The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! 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. In 2022, it’s back the weekend of February 26th and 27th!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
The Barkebirkie in Hayward, where people line the streets, big-time.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers
North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
Attracts over 10,000 Birkie/Korte skiers
Part of the Worldloppet circuit of 20 international ski marathons and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 13 races.
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025 Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Washburn to Ashland from 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
The Penguin Fun Race starts at 11:00AM for children under 8 years old
The Fox Fun Race starts at 11:15AM for children 8 to 10 years old. Each participant in the Penguin and Fox races will receive an award, hot chocolate and cookies
The Polar Bear Race starts at 11:30AM for children 11 to 14 years of age. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; cookie and hot chocolate
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 20th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(800) 284-9484 Website
Before you can have the Birkie, you have to have a Pre-Birkie, right? Well, here it is, on Saturday, February 9, 2019, right in Hayward.
The Hayward Lions Club hosts this qualifying race for the Birkie and Kortelopet with proceeds going to local community projects of the Hayward Lions Club. This Lions Club Fundraiser and FUN race has no equal when it comes to preparing one mentally and physically for the American Birkebeiner. In other words, once you have completed the Pre-Birkie you will have the confidence to take on the mother of all XC marathon races, the American Birkebeiner.
And, if 16 miles/26 kilometers of those beautiful hills were not enough, back by popular demand are the 42K skate/classic races! There are four food stations on the 26K course and six on the 42K course, which are manned by local youth groups who are eager to serve you along your way to the finish at County Highway OO. There, you’ll find refreshments and their famous doughnuts.
Every skier will receive a special Pre-Birkie sweatshirt. Come and enjoy the day – whether participating or just observing – with the Hayward Lions at our Pre-Birkie the “Best Birkie prep race in the Midwest”!
Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie Address:
American Birkebeiner Trail
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-4994 Website
Hayward is reachable via U.S. 63 (about 25 minutes northeast of the junction with U.S. 53 at Trego), Highway 27, or Highway 77, smack dab in the midst of the beautiful North Woods in Sawyer County.
This Pre-Birkie is a great prelude to the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, which also begins in Hayward. That event runs February 21-23 this year, but Birkie-related events in skiing, biking, running, and more are held all year ’round for those who like to be healthy and vibrant regardless of the season. But let’s face it: this is needed most in winter when the weather can be its most trying!
Start:
February 9, 2019 8:00 am
End:
February 9, 2019 5:00 pm
Venue:
American Birkebeiner Trails
Phone:
715-634-4494
Address:
Downtown Hayward, Hayward, WI, 54843, United States
The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament brings in international competition for ski jumpers to Westby in Vernon County. Held Friday night and Saturday, February 1-2, 2019, competitors from five countries will compete on the Olympic-sized hill. Entertainment, food, and live music will also be part of the festivities both nights at the Snowflake Rod & Gun Club adjacent to the hill.
Tournament Schedule:
Thursday, January 31st
Hospitality Night: Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1st
Kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Cafe: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 7:00 p.m.
Competition: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 2nd
Opening Ceremonies: 12:00 p.m.
Competition: 12:30 p.m.
Long standing jump and awards ceremony will follow competition.
Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament Address:
Snowflake Ski & Golf Course
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211 Website
Start:
February 1, 2019
End:
February 2, 2019
Venue:
Snowflake Ski Club
Phone:
608-634-3211
Address:
E7940 County Road P, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
On Saturday, January 5th and/or February 2nd, 2019, spend a night with family and friends at Blue Mound, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. From high atop, they welcome 2019 with the Blue Mound Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe event hosted by the Friends of Blue Mound State Park.
A 1 and 2-mile candlelit, wooded loop will be available to ski and a separate 0.75-mile candlelit wooded trail will be available for hikers, snowshoers and leashed pets. Warm up with free hot drinks inside the heated shelter. Hot refreshments, baked goods and shirts will be available for sale. Enjoy the bonfire and free marshmallows for roasting. Guided hikes through the illuminated woods with the park Naturalist will be held at 6 and 7 p.m. The only cost for this fun-filled family event is a daily or annual park sticker, which may be purchased upon entry to the park. For more information or trail conditions, contact the park at 608-437-5711.
Blue Mound Candlelight skis, snowshoe, and hike events are very popular; some attract thousands of visitors on a given night. Given the recent publicity of these events through social media outlets and cool sites like StateTrunkTour.com, and the department’s responsibility to provide a safe recreational experience, access to these events may be restricted at times when parking capacity has been reached.
To reach Blue Mound State Park – which is amazing any time of the year – follow U.S. 18/151 either west from Madison or east from Dodgeville and follow the signs. In the daytime, Blue Mound is easily seen! The park is great to visit throughout the winter, with over 20 miles of trails and breathtaking views across several counties from the lookout towers.
