Slumberland American Birkebeiner
Presented by Ariens
Saturday, February 24, 2024 — Skate 50K, Classic 53K

We’re looking forward to Birkie 2024 with excitement for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner experience.  Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI, ski their way through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across Lake Hayward, cross over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge, and head toward the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.  We’ve heard it time and time again, once you ski a Birkie you’re forever changed and return to experience this amazing event year after year.  We hope to see you on the finish line! #Birkie2024

2024 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Registration for the Saturday 50k Skate/53k Classic Closed on Wednesday, September 27th at 11:59pm

There is no waitlist for registration.

See information above for waves that are currently open for placement. Wave placement is automatically based on 2020, 2022, & 2023 American Birkebeiner/Kortelopet results and is subject to wave availability at the time of registration.  If the wave you qualified for is closed, you will be placed in the highest wave that is still open. Wave upgrade requests (see below) are also subject to wave availability.

Registration Details to Know!

All participants must be 18 years of age or older on race day to register for the American Birkebeiner.

Please register under the same name every year (exact spelling) in order to keep track of your previous race finishes.  If you are unsure of the name you registered under previously, please email registration@birkie.com or call the Birkie office at 715-634-5025.

To update personal info (email, address, etc) for this event at any time:

• Login to your RunSignUp profile.
• Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
• Click on “Participant Info” (along either top or bottom menu)

Registration closing dates are determined by participant numbers/capacity and are not on a set, predetermined date.  Event closings are announced to email subscribers, via social media posts, and on the website.

Protect Your Registration!

Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons.  Next Wave Insurance offers Regsaver so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case injury, illness, or another covered peril occurs.* Please see policy for complete list of covered perils at www.registrationsaver.com/birkie. Limitations and exclusions apply. Next Wave Insurance, CA License #: OF00755.

Learn More About RegSaver Registration Protection!

2024 Birkie Gear Bag

As part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative, we’ve partnered with SWIX on the Birkie gear bag!  The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $60 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie.

• During the 2024 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $60!  The $145 value Birkie gear bag is available during the registration process only.
• Quantities limited! Register for the race and gear bag soon to guarantee a Birkie gear bag!
• Birkie gear bags will be distributed as part of bib pick-up.
• To add-on a Birkie Gear Bag (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Change your “Birkie Gear Bag” selection

Birkie Gear Bag Features

The Birkie gear bag has large, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.

• Reinforced #10 zippers
• Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
• Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage (fits up to size 13 Nordic boot)
• Fleeced lined 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
• Two zippered side compartments for extra water bottles and accessories
• Inside secured pocket for valuables; mobile phone, keys and wallet pocket
• Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester, internal frame-sheet transfers weight evenly and contours to the wearer’s back
• Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps and harness system to distribute weight evenly

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation utilizes a seeded start structure for four of its events:  Birkebeiner Skate, Birkebeiner Classic, Kortelopet Skate, and Kortelopet Classic.  Participants are seeded into start waves for 2024 based on your best result from 2020, 2022, or 2023 Birkie events (see the Wave Seeding Criteria tables below).  The goal of wave placement is to place participants of similar abilities together to minimize passing and encourage a smooth flowing race.  Prior participants without results from 2020, 2022, or 2023 will be assigned to the second to last wave of their technique. Participants with Open Track results will be moved out of the last wave as shown in the Wave Seeding tables below. Participants who have never completed an American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon event will be placed in the last wave. If you have no prior Birkie history, you may request an upgrade based on a qualifying race.  See below for wave upgrade request details.  If you’ve completed multiple events, the Event Adjustment Factor table accounts for the historical difference in the strength of competition between the races. (Take your Percent Back from event winner +/- the applicable Adjustment Factor. See a sample calculation under “Wave Upgrade Request.”).  While 2021 Birkie and Open Track times will not count towards placement, race completion (in-person or virtual) will be applied according to tables below.  If you do not receive a wave placement e-mail within 14 business days, please contact registration@birkie.com.

American Birkebeiner Skate Event Expands to 10 Waves in 2024

In support of increasing participation, the American Birkebeiner Skate Event will now feature 10 waves in 2024. This expansion promises to create a safer and more streamlined experience for all participants by reducing course and transportation congestion.

There are also three special waves for those who qualify; Spirit of 35, Wave 70, and Elite Wave. Details on each are found below.

Wave Seeding Tables

2024 American Birkebeiner Skate

2024 American Birkebeiner Classic

Event Adjustment Factors

Wave Upgrade Request

Closed waves that have reached capacity are not eligible for Wave Upgrades. Click here to view current wave closures and capacities.

Participants may utilize their result from the list of qualifier competitions to improve on their placement from the above criteria. Similar to the comparison between the American Birkebeiner events, the results of the qualifiers will be adjusted based on the strength of competition, distance, and course elevation profile.

