The BarneBirkie is where Birkie dreams begin! Open to skiers between the ages 3 and 13, this non-competitive ski events gets kids excited to be outside, on skis, and having fun. Kids choose the distance that they are ready to ski: a 1/2 km, 1km, or 3km course, all ending on Main Street in Hayward, WI, at the iconic finish line of the American Birkebeiner. #Birkie2025

This event is non-competitive. Youth skiers looking to compete can race in the Junior Birkie on the same day at 1pm.

Distances & Start Times

The Barnebirkie will start and finish on Main Street in the Celebration Zone between 3rd and 4th Street in downtown Hayward, WI.

WaveStart TimeDistanceStart LocationRecommend Age
Purple11:30 am500 m (0.3 miles)Behind the Intermediate School3 to 8; Beginner
Red11:35 am3 km (1.9 miles)Behind the Intermediate School8 to 13; Intermediate to Advanced
Green11:40 am1 km (0.6 miles)Behind the Intermediate School5 to 10; Intermediate to Advanced

Wave Assignment

Barne skiers registering for the 3 km tour will be in the Red Wave.

Barne skiers registering for the 1 km tour will be in the Green Wave.

Barne skiers registering for the 500 m tour will be in the Purple Wave.

School Groups

Is your school group interested in skiing the Barnebirkie? Great! Please email registration@birkie.com to find out how to register your group.  School group registration forms must be received at the Birkebeiner office by Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Birkie Junior Gear Bag, $50 – available for pre-order during registration!

  • Available for a special price during Junior Birkie & Barnebirkie registration
  • Produced exclusively for the Birkie by SWIX
  • Participants purchasing the Jr. Gear bag will receive the bag at Bib pick-up in February
  • The ideal bag for youth’s sports and ski gear, both wet and dry; or everyday school use
  • Dimensions: 12″ wide x 9″ deep x 15″ high
  • Reinforced #8 zippers
  • Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
  • Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage
  • Sports Shield zipped compartment for glasses or visor, with brushed lining to prevent lens scratches and quick, easy access
  • Large top-load zippered compartment for warm-up clothing, extra hats, and gloves
  • Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester
  • Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps
  • 2 – side mesh pockets for water bottles
  • This bag may not be used at gear bag drop on race day (Birkie, Korte or Prince Haakon)

Directions & Parking

Race Start – Behind the Intermediate and Primary Schools

Race Finish – American Birkebeiner Finish Line on Main Street!

Limited parking is found in downtown Hayward. Please help ease the traffic congestion by utilizing the designated spectator parking on Hwy B (noted in orange on the map below). Buses will run continuously from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from the Spectator Lot to the Registration Bus Stop, and from the Registration Bus Stop and the Celebration Zone Bus Stop to the Spectator Lot. Parking restrictions are in place on most of the downtown area streets.

Bib Pick Up

Bib pick-up will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m at the Intermediate School. Participants will receive their bib and Barnebirkie hat. Jr. Gear bags that were purchased during registration will also be available for pick-up during the scheduled bib pick-up hours. To avoid congestion, we recommend just one representative per family pick up bib(s). Thank you!

Parent & Spectator Etiquette

Please note the following important information regarding the safety of the children and the integrity of the course:

  • Any adult accompanying Barne skiers on the course must be on skis. Otherwise, adults must stay off of the groomed ski course. Thank you!
  • Meet your little skier directly outside of the Finish Line. Volunteers will be on hand to reunite skiers and family members. Please stay out of the direct finish line – some skiers may come in fast!
  • NO PETS PLEASE.

Venue & Course Map

The Barnebirkie starts behind the Hayward Intermediate and Primary schools and finishes at the American Birkebeiner Finish Line on Main Street.  Please help ease the traffic congestion by utilizing the designated spectator parking on Hwy B. Buses will run continuously from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from the Spectator Lot to the Registration Bus Stop, and from the Registration Bus Stop and the Celebration Zone Bus Stop to the Spectator Lot. Parking restrictions are in place on most of the downtown area streets.

*Please note that none of the Barnebirkie distances go over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge.

Celebration

Treats

Swiss Miss hot chocolate and homemade cookies courtesy of the Sons of Norway await every participant in the Celebration Tent near the finish area!

Commemorative Gifts

All children will receive a Barnebirkie medal, race bib, and a participant hat!

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors of the Barnebirkie

Swiss Miss
Johnson Financial Group

Supporting Sponsors of the Barnebirkie

Sons of Norway

Gold Circle Elite
Gold Level Sponsors of the Major Birkie Events Year-Round

Salomon
AriensCo
Untapped
Kwik Trip
Tamarack Health
Republic Services
Backroads Coffee
TIOA
Earth Rider Brewery
Maloja
Timber Ford