Address for Blue Mound Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe Event:
Blue Mound State Park
4350 Mounds Park Road (off U.S. 18/151)
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
(608) 437-5711 Website
Start:
January 5, 2019 5:30 pm
End:
January 5, 2019 8:30 pm
Venue:
Blue Mound State Park
Phone:
608-437-5711
Address:
4350 Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, WI, 53517, United States
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
The Large Hill Meet is held early each year in February and attracts not only U.S. ski jumpers but competitors from around the world. The four smaller hills at the site include a 65-meter hill and smaller 40, 20, and 10 meter hills for training junior jumpers. Numerous Olympic and world-class ski jumpers have competed at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Complex.
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211 Website
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 3, 2018
Venue:
Westby Snowflake Skip Jump
Phone:
608-634-3211
Address:
E7940 County Road P, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Skiing
February 26, 2022 – February 27, 2022
Slumberland American Birkebeiner
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! 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. In 2022, it’s back the weekend of February 26th and 27th!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025
Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Check out a recap from last year here!
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
February 19, 2022
Ashland Book Across the Bay
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Washburn to Ashland from 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 20th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(800) 284-9484
Website
Back to State Trunk Tour
February 9, 2019
Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie
Before you can have the Birkie, you have to have a Pre-Birkie, right? Well, here it is, on Saturday, February 9, 2019, right in Hayward.
The Hayward Lions Club hosts this qualifying race for the Birkie and Kortelopet with proceeds going to local community projects of the Hayward Lions Club. This Lions Club Fundraiser and FUN race has no equal when it comes to preparing one mentally and physically for the American Birkebeiner. In other words, once you have completed the Pre-Birkie you will have the confidence to take on the mother of all XC marathon races, the American Birkebeiner.
And, if 16 miles/26 kilometers of those beautiful hills were not enough, back by popular demand are the 42K skate/classic races! There are four food stations on the 26K course and six on the 42K course, which are manned by local youth groups who are eager to serve you along your way to the finish at County Highway OO. There, you’ll find refreshments and their famous doughnuts.
Every skier will receive a special Pre-Birkie sweatshirt. Come and enjoy the day – whether participating or just observing – with the Hayward Lions at our Pre-Birkie the “Best Birkie prep race in the Midwest”!
Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie Address:
American Birkebeiner Trail
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-4994
Website
Hayward is reachable via U.S. 63 (about 25 minutes northeast of the junction with U.S. 53 at Trego), Highway 27, or Highway 77, smack dab in the midst of the beautiful North Woods in Sawyer County.
This Pre-Birkie is a great prelude to the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, which also begins in Hayward. That event runs February 21-23 this year, but Birkie-related events in skiing, biking, running, and more are held all year ’round for those who like to be healthy and vibrant regardless of the season. But let’s face it: this is needed most in winter when the weather can be its most trying!
February 1, 2019 – February 2, 2019
Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament
The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament brings in international competition for ski jumpers to Westby in Vernon County. Held Friday night and Saturday, February 1-2, 2019, competitors from five countries will compete on the Olympic-sized hill. Entertainment, food, and live music will also be part of the festivities both nights at the Snowflake Rod & Gun Club adjacent to the hill.
Tournament Schedule:
Thursday, January 31st
Hospitality Night: Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 1st
Kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Cafe: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 7:00 p.m.
Competition: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 2nd
Opening Ceremonies: 12:00 p.m.
Competition: 12:30 p.m.
Long standing jump and awards ceremony will follow competition.
Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament Address:
Snowflake Ski & Golf Course
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211
Website
January 5, 2019
Blue Mound Candlelight Ski, Hike & Snowshoe
On Saturday, January 5th and/or February 2nd, 2019, spend a night with family and friends at Blue Mound, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. From high atop, they welcome 2019 with the Blue Mound Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe event hosted by the Friends of Blue Mound State Park.
A 1 and 2-mile candlelit, wooded loop will be available to ski and a separate 0.75-mile candlelit wooded trail will be available for hikers, snowshoers and leashed pets. Warm up with free hot drinks inside the heated shelter. Hot refreshments, baked goods and shirts will be available for sale. Enjoy the bonfire and free marshmallows for roasting. Guided hikes through the illuminated woods with the park Naturalist will be held at 6 and 7 p.m. The only cost for this fun-filled family event is a daily or annual park sticker, which may be purchased upon entry to the park. For more information or trail conditions, contact the park at 608-437-5711.
Blue Mound Candlelight skis, snowshoe, and hike events are very popular; some attract thousands of visitors on a given night. Given the recent publicity of these events through social media outlets and cool sites like StateTrunkTour.com, and the department’s responsibility to provide a safe recreational experience, access to these events may be restricted at times when parking capacity has been reached.
To reach Blue Mound State Park – which is amazing any time of the year – follow U.S. 18/151 either west from Madison or east from Dodgeville and follow the signs. In the daytime, Blue Mound is easily seen! The park is great to visit throughout the winter, with over 20 miles of trails and breathtaking views across several counties from the lookout towers.
Address for Blue Mound Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe Event:
Blue Mound State Park
4350 Mounds Park Road (off U.S. 18/151)
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
(608) 437-5711
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211
Website