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Top Birkie Things You Need to Know! 

  • 2017 Birkie Week Participant Guide is here!  Read on!
  • Nikkerbeiner Vintage Ski Tour Parade - Free in 2017!  Register Now!
  • Trail conditions and Birkie week news!  Ben Popp's got the updates!
@BirchScroll-February
Ben Popp, ABSF Director, takes you out for a ski!  He's got the latest Birkie news, trail condition report, Birkie week race updates & more!  
Watch now!
Your Secret Weapon for Birkie Week 2017
Prepare for your adventure!  Please read the 2017 Birkie Participant Guide!  You'll be glad you did! 
Busing, Parking & More!
Lots of Changes in 2017!  Learn everything you need to know about getting around on race day on Pages 27-30 of the 2017 Birkie Week Participant Guide!
CELEBRATION PLAZA!
Skiers, family & friends are invited to gather on Celebration Plaza in downtown Hayward!  Watch the race on the Jumbo Screen, enjoy live music, BIRKIE BREW-SKI in the Beer Garden, food vendors, shop the Birkie store and more!  See Page 23 of the 2017 Participant Guide for details.  
45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie!
Because you can never have too much fun!  23K & 47K Race Options!  March 11, 2017
Vendor expo!  Birkie Brew-Ski!  Great Food!  Fun Atmosphere!  Register soon to guarantee your spot in the pack!
Slake Your Thirst with
a BIRKIE BREW-SKI

After saving Prince Haakon, we're pretty sure that Torstein & Skervald raised a tankard of ale in celebration!  Now you can too!  Watch for BIRKIE BREW-SKI in the Celebration Plaza Beer Garden and at many Hayward area restaurants & pubs.
Birkie 2017 Virtual Event Bag
Win a Tempur-Pedic Mattress set, GoPro Hero5 Session, ski gear, wax and tool packages, and more!  It's jam-packed with impressive enter-to-win giveaways, great deals on ski clothing, gear, and other offers from ...
Read More!
Did You Miss Birkie Registration?!
If you missed Birkie registration, you may still be able to ski!  Forerunners are the dedicated skiers who make sure the trail is good to go on race morning?  Interested?  Email to learn more!

Some Inspiration
Before the Big Race!  

Jessie Diggins is a great model of the healthy lifestyle embraced by the Birkie and Slumberland. We’re proud to be Jessie’s sponsor, and hope you find her victory inspiring as you prepare for your next big race! Read all about it!

NEW in 2017: CLIF Lodge!
Warm up at the CLIF Lodge while you wait for your skiers to finish! Enjoy complimentary coffee, CLIF Bars and get your finisher medal engraved.  Read more!

5 Winter Hydration Tips! 
It is important to keep good hydration habits all year through. Being just 2% dehydrated can lead to a decrease in athletic performance.  While it may seem like you don't sweat as much in the winter, don't let that mislead you!  Keep reading!

Cold Weather Skiing Bliss
Since the winter activities we love so much cause us to venture out into sometimes dangerously cold weather, the difference between good preparation and gear can make or break your experience and impact your health. Here are some essential tips and gear to...
Read More!

Life-Saving Care
In the Field and in the Air

During the race, a Life Link III helicopter will be stationed...
Read more here. 
Panel of Birkie Veterans Discuss Race Prep
Thursday, 2/9/17 at 6:00 pm at Gear West.  Listen to Birkie veterans (elite to middle-of-the-pack) share ideas about food, clothing, sleep, hydration and race strategies.

Enjoy the Birkie on Skins
The introduction (or reintroduction) of Skin based classical skis has allowed many people to enjoy classical skiing without having to think about kick waxing. Skin technology allows one to grab your skis and go ski “in every condition.” ...
Read More!

Klister Konundrum
Don’t avoid the best classic skiing of the season just because you’re afraid of the aftermath of klister. Klister can be the most perplexing and vexing part of many winters. Here are a few ideas on how to...Read More! 

Take a Sip...
You Just Made a Difference!

Try new Birkie Coffee! A portion of all proceeds goes to support the ABSF!  Stop into Hayward Coffee Co. on Main Street in Hayward and pick up a 12oz package for ONLY $12.95 per bag!  Three Varieties Available!

Off-Snow Training
Ideally, one likes to ski on real snow in the winter, right? That’s what it’s all about. But rollercoaster winter weather is, unfortunately, becoming more common.  It's one of the reasons having a SkiErg in your basement or garage can come in handy.  Good luck with your training!
Track your Skier!  
Track Your Results!
 