• All requests will be charged a $25 service fee, whether a wave upgrade is granted or not. To request a wave upgrade by 11:59pm CST on January 16, 2024 (subject to availability):
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
  • Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Make appropriate change to your “Wave Upgrade Request” section

Wave upgrades are subject to availability. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be upgraded and assigned to the next wave with space available. You will receive an updated wave placement email confirmation if an upgrade has been made. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 14 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.  In an effort to create an environment with reduced on-trail passing, consistent race flow, reduced congestion in aid stations, and the safest possible environment for all skiers, we are unable to downgrade a skier to a wave that is slower than the wave they qualify for (and outside of the wave options provided in the Race Day Selection emails).

Follow these steps to see if you are eligible for an upgrade:

1. Determine your percent back in the qualifier race. Take the Difference in time between You and the Overall Winner. Divide that by the Overall Winner’s time. (Example: your time is 2:36, winning time is 2:00; Difference =36 minutes/2 hours = 0.3 x 100 = 30% back)
2. Determine your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE). Add the qualifier race’s Adjustment Factor, which is found on the Qualifier List. PBE = Your % Back + Adjustment Factor (Example your 30% back + 57% Adjustment Factor = 87% Back Equivalency.)
3. Determine where your Percent Back Equivalency (PBE) would place you. Look up your PBE in the year column of the Wave Seeding Table of the race for which you are registered. (Example: A 2023 PBE of 87% will place you in Wave 5 for Birkie Skate or Wave 3 for Birkie Classic or Wave 2 Korte Skate or Wave 1 Korte Classic)

Request an upgrade only if your PBE will place you in a lower wave.  Make sure you have completed steps 1-3 before submitting your request as there are no refunds.

Event/Technique Change Request

Participants may request to change from the American Birkebeiner to the Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, or Open Track , and/or change technique between Skate and Classic at any time until 11:59pm CST on January 16, 2024 unless an event is full (see allowed transfers below). Wave placement is subject to availability at time of request. If the wave that you qualify for is full, you will be assigned to the next wave with space available. A change fee of $25 will be applied. You will receive an updated e-mail confirmation reflecting the change once the change has been approved. If you do NOT receive an updated e-mail confirmation within 14 business days, contact registration@birkie.com.

• To change your event/technique:
  • Login to your RunSignUp profile.
  • Scroll down to your event and click “Manage Registration”
  • Click on “Transfer Event” (along either top or bottom menu)
  • Select the event you want to transfer to and complete the registration
  • Transfers to the American Birkebeiner are not allowed at this time.  The event is full.

Spirit of 35

This wave celebrates the spirit of the 35 intrepid skiers who finished the first Birkie in 1973. It is comprised of a small group of skiers who have completed the most Birkies and therefore have a special place in the race’s history. The current group of 2024 Spirit of 35 skiers have at least 44 American Birkebeiners completed, including Birkie Founder, Ernie St. Germain, who has finished all 49 American Birkebeiners!

Wave 70

Cross country skiing is a lifestyle sport that allows people to stay active and healthy into their later years. Each year the Birkie provides an opportunity to celebrate this for more than two hundred skiers over the age of seventy! We recognize these skiers with a special bib and special wave.

35 Endowment Forerunners

The Endowment Forerunners are 35 major donors who collectively gave nearly $1,000,000 to launch the Foundation for the Endowment of the American Birkebeiner, which provides a permanent source of funds for the American Birkebeiner organization. We recognize them permanently with their own specially numbered 35 white bibs.

Elite Wave

The Elite Wave is a long standing tradition at the American Birkebeiner. This wave accommodates competitors who have outstanding credentials from the previous year’s American Birkebeiner.  The top 200 male and 65 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Skate race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2024 Birkie Skate race ONLY.  The top 100 male and 40 female finishers from the 2023 Birkie Classic race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2024 Birkie Classic race ONLY.  Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2024, must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race at registration@birkie.com. 

Elite Wave registrations & Elite Waitlist requests close on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:59pm CST.

Positions in the Elite Waves are only guaranteed for returning skiers who meet the above finish place criteria. No exceptions. If you have an Elite Wave finish two or more years prior, top Kortelopet finish, or other outstanding cross country ski race results, you may request to be added to the Elite Wave Waitlist by sending an email to registration@birkie.com. Open positions in the Elite Wave will be filled from the Waitlist after January 26, 2024.

American Birkebeiner Control Protocols 2023

Seeded FIS Group

Competitors from all FIS member nations that meet the eligibility requirements will be included in the Seeded Group in the Birkie Skate Race. This group will start as part of the Men’s and Women’s Elite Birkie Skate Waves. Seeded athletes will be assigned designated starting positions at the front of the wave and the rest of the elite wave must stay behind the seeded group until the gun goes off.

