce that Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins will be participating in the 50th anniversary edition of the event. This exciting announcement was made during the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s capital campaign kickoff event at Surly Brewing […]
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Launches Public Phase of Campaign for Mt. Telemark Village
Hayward, Wis. (August 23, 2023) – It’s Finally Happening! The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is thrilled to announce the public launch of its $10 Million campaign for Mt. Telemark Village – your new home for real Northwood’s adventure. The Village will build upon the legacy of the historic Telemark Resort, continuing its rich tradition of […]
One Track Mind Foundation Fulfills Funding Needs for Trek Trails at Mt. Telemark Village
Hayward, WI (May 2, 2023) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is excited to announce their partnership with One Track Mind (OTM) Foundation to complete the development of approximately 17 miles of mountain bike trails at Mt. Telemark Village, in Cable, Wis. This partnership, in addition to existing funds received from the Trek Foundation, […]
Weather doesn’t put a damper on annual Birkie Week events
HAYWARD, WI (February 25, 2023) – Birkie Week 2023 officially kicked off with nearly perfect conditions during the Open Track events on Wednesday, followed by snowstorm Wednesday night that brought over 6” of snow to the area. Despite the concern over weather, over 13,000 skiers participated in nine different events throughout the week. Twenty countries […]
