Tony Wise could see 10,000 years at once. The last ice age had sent a glacier down over Wisconsin, and then tore it back. In the process, the landscape and lilt of a place emerged. Deep-pocketed kettles, ridges, gentle and subtle rolling hills, all draped in the needly green of the pines. Gaze at it, and time didn’t seem like something that moved forward, but instead danced within the bounds of a whole epoch. A...
Press Release from ABSF: Birkie Week 2021 Slated for February 24–28, 2021 Hayward, WI (October 14, 2020) – After months of planning, and with the guidance of public health officials, today the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is pleased to announce the planned format for their annual February ski races. Registration for the 2021 Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races opened on May 1, 2020 with the promise of hosting the events...
Last week, FasterSkier connected with Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) based in Hayward, Wisconsin. It’s mid-July and needless to say, some of our readers are already thinking about the 2021 Birkie. Amongst the topics we discussed were the possible modifications for that marquee race and how the organization is preparing for several possible scenarios. We also touch upon the ABSF’s agreement to purchase and develop Telemark Lodge. FasterSkier:...
(Press release) 2500 Donors from 37 states & Canada Help ABSF to Reach Capital Campaign Goals Hayward, WI (May 25, 2018) — The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been enhancing the quality of lives for nearly half a century. For generations, ABSF events and the award-winning Birkie Trail system have been motivating adventurous spirits to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle. In support of providing the infrastructure, spaces, and places to keep that spirit alive,...
(Press release) Skiers Encouraged to Register by Thursday at 11:59pm! HAYWARD, Wis. (January 3, 2018) – With flurries in the air and Birkie week festivities a mere 49 days away, skiers are more excited than ever to get some training time in on their skis. The Birkie Tour, hosted by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), is slated for January 14, 2018. The Birkie Tour is an untimed, non-competitive, “open-track” event where skiers choose their...
(www.Birkie.com. Friday, February 23, 2018 10:45am – Prince Haakon 15K Classic & Skate Ski Race A race which honors the eventual Norwegian King, rescued and skied to safety by Birkebeiner warriors in 1206, the Prince Haakon Race will begin near Mosquito Brook, outside of Hayward, WI, and will finish in downtown Hayward. Saturday, February 24, 2018 8:30am – www.Birkie.com.
Press release) Little Bellas, a national organization dedicated to helping young women realize their potential through cycling, announces the Birkie Weekend Camp in Hayward, WI, Saturday, August 12th at the Highway 00 Trailhead. The Birkie Weekend Camp is an all-girls adventure program designed to get girls hooked on the sport of mountain biking. The one-day program will focus on improving skills and having fun. “We’re so excited to be bringing the Little Bellas program to...
The following firsthand account was written by FasterSkier intern Ian Tovell, who attended this year’s American Birkebeiner in February, which was estimated 10,000 people coming out for a casual ski on a 5-kilometer loop, on-snow demos, live music, food and a beer garden. Photos from Ian, FasterSkier contributor Vince Rosetta, and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. *** The 2017 American Birkebeiner will be a race that no one will ever forget. It will be remembered for a tremendous...
(Press release) Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon, BirkieTour & Fat Bike Birkie Hayward, Wis. (April 25, 2017) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) board of directors today announced that registration will open for the 2018 American Birkebeiner schedule of events on May 1, 2017. North America’s largest cross-country ski race, the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2018, with the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races slated for Friday, February 23, 2018. Additionally,...
(www.Birkie.com at 1:00pm today.
On Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) recent above average temperatures, along with continued warm weather conditions and rain forecast for today.” “After this weekend’s warm weather, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for race week,” the press release stated. “As part of a normal race, skiers would ski across Lake Hayward before entering downtown Hayward. Without Lake Hayward, there is no longer a possibility of finishing races in downtown Hayward. Given this...
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is excited to offer a $2500 youth racing development grant for junior ski clubs or teams (kids 13-18 years of age). To enter the grant contest, teams must submit a video that expresses what a healthy, active Birkie lifestyle means to them. The word BIRKIE must be spelled out with each letter representing one aspect of what the Birkie lifestyle means to the team. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation...
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is seeking a development director, responsible for facets of fundraising, membership, outreach, sustainer programs, honor wall, and grant submissions.
Birkie Trail Run & Trek Kicks off this Saturday on the Legendary Birkie Trail One day. Eight events. Introducing NEW Ultra 100K Marathon! Hayward, WI (September 22) — The 14th annual American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation® (ABSF) Birkie Trail Run & Trek, Presented by Salomon, will be held on the iconic Birkie Trail this Saturday, September 26th. From the challenge and intensity of a new 100K Ultra Marathon to the fun of a 5k run/walk, an...
(www.birkie.com. contact the Birkie office at
Press release) HAYWARD, Wisconsin (November 11, 2014) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is proud to www.BirkieStore.com. The same great Birkie apparel and much more will then be available at the 2015 Birkie Expo and in downtown Hayward during Birkie Week, February 19-22. The company has also come on board as a Gold Level sponsor of the ABSF, to develop and produce new signage for the Birkie race course and finish-line festival areas, host...
It's final. Holly Brooks is tackling the FIS Marathon Cup/Worldloppet series this season, with seven of nine races on her schedule and a goal of an overall top three. "I’m ready for new challenges,” she says. “I’m a competitor and I want to be in races where I’m in contention for a podium." As the Birkie's first elite-athlete representative, she's hoping that will simplify some of the international logistics.
(Birkie Warriors & Inga page at Birkie.com. The roles of the two Warriors, Torstein and Skervald, will be played by long-time Birkie skiers and friends Ryan Harden and Erik Julsrud. These two historic warriors rescued Prince Haakon during the Norwegian Civil War in 1206. Jennifer Julsrun, Erik’s wife, another capable and passionate skier, will take on the role of Queen Inga from Varteig, mother of Prince Haakon, and a legendary figure in her own right....