There is no Seeded Group in the Birkie Classic Race.

Eligibility for the Seeded Group requires that the competitors be active FIS members with at least one FIS race result in the 365 days prior to February 9, 2024, with:

• fewer than 200 points for women and 150 points for men in competitions with a distance of 30 km or greater
• fewer than 150 points for women and 125 points for men in competitions with distance less than 30 km

Registrations & Requests for Seeded Group entry must be sent to registration@birkie.com prior to February 9, 2024.

Team Captains Meeting

There will be a mandatory meeting for Seeded Group competitors prior to the race.
Athletes without team affiliation are encouraged to attend the meeting and will have the opportunity to ask questions.

A complete list of maps and trail conditions can be found on the Trails page.

Interactive Course Maps

Pre-Race Bib Pickup:
Thursday, February 22 & Friday, February 23

Bib Number Email Confirmations will be sent out the week before Birkie Week

• Location: Birkie Expo, Hayward High School
  
• Times:
  • Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• You will pick up your bib and Birkie Gear Bag (if you ordered one) or plastic bag (unless you have a previous Birkie Gear Bag- thank you!).  You will not receive both types of bags.
• Expo Preview

Race Day Bib Pickup:
Saturday, February 24

• Location: Start Area
  
• Time: 7:00 am – 10:00 am
• There will be NO BIRKIE GEAR BAG PICKUP at the start.  Plastic bags will be given to all those picking up bibs at the start.
• If you ordered a Birkie Gear Bag and are unable to pick up your bag at the Birkie Expo, you can have your Birkie Gear Bag mailed to you (link to pay for shipping will be posted here on February 26th). Deadline to request 2024 Birkie Bag shipping is March 31, 2024. Bags will be mailed in April-May 2024. 

Bus service runs continuously to the start from the Birkie Ridge and Cable parking lots for Friday and Saturday events.  Participants arriving from the south should park at Birkie Ridge (2 miles north of Seeley).  Buses will pick up skiers and spectators and shuttle directly to the start from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. Please allow 45 minutes to bus to the start.  On Saturday ONLY- Participants arriving from the North should follow the signs for parking at the Cable Lot just to the west of Cable.  Buses will run continuously from this lot from 6:15 am – 10:30 am. Please allow 45 minutes to bus to the start- not including the time you need at the start line to drop gear, warmup, etc.  **Parking at the start is by permit only.**

Buses from the Finish in downtown Hayward will bring you back to both parking lots throughout the day on Saturday.

Please see the Event Guide for more instructions and map.

Race Schedule: Saturday, February 24

The race is run according to the rules and regulations of the 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 Birkebeiner must be 18 years of age by February 24, 2024. Kortelopet and Prince Haakon skiers must be 13 years of age by February 23, 2024. There are no refunds allowed for any reason including race cancellation. Entry fees are non-transferable between individuals or to future races.

Skiers must ski the distance they have registered for- no participant in the American Birkebeiner can ski the Kortelopet or Prince Haakon without officially changing their race entry (see below for how to request an Event change).  Participants who complete a technique for which they are not registered (for example – ski the skate course when they registered for classic) will be credited for completing the race but will not be given a finish time, will not be eligible for awards, and will not be included in the official results.

ABSF Participant Rules

Birkie 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 2024 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.

Cut-Off Times

Participants  must complete their race by 6 pm. Cut-off times for races will be strictly followed for the safety of participants and volunteers.  Participants not following guidance from Medical Staff and Race Chiefs will risk penalty and possible ineligibility for future Birkie Events. Transportation will be provided from all cut-off points.

Track your ski with RTRT!

The 2022 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Live Results are now available via web at https://rtrt.me/birkie22. Have a Smartphone? Download the RTRT.me Mobile App at https://rtrt.me/app/birkie22 and select the 2022 Birkie event. Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Results to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, position on the map and estimated finish will be instantly available! Sign-up now to have race progress posted automatically to your Twitter feeds! Live Email Notifications are also available.

Birkie Skate Overall Prize

Prize money will be awarded to the first six male and female competitors who cross the finish in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race. A total purse of $39,000 will be awarded in the increments below at an award ceremony in the Celebration Plaza.  All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Tony Wise Award for the First American Finisher

A $2500 Tony Wise Award will be given to the top American male & female finishers in the American Birkebeiner Skate Race.  Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

In addition, the first U.S. finishers will receive a premium, luxury mattress set from Slumberland, title sponsor of the American Birkebeiner.

