Birkie Week Events

February 18 – 22, 2026
Cable-Hayward, WI, USA

Welcome to the North Woods and the 2026 Birkie Week of Events!

From its humble beginnings, the American Birkebeiner has grown to become North America’s largest ski race and the third largest in the world. To date, over 250,000 skiers have finished Birkie ski events. Approximately 40,000 spectators and skiers gather each February in the Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin areas for the Nordic sports festivities and in celebration of the determination and perseverance of the Birkebeiner warriors.

We think you’ll agree that there is something magical about Birkie week. It’s a time when new skiers and seasoned veterans gather together to celebrate cross-country skiing with friends, new and old. The excitement in the air is palpable and Birkie Fever is alive and well around every corner.

2026 Registration is Now Open!

Watch the video below for registration information from Event Director Kristy Maki. Also included is a tutorial to walk you through the improved registration process. Jump to that section of the video here

Participant and ABSF Wax Policy

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has joined U.S. Ski and Snowboard in banning the use of fluorinated ski wax in competition since the 2020-2021 season. We require all competitors to abide by this policy for all events on the Birkie Trail and at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. All athletes are subject to random ski testing at events and penalties will apply to any US Ski and Snowboard licensed or citizen skier that is found to be non-compliant.

All participants in the American Birkebeiner are required to use non-Fluoridated wax products and are subject to random testing to detect the presence of fluorine on their skis. Racers in the Men’s & Women’s Birkie Skate Elite Waves MUST follow the wax testing protocol implemented at the event. Specific protocols will be shared with Elite Wave participants prior to the event. Even if not tested, we require all racers at all American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation events to follow the ABSF Wax Policy and we encourage skiers utilize fluoro-free wax at all times.

How to Clean Fluoros from Skis

Cleaning Skis: Wax, Scrape, & Brush 2-3 times with a F-Free glide wax.
Cleaning Tools: Clean brushes with vacuum bristles, spritz the bristles lightly with a base cleaner, and allow to dry. Clean scrapers and other hard tools with a base cleaner and allow to dry.
Work Space: Be sure to vacuum and wipe down surfaces where skis and tools make contact.

Birkie Week Race Policies

All Birkie Week Races are run according to the rules and regulations of the Federation of International Skiing (FIS) and any special requirements stated in the entry form, Birch Scroll, this web site, www.birkie.com, and participant race instructions. Offenses against any of these rules may lead to disqualification for current or future events and the forfeiture of any and all awards.

All participants in the Slumberland American Birkebeiner and American Birkebeiner Open Track must be 18 years of age by February 20, 2026. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancelation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Clothing Bag Procedures Policies for using the clothing transport from the start to the finish.

ABSF Participant Rules

ABSF Wax Policy

Trash Penalty

A trash penalty is now in place for all Birkie events. Any participant, coach, or support crew caught throwing waste on the trail or into the woods between aid stations could be assessed a 15 minute penalty. There will be “Last Chance” garbage disposal areas as you leave each aid stations at all races. Violators should be reported by bib number via email at birkie@birkie.com or to a volunteer at the next aid station. Read more in the Participant rules above.

Telemark Northwoods Lodging

Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging

Telemark Northwoods Lodging is the Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging offering a great retreat in a year-round recreational playground.

Visit the Telemark Northwoods Lodging Website

Lodging Options

The Hayward, WI area boasts a wide variety of lodging options during race week, from boutique stays to affordable dorm-style lodging. For more information, visit our lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Dependable, fun, and safe childcare is provided on race days during Birkie Week for children of racers. Find more information and registration details here.

Birkie Week Community Events

Local Birkie Week Dining Specials

Anglers Bar and Grill – 10547 Main Street Hayward, WI
- Feb 19-21, 2025 – Spaghetti Bowl with garlic toast and a small side salad for $11.
Coop’s Pizza- 10588 California Ave, Hayward, WI 54843
- Specials: Lasagna, Spaghetti with Veggie Marinara, Spaghetti with Sausage Marinara, Spaghetti with Chicken Marinara, Spaghetti with Alfredo, Spaghetti with Chicken Alfredo, and Spaghetti with Seafood Alfredo.
- All served with garlic toast
- Salad Bar Add for $6
- Sunday-Friday 11:00am-2:30pm: All you can eat lunch buffet – pizza, soup, garlic toast, salad bar
Eddy’s on Third – 15882 W Third St. Hayward, WI
- Nordic Wrap: Wild rice, Cranberry Dijon sauce, roasted pulled chicken with rosemary, prosciutto, & toasted walnuts in a wrap.
St . Joseph Church, 5th & Dakota Ave
- Pasta Feed- February 21st from 4p-7p – Price: $14 Adults | $7 Ages 6-12
- Proceeds benefit: All proceeds will go toward the Hayward Sports Center’s “Heat the Rink” campaign, benefiting the entire community, including many St. Joseph families involved in ice skating, hockey, and figure skating. Everyone is welcome—come enjoy great food and help keep the rink warm for all to enjoy!