February 23, 2023 - It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities.

Overview of Events During Birkie Week

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Birkie Open Track Events
Introducing the Open Track experience – same great events, same race course, inspiring downtown finish, simply with a more relaxed approach. 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 other registered friends and family. It’s a new and exciting way to kick-off the beginning of Birkie Week 2022!
• 8:00am–9:00am —American Birkebeiner Open Track Start in Cable
• 11:00am–11:45am —Kortelopet Open Track Start at the OO Trailhead
• 11:00am–11:30am —Prince Haakon Open Track Start on Phipps Rd.

Thursday, February 23, 2023
• Barkie Birkie Skijor – 9:30am
Skiers & dogs enjoy the sport of skijoring and show off their “Barkie Fever” as they race down Hayward’s Main Street in 1K, 3K, or 5K event
Presented by Northern Lakes Cooperative
• Slumberland American Birkebeiner Expo – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Home to bib pick-up, this 2-day event finds over 11,000 skiers and vendors galore preparing for the largest cross-country celebration in North America! Located at Hayward High School
• Barnebirkie – 11:30am
Where Birkie dreams begin! Imagine an estimated 1000 youth skiers, ages 3-13, skiing on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street to the Birkie finish line, amidst costumed characters and cowbells, finishing with medals, cocoa, and cookies.
Presented by Johnson Financial Group and Swiss Miss
• Junior Birkie – 1:00pm
The next generation of passionate skiers, between 6 and 19-years of age, charge their way toward Main Street in 1.2K, 3K, or 5K races! This is where Olympic dreams are born!
Presented by Rossignol
Junior Birkie Relays – following Junior Birkie events
Junior Team relay sprints on Hayward’s Main Street make for an afternoon of action-packed excitement!
Presented by Rossignol
• Birkie Giant Ski – 5:00pm
Under the twinkling lure of lights, skiers and non-skiers alike compete in teams of six, on giant 25-foot long skis, on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street
Sponsored by Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
• Birkie Bash – 5:30pm Social, 6:00pm Dinner
Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon skiers gather to kick-off Birkie week at the Birkie Bash – Pasta & Salad Buffet
Special Guest! Meet Kikkan Randall, Olympic Champion and 2022 Bejing Winter Olympics Nordic ski commentator.
Live music by Molly & the Danger Band, tasty food, friends old & new, and cold Earth Rider® Beer!
Tickets must be purchased in advanced at www.Birkie.com – $25 per person or $12.50 for American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Members
Steakhouse & Lodge, Hayward WI

Friday, February 24, 2023
• American Birkebeiner Expo 9:00am to 8:00pm
Home to bib pick-up, this 2-day event finds over 11,000 skiers and vendors galore preparing for the largest cross-country celebration in North America!
Located at Hayward High School
• ParaBirkie Ski – 9:00am
Adaptive athletes ski in one of 3 categories – sit-skiers, standing adaptive skiers, and visually impaired skiers – as they make their way to the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.
• Kortelopet – 29K Classic & Skate – 10:15am
North America’s second largest cross-country ski race departs from the Highway OO Trailhead and ends on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street
Title Sponsor Slumberland Furniture and Presented by Salomon
• Prince Haakon 15K – 1:15pm
In honor of the infant Prince Haakon, the future Norwegian King, who was rescued and skied to safety by Birkebeiner warriors, this exciting race ends amongst cheering fans and the ringing cowbells in downtown Hayward
Title Sponsor Slumberland Furniture, Presented by Northern Lakes Co-op

Saturday, February 25, 2023
• 48th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner – 50K Skate/55K Classic – 8:15am
The “Birkie” is North America’s largest cross-country ski-marathon. Skiers make their way from the American Birkebeiner Trailhead near Cable, WI, on the legendary Birkie Trail, ski across frozen Lake Hayward, ski up and over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge, and on to the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. The Greatest Show on Snow!
Title Sponsor Slumberland Furniture

Sunday, February 26, 2023
• Sunday On-Snow Ski & Fat Bike Demo – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Everyone from newbie skiers to seasoned veterans can try out the latest in new equipment–skis, poles, boots, bindings, and fat bikes at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI – vendors galore!

More on Birkie Week Events here

History of the Birkie here.

Check out the Spectator Guide, Participant Guide and much more here.