The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament brings in international competition for ski jumpers to Westby in Vernon County. Held Friday night and Saturday, February 6-7, 2026, 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, February 5th
Hospitality Night: Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 6th
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 7th
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
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, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. 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 Ashland to Washburn 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 15th: 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
(715) 682-2500 Website
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 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
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 Thursday’s 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.
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events › Skiing
February 6, 2026 – February 7, 2026
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 6-7, 2026, 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, February 5th
Hospitality Night: Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 6th
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 7th
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
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February 14, 2026
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, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. 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 Ashland to Washburn 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 15th: 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
(715) 682-2500
Website
Back to State Trunk Tour
February 18, 2026 – February 22, 2026
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 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
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 Thursday’s 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 recent recap here!
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