Saturday, January 10, 2026
Classic 42K Race / Classic 22K Race
Seeley, WI
What a year for the Seeley Hills Classic! Another low-snow season forced us off the Seeley hills. But thanks to Mt. Telemark Village’s snowmaking infrastructure and the hard working trail crew at the American Birkebeiner, a 5K looped course made for two great days of skiing! Due to the cancellation of numerous ski races in the midwest, we decide to take advantage of our machine-made snow and offer the first ever SHC Skate Sunday. This added event day provided an additional 170 skate skiers the opportunity to race!
| May 13 - Sept 12 | Sept 13 - Nov 14 | Nov 15 - Dec 19 | Dec 20 - Jan 11 | |
| 22k or 42k Classic | $80 | $90 | $100 | $110 |
| 22k - 18 years old and under on race day | $40 | $40 | $40 | $50 |
| Sunday's Pop-up Race | $45!- No Frills! |
Protect your registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Protecht offers refund protection so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Protecht can be purchased during your initial registration or up to five days after registration is completed.
Race registration changes may be made until 7:00pm Friday, January 9.
Please email registration@birkie.com with registration questions.
Bib pick-up and race start and finish for the Seeley Hills Classic is at the Derksen Family Great Hall at American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, Wisconsin.
Arrive at the start from Telemark Rd. Take Hwy M east from Cable for 2 miles, then take a right (south) on Telemark Rd. and follow the signs to parking and/or check-in.
4:00pm – 7:00pm — Derksen Family Great Hall, American Birkebeiner Trailhead
7:30am — Derksen Family Great Hall, American Birkebeiner Trailhead
New course! All races will be on a 5K loop at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead on the Tormendson Snowmaking Loops.
35K Full Race: 7 laps
20K Half Race: 4 laps
HS 5K Race: 1 lap
MS 2.5K Race: 1 lap
5K Course Loop on Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49411681
MS 2.5K Course on Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49423248
Those skiing the HALF race will complete 4, 5K laps – for an approximate distance of 20K. Those registered for the FULL race will complete 7, 5K laps – for an approximate distance of 35K. These race distances are subject to change depending on conditions.
The Seeley Hills races will be hosted on a rolling 5K course, all on man-made snow, with 120m of climbing per lap, including one significant climb. All races will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead under the start arch. Skiers will begin on a short section of the Birkie Skate trail and turn left onto the Tormondson Family Snowmaking Trails. Skiers will be utilizing those core snowmaking and competition trails – over the Tunnel, through the Competition Stadium, and loop out through Telehenge from there. On the return, skiers will complete the staples we know and love: the Deck loop, Elevator Shaft, World Cup climb, Carousel turn, and will head back to the Competition Stadium on the Birkie Roller. Once down the hill, skiers will finish through the Tunnel and back to the Birkie start to lap and/or finish.
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation encourages participants of all events on the Birkie Trail to use non-fluorinated waxes. As a member and supporter of US Ski and Snowboard, no fluorocarbon waxes will be allowed at the Seeley Hills Classic. Read our complete race policy here.
11:00am – 3:30pm – Sawmill Saloon, Seeley, WI
The Sawmill you know and love! Come ready to warm-up with a cup of hot soup included in your registration.
1:30pm- 20K Awards Ceremony, Sawmill Saloon, Seeley WI
2:30pm – 35K Awards Ceremony, Sawmill Saloon, Seeley WI
1st place: $1000
2nd place: $250
3rd place: $125
Awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in the Full Race! Special thanks to Pioneer Midwest for supporting classic skiing and Gary Penman’s hope that classic skiing live on and be celebrated.
Do you have an interest to volunteer for the Seeley Hills Classic? We need help with Aid Stations, Awards, Bibs, Parking, Start and Finish area. Click here to review available shifts.
Event timing and results provided by PrimeTime Timing
Event photos provided by Once In A Blue Moon Studio – Kelly Randolph Photography. View Seeley Classic photos here. >>
The Seeley Hills Classic races will start and finish at the Hwy OO Trailhead in Seeley, WI. Within driving distance from Duluth, MN 1:30, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 3:00, Madison, WI 4:50, and Chicago, IL 7:20.
For more information, please visit our lodging page to view the different lodging options that are around the area.
Learn more about Birkie partnerships by contacting Jen DeYoung at Jen.DeYoung@birkie.com.
