Recent snow allows American Birkebeiner nordic skiers to use full course

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - After this weekend’s snow, American Birkebeiner leaders announced Monday night they will be able to race the full course this year.

Nordic ski race leaders shared that news during a virtual update.

The American Birkebeiner and some of its related races take thousands of skiers from Cable, Wisconsin to the finish line in downtown Hayward.

Recently there were concerns there wouldn’t be enough snow along that route by the time “Birkie Week” begins February 19. However, this past weekend’s snow changed that.

In 2024, the lack of snow and cold forced Birkie leaders to create a looped-course in the Cable area.

“Safety is always our number one concern,” says Event Director Kristy Maki. “We’re going to continue to monitor the course conditions over the next seven days, and our trail crew will work on problem areas. Participants should be prepared to see areas of low snow, along with some grass and leaves in spots, especially in the last 10K of the race.”

Northern News Now plans to broadcast live from the finish line in downtown Hayward at 4, 5, and 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21.

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