how to track a birkie skier on course

Do you need a pass to ski the Birkebeiner?

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.

What are the different types of Birkie ski events?

Check out the wide variety of Birkie ski events – get complete info and register now. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation maintains 107 kilometers of trail including the Birkie, Birkie Classic, “OO” loops, Fish Hatchery, Birkie Ridge and Kortelopet trails.

What is the Birkie trail system?

The 100+ kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers seeking fun and adventure in the north woods of Wisconsin.

What is a Birkie?

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.

How do you track a Birkie skier?

The FREE Birkie app allows you to access your Birkie profile and event accomplishments, Birkie Trail maps, on-trail GPS tracking, trail conditions, event schedules, race guides, registration links, Birkie Trail Pass purchases, training tools, and more! Stay connected on all things Birkie in one convenient place!

How long does it take to ski the Birkie?

The average person finishes the Birkie, classic or skate, in about four hours—unless the Hayward ski patrol hauls them off the course early.

How many kilometers is the Birkie?

The two premier events are the 50 km (31 mi) skate and the 55 km (34 mi) classic races from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. Each year more than 10,000 skiers participate in the Birkie, 29 km Kortelopet, and 15 km Prince Haakon events.

How long is the Birkie in miles?

Over 60-miles long (that's over 100 kilometers), the Birkie Trail system is a year- round mecca for running, hiking, biking, biking, and cross- country skiing. During the ski season, the Birkie Trail is groomed exclusively for cross-country skiers, both skate and classic techniques.

How do you prepare for a Birkie?

Take lessons, group or private,to improve technique as you improve fitness. To ski the Birkie you should xc ski a minimum of 2x / week with one ski lasting at least 2+ hours, but you should TRAIN at least one hour 6 days/ week using a strength, speed and endurance plan.

How many waves are in the Birkie?

ten wavesFor many years, the waves at the Birkie have remained mostly the same. The Birkie and Kortie went out together, there were ten waves, and everyone went for a ski.

What should a Birkie wear?

Then add lightweight ski pants or racing tights, and a lightweight wind-resistant vest or jacket. Wear a buff. “It'll protect your ears and your neck, and you can remove it really easily or pull it back up,” Gregg says.

How far is the Birkie ski race?

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.

How do you train for Nordic skiing?

3 Simple Strategies to Get in Shape for Nordic SkiingPut in the miles on foot. Nordic skiing is all about cardio endurance. ... Do as much yoga as possible. Yoga is the ultimate cross training practice for a lot of sports, but skiing, both Nordic and downhill, are hugely impacted. ... More upper body work than you might think.

How do you train for cross-country skiing without snow?

It is imperative for cross-country ski racers trying to race fast without snow to do at least 50% of their off-season training on roller skis. While roller skiing activates the same muscle groups used in cross-country skiing, it also provides a great opportunity for skiers to work on technique.

What is a Birkie?

1 Scotland : a lively smart assertive person. 2 Scotland : fellow, boy.

Where to ski a birkie in 2022?

Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Hayward, WI, as they ski their way through the forest on the Birkie Trail, glide across Lake Hayward, cross over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge, as they 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! #Birkie2022

How many birkies have been completed?

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 Spirit skiers have at least 41 Birkies completed, including Birkie Founder, Ernie St. Germain, who has finished all 46 Birkies!

What is the Elite Wave at Birkebeiner?

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 60 female finishers from the 2020 Birkie Skate race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2022 Birkie Skate race ONLY. The top 100 male and 40 female finishers from the 2020 Birkie Classic race will automatically be assigned a starting position in the Elite Wave for the 2022 Birkie Classic race ONLY. Athletes qualifying for the elite wave, but racing a different distance or technique in 2022, must request to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist of that race at [email protected]. Athletes that requested to be placed on the Elite Wave waitlist in 2021 must request placement again in 2022.

When will the Birkie change to the Korte?

Participants may request to change from the Birkie to the Korte or Prince Haakon, Open Track (if available), and/or change technique between Skate and Classic at any time until 4:00pm CST on January 25, 2022. Wave placement is subject to availability at time of request.

How old do you have to be to run the Birkebeiner?

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.

Do seeded groups have to meet prior to the race?

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

Do skiers cheer on spectators?

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!

Covid-19 Policy

We have been very intentional and gradual in our approach to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Based on COVID-19 trends and regulatory guidance, the ABSF will continue to develop best practices for events, and these protocols may change at any time without notice.

Trail Conditions Report

Please note: ‘ Groomed’ always means that classic tracks have been set and the skate deck has been groomed, unless specifically stated otherwise in the grooming report below.

Trail Profiles

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

Events

Check out the wide variety of Birkie ski events – get complete info and register now.

Trails

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation maintains 107 kilometers of trail including the Birkie, Birkie Classic, “OO” loops, Fish Hatchery, Birkie Ridge and Kortelopet trails.

Training

Learn more about opportunities available on how to train, live, and enjoy the Birkie events and the year-round Birkie lifestyle.

Support

How much does the American Birkebeiner and the Birkie lifestyle mean to you? There are many ways to support the ABSF including donations, volunteering at events or trail work days, sponsoring a trail marker, becoming a member, being on the Board of Directors and more! Read on to learn more about giving opportunities and grant programs.

When will the Birkie Open Track event be held in 2022?

Participants may request to change their Open Track Event (distance) or to the Birkie, Korte, or Prince Haakon at any time until 4:00pm CST on January 25, 2022 . Event availability/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.

How to add birkie bag to bib?

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.

What is open track ski?

The Open Track event is for skiers that want to compete against themselves on the famed Birkie Trail. Limited to the first 1000 people, you will experience less crowding, more open trail, and an opportunity to ski with friends and family. It’s a new and exciting way to kick-off the beginning of Birkie Week 2022!

What is the maximum credit for birkies?

The maximum credit is 1-Birkie, 1-Korte, and/or 1-Prince Haakon event for Birkie week 2022. Skiers will not get credit for skiing two Birkies, two Kortes or two Prince Haakons, regardless of technique or day selected.

Where to ski in Lake Hayward?

Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Kortelopet Stadium, or Prince Haakon Stadium, respectively, then they’ll ski down the Birkie Trail, over frozen Lake Hayward, and across the American Birkebeiner International Bridge to the finish on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.

Do all participants wear the same bibs in the Open Track?

Bibs: There will be no wave assignments or wave starts in the Open Track events. All participants will wear the same color bib, regardless of their chosen race, on race day. Special bibs, such as Birchlegger, Uberlegger, Korte Skiløper Ti, Tjue, and Tretti bibs will still be given.

How long does it take to finish a Birkie Tour?

Skiers heading northbound who do not make the times will be transported back to the Birkie Trailhead. The maximum time to finish a Tour is 7 hours.

How long is the Birkie Tour?

Birkie Tour is an untimed, non-competitive, “open-track” style event on a looped course up to 46 km. The event has a morning start time window, short & long distance options, and aid stations along the trail.

Where to start the Birkie Tour 2022?

The 2022 Birkie Tour will start at the Birkie Trailhead and make a 46 km counter-clockwise loop following the Birkie Skate Trail south to Highway OO then looping back north on the Birkie Classic Trail back to the finish. Skiers have the option to turn back north at Timber Trail Aid Station, making a 15 km Tour, at Firetower to make 26 km Tour, ...

What does "skier" mean?

A skier thinking about a Birkie event, but unsure about being ready; A skier who loves to ski, but isn’t interested in ski racing; Or, a skier just looking for more time on their skis in a fun and safe atmosphere.