2009 November

The origin of the American Birkebeiner dates back to 1973, when 53 hearty skiers traveled 52 kilometers from Hayward, Wisconsin to Telemark Resort in neighboring Cable. Today, the American Birkebeiner is the largest, most prestigious cross country ski marathon in North America… second to none! Skiers from around the world gather every February to celebrate the “Birkie,” a race which has become a tradition in the cross country ski world. The Birkie is a member...

Starting just miles from the headwaters of the Great Mississippi River, in the land of the legendary Paul Bunyan, the 25km loop is more or less in two parts, the 15km on the East side of the highway has very gentle terrain after a somewhat steep climb from the start area. Then after skiing through a tunnel to the West side of the highway, the next 10km has sweeping downhill curves and some respectable uphills,...

The Mora Vasaloppet is a special race in the hearts of thousands of skiers who have experienced it. The colorful mass start, the separate 58K and 35K courses, the wooded trails, and the exciting finish line in downtown Mora are reasons why the race is the largest in Minnesota and one of the biggest participation winter athletic events in the United States.