The Birkie Trail
The 100+ kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers seeking fun and adventure in the north woods of Wisconsin. From events like the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, the Fat Bike Birkie, and the Birkie Trail Run, there is challenge to be had on event days and all days on the rolling hills of the Birkie Trail. We are dedicated to providing silent sports recreation and invite people of all ages to enjoy all the Mother Nature has to offer. Come out this winter, enjoy a day on the trails, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun on the trail with family and friends.
The non-profit 501(c)(3) American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation maintains 100% of the trail system. Donations to help cover the annual maintenance costs are welcome. You can help with a personal donation which may be tax deductible (consult your tax professional) and by joining the Foundation. We think the American Birkebeiner Trail is a pretty fantastic recreational resource. If you think it is as spectacular as we do, we’d love your support in making sure it stays amazing for generations to come.
Anderson’s Maple Syrup is Presenting Sponsor of the Birkie Trail Map, below.
Click for Live Images of the Birkie Trail at the Start Area, Highway OO, Mosquito Brook, and Downtown Hayward2023/2024 Ski Trail Pass
Birkie Trail ski passes are required December – March to ski on any part of the 100+ km American Birkebeiner Trail System. 100% of funds collected go toward our growing costs to maintain the trail.
In addition, an All-Access Snow Pass is required to ski on the snowmaking loop as soon as it opens for the season. See the link below for more information.
Trail passes or parking passes for Birkie Trail use are not required April – November (with the exception of the Early Season snowmaking loop), however if you are using the CAMBA mountain bike trails, please consider making a donation to CAMBA!
Birkie Ski Trail Pass Information
By order of the Sawyer County Board of Directors, no person may use that portion of the American Birkebeiner Trail System in Sawyer County between December 1st and March 31st unless they have purchased a Trail Pass. Sawyer County grants to the named holder of a Trail Pass a revocable temporary license to access the Trail System.
Virtual Birkie Trail Tour
Experience the amazing Birkie trail, named the No.1 cross-country ski destination in the U.S. Explore every section of the trail, including trailside cabins, as you virtually ski from near Cable, WI, to near Hayward, WI. Immerse yourself in the great north woods whenever or wherever you are!
Tour the Interactive Birkie Trail Map »
Or, Tour the Race Course on Race Day »
Trail Maps
Full American Birkebeiner Trail Map with Detail
Ski Trail System at the OO Trailhead
Machine-Made Snow Loops at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead
Roller Ski Loop Trail Map at Mt. Telemark Village and the American Birkebeiner Trailhead
Mt. Telemark Village Trail Conditions
The Trek Trails Powered by OTM are closed until May 25th.
The trails are still drying out, but will be opening soon! Thank you for your patience!
Paved Recreational Trail Loop
For Rules, Guidelines, and Information visit the Mt. Telemark Village webpage.
Grooming Procedures/FAQ's
When does the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) head out to groom? What shapes our decision on when to groom, where and how? How long does is take to groom the Birkie trail?
For these answers and more, check out the Birkie Trail Grooming Procedures and FAQs
Trail Conditions Map
Snowmaking
Birkie Trailheads & Trailside Cabins
Birkie Trail – Trailside Warming Cabins are Open
- Derksen Family Timing Building – American Birkebeiner Trailhead (Birkie start line)
- Timber Trail Cabin – 43K
- Franzen Fire Tower Trail Cabin – 38K
- Birkie Ridge – Highway 63, two miles north from Seeley
- Mandli Boedecker Trail Cabin – 33.5K
- Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center (OO) – 29K
- Strand-Johnson Gravel Pit Trail Cabin – 20K
- Birchleggings Club Mosquito Brook Trail Cabin – 14K
- Hatchery – 8K
Trail Profile
The total climb on the Birkie Skate Course from the start line at Telemark to the finish line in Hayward (north to south) is 1,398 meters. The Birkie Classic Course’s total climb from the start line to the finish line is 21 meters less or 1,379 meters.
The Birkie Classic Trail which ends at OO has a total climb of 727 meters compared to the Birkie Trail’s total climb of 729 meters to that point. See chart to right for elevation break down.
