American Birkebeiner – February 19 – 22, 2025
American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race
Cable is Home of the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest Cross Country Ski Race, held annually each February. The world comes to the Cable & Hayward Areas for the Birkie & Kortelopet cross country ski races.
The Birkie trail is world-famous and takes racers on a challenging 50k course from Cable to Main Street in downtown Hayward. Over 9,500 skiers, including many international visitors, participate in this event.
There are many other events happening during the course of the weekend and days before:
- Birkie 50k (skate) or 55k (classic)
- Kortelopet 23k
- Prince Haakon 12k
- Elite Sprints
- Barnebirkie
- 5k/10k Family Fun Ski
- Junior Birkie
- Barkie Birkie Skijor
- Birkie Sit-Ski
- Giant SkiSnowshoe Hike
- Camp Birkie Child Care
For more information: Visit the American Birkebeiner Website
Birkie History
The American Birkebeiner ski race in Wisconsin was created in 1973 as a dream of the late Tony Wise. It started out with 34 men and one lone woman as race participants. Read more about history of race here. The race currently enlists 9,500 racers each year. Throughout the weekend festivities there are about 11,000 skiers of all ages and abilities and about 20,000 estimated spectators.
Today, the Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race–the legendary American Birkebeiner–The Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle. Ski. Run. Bike. Live!