Sprint Bonus Presented by Madshus

Two Madshus Sprint Bonus awards will be given to the first male and female competitors in the Birkie Skate Race to cross the intermediate sprint lines.  The first sprint line is located right before the Birkie Skate course exits the powerline section and enters the woods at approximately 2.5K into the race.  The second sprint line is located prior to the OO Aid Station at 20K into the race. All prize money is paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for an $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Wave Winner Awards

From Slumberland, Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner:
Win Your Birkie Wave—Win a Tempur-Pedic Pillow! The top male and female in waves 1 and up of the Birkie Skate and Classic will each receive a premium Tempur-Pedic Pillow from Slumberland, valued at $149!

* To Claim Your Award, check Birkie Results online then go directly to the Slumberland Furniture store on Highway 63 right in downtown Hayward to pick up your pair of premium pillows.  It’s close enough to walk from Main Street, or there is plenty of parking. Store Hours: SAT: 10-6 / SUN: 11-5. Unable to pick up your pillows? Have them shipped, at your expense, by March 31, 2023. Call the Birkie for details (715-634-5025).

Birkie Classic Overall Awards

Prize money will be awarded to the first three male and female competitors who cross the finish in the Birkie Classic Race at a ceremony held in the Celebration Plaza at 12:30 pm.

• 1st Place $1000
• 2nd Place $500
• 3rd Place $250

All prize money paid in US Dollars. Wire transfer is available for $80 fee. Wire Transfer Form-Prize Money

Finisher Awards

First time American Birkebeiner Finishers will receive a commemorative medal at the finish.
Skiers finishing subsequent Birkies will receive a pin recognizing the number of American Birkebeiners completed at the finish.

Age Class Awards

Age class awards will be given to the top three males and females, in both the freestyle and classic races, in each of the following age classes. Awards are based on net finish time (finish arrival time minus start time). Age classes are:
18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 -89.

10 Year Awards

We  celebrate participants that have completed 10 American Birkebeiners! After finishing your 10th race, you will be awarded a personalized commemorative plaque.  Please pick up your plaque at the Awards tent on Saturday or Sunday after you finish your race!

Birchlegger Awards

Birkie skiers completing their 20th race become a “Birchlegger”. Birchlegger is the English translation for the Norwegian, Birkebeinerne, the nick-name of the birch bark armored warriors who saved Prince Haakon. These special skiers are recognized with the honor of wearing a special bib in the race and a personalized award for 20, 30, and 40 years completed!
Birchleggers will receive their awards at a special breakfast hosted by the Birchleggings Club on Sunday morning following the Birkie. First time Birchleggers will be treated to breakfast at no charge.

If you can not attend the Birchleggings Club Breakfast to receive your award, they will be available at the Birkie Store Tent near the finish line on Main Street.

The Birchleggings Club is not a part of the American Birkebeiner Foundation. It is a separate organization dedicated to be “a strong promoter of continued participation in the American Birkebeiner and would contribute toward enhancement of the rich traditions that mark the Birkie as a unique skiing event.”

View Birkie Results »

Click Here to Meet Our Sponsors

Start Line

Spectators may accompany racers to the start line in Cable to cheer them on as they begin their journey towards Main Street.  See the “How to Get to the Start” section above for information on getting to the Start.  Spectators can then ride a bus back to their cars at Birkie Ridge or Cable parking lots.

Finish Line – Main Street, Hayward

Skiers, whether elite or citizen, count on spectators to cheer them on as they set their sights on the finish line. Just when they think they’re fading, spectators provide an emotional lift that encourages them along their way. Catch Birkie Fever!

Watch the live video from the start and along the course beginning at 8:00 am on the big screen from the Frandsen Bank & Trust Celebration Plaza on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The first finishers are welcomed with the ringing of the church bells as they come off of Lake Hayward on to Main Street at approximately 10:40 am. Good viewing is possible along the length of Main Street.

Parking is available at designated parking lots with shuttle service throughout the day. There is limited street parking within the downtown area, respect the parking direction signs and utilize the parking lots.

For skier and spectator safety, there are no pedestrian crossings on Main Street.  Please use the access under the International Bridge for travel to the other side of the street.

Worldloppet is an international association of long distance ski races, created in 1979 from the inspiration of American Birkebeiner creator, Tony Wise. The Birkie is one of the nine races that comprise the founding events.  The Worldloppet has grown to over 20 races on five continents. Learn more about Worldloppet Ambassadors, Passports, and the annual Birkie Week Worldloppet breakfast!

Click to view more Worldloppet details

Visma Ski Classics

The Slumberland American Birkebeiner is the first American event to enter the world of Visma Ski Classics as a Challenger Series event. Based in Sweden, the Visma Ski Classics is an international, long-distance, skiing circuit. The Visma Ski Classics Challenger series was launched in 2019 as a common platform to connect and promote long distance skiing events worldwide.

Lodging & Transportation

For lodging information, see our Lodging page.

Camp Birkie Childcare

Find more information and registration details HERE!

Save the date:

2025: February 19-22