Birkie ski race to finish on Main Street despite low snow

As with many events this winter, our minimal snowfall put the 51st American Birkebeiner Race course in question. However on Monday, organizers announced that the race will finish on Main Street thanks to recent snowfall.

The American Birkebeiner Race in Wisconsin traditionally runs from Cable to Hayward, finishing up on Main Street in downtown Hayward.

“We are beyond exited to announce we’re able to bring the race back downtown,” ABSF Executive Director, Ben Popp said in a release. “Mother Nature has come through with some last second snow, the trail crew is doing all they can to firm up a base, Lake Hayward has ice thicker than ever, and the International Bridge is coming out of hibernation….we are back to Birkie!”

Organizers also add that although there is snow, the trail conditions won’t be ideal. “We’re not going to sugar coat it, the trail is spotty, especially south of Hatchery,” Popp said.

Crews will continue to monitor course conditions over the next week and work on resolving any trail issues for safety.

Birkie events kick off on Wednesday, February 19th with Open Track Day. On Thursday, there is the Barkie Birkie, Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Giant Ski and Birkie Expo and Bash. The Birkie Expo continues Friday with the Kortelopet Classic and Skate 29K and ParaBirkie and more. The American Birkebeiner Skate 50K and Classic 53K is Saturday, February 22. For live updates on the race visit at https://www.birkie.com/51-updates/.