Family, friends and fans can follow their favorite skiers with live tracking provided by RaceMyRace!
Learn More! 
Helping You to Hold it Together after the race!  
After you cross the Finish Line in beautiful downtown Hayward, you'll receive handy ski-ties, courtesy of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.   Enjoy!
For the latest updates, like our page and follow us on Facebook!  Tag us when sharing your Birkie week photos and videos!  Please use #BirkieFever in your social media posts!  
American Birkebeiner
 
Be a Part of the Opening Ceremonies!
Join in the fun and ski in the Nikkerbeiner Vintage Ski Tour Parade!  FREE in 2017!  Pre-register now for Thursday morning's parade!  Wear whatever is "vintage" to you!  You'll ski from Hayward City Beach to the Torch lighting on Hayward's Main Street!  
Register Today!
Don't miss out on the fun!  Register for Birkie Week Events Now!
Birkie Adaptive Races
Barkie Birkie SkiJor 
Nikkerbeiner Parade 
Barnebirkie
Junior Birkie 
Birkie Giant Ski
 
Torstein, Skervald & Inga!
We are pleased to announce that Torstein, Skervald & Inga have been selected for Birkie 2017!  Congratulations to:
Scott Smith - Hayward, WI
Rebecca Ireland - Minneapolis, MN
Jeremy Smith - Salt Lake City, UT
-and-

Regan Aleksandr as Prince Haakon!


Pictured:  Birkie 2016's Inspiring Trio 
#BirkieFever
What About the Weather?!
Snow?  Temps? Wind?
As you prepare for your Birkie week race, here are two great sites for area weather updates!
National Weather Service
Weather Underground

Worldloppet Breakfast!
Join the Worldloppet for an informal European-style breakfast buffet on Thursday, 2/23/17.  
$13 in advance, $18 at the door.  Learn more!
Register Now!  

Fast & Female Champ Chat
Sunday, 2/26/17
Girls ages 8-18 can join elite athletes for a morning of games, fitness, inspiration, and more!  Parent and coach seminar also offered!
 
Register Now!

Birkie Bash Pasta Buffet
Join the ABSF at Birkie Bash 2017 on 2/23/17 at the Steakhouse & Lodge.  Pasta & salad buffet, live music, BIRKIE BREW-SKI, fun auction items and more!  Tickets $50 each in support of ABSF Capital Campaign Phase 2.
 Register now!
Wi-Fi & Charging Station on Celebration Plaza!
Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a charging station on Celebration Plaza, located on Hayward's Main Street during Birkie week, courtesy of the ABSF.  See page 24 of the Official Participant Guide for Details!
Feed Your #BirkieFever
From cowbells to clothing and everything in between, the Birkie Store will have everything to feed your #BirkieFever!  Multiple locations during Birkie week!  Read more on page 26 of the 2017 Participant Guide!
#BirkieFever
Discover Another Kind of #BirkieFever
Give back to the sport you love!  It takes 2000 volunteers to welcome the world to the north woods of Wisconsin for the Birkie week of events.  If you're skiing on Saturday, consider volunteering on Friday, and vice-a-versa!  From the Birkie Store to Aid Stations, and everything in between!  We need you!    
Learn more now!
BIRKEBEINERNE
(THE LAST KING)

If you missed it at last year's Birkie, here's your chance to take it all in!  THE LAST KING (BIRKEBEINERNE), depicts  the very legacy upon which the American Birkebeiner is based!  Read more on page 26 of the 2017 Participant Guide!  
Rated R with English Subtitles.
Official Birkie Week Spectator Guide!
Share this with family, friends & traveling companions!  It's their ticket to navigating Birkie week like a pro! Print copies available at bib pick-up.  Special thanks to our friends at the Sawyer County Record!
A driving force behind the Birkie volunteer Community!  We're grateful for the ongoing support of our year-round volunteer sponsor, Timber Ford of Hayward!  

Become a Birkie Trail Friend! 
Whether you ski, bike, hike, or run on the amazing Birkie Trail, you can show your love by becoming a Birkie Trail Friend!  Learn more about this exciting program now! 

Tusen Takk!  Many Thanks!
Many thanks to our Capital Campaign Phase 2 donors who joined our staff and board in raising $138,000 during the last 3 weeks of 2016!  It was truly a Birkie team effort and is already making a difference! 

Need Somewhere to Sleep?
The ABSF offers a limited amount of inexpensive lodging at the Hayward Wesleyan Church on  February 23-25 (Thu, Fri, Sat) for $25 per person/per night.  Interested?  Learn More!

Bib Confirmation Emails!
Attention Skiers!  Watch your inboxes!  Bib confirmation emails are coming soon!
Camp Birkie for Kids
While you ski the Birkie, your kids can enjoy their own activities!
Kids K - 6th grade can enjoy a day with the Conserve School.  
Pre-registration required.   
Calling all those with a serious case of #BirkieFever!
The Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner is seeking a few passionate souls to share their love of this American treasure with museum visitors as museum docents!
Details here! 
#BirkieFever!
Follow us on Twitter @birkie!  Share your pics!
Copyright © 2017 American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, All rights reserved.


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