VENUE DESCRIPTION

The American Birkebeiner ski race is held in the beautiful northwoods of Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin located in northwestern Wisconsin, within driving distance from Chicago, Illinois, the Twin Cities (Minneapolis - St. Paul) and Duluth, Minnesota.
The region offers 850,000 acres of Chequamegon National Forest, over 200 lakes and rivers, as well as hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails, and 15 golf courses.
The local economy remains strongly influenced by logging and tourism. That's why you find a healthy respect for the forest and the wildlife and fauna within it. As gateways to the forest, the Cable and Hayward communities know that their futures depend on a well-balanced, sustainable approach to our great resources.
Our small hometown atmosphere makes this the ideal destination for vacations-every season! We pride ourselves in our unique setting and northwoods appeal. Whether it's the variety of sports, selection of excellent dining, unique shopping, one-of-a-kind attractions, or just a quiet secluded setting the Cable and Hayward communities provide it all!

COMPETITION INFORMATION

The Race Start Area is located just outside of downtown Cable, Wisconsin near Telemark Resort. The Birkie Skate, Birkie Classic, Kortelopet Skate and Classic and the Prince Haakon events start in alternating waves at this location.
Classic Skiers travel on one race course and skate skiers on another for the first half of the race. After seven kilometers (7K) Prince Haakon skiers enter their return course, while Kortelopet skiers enter their return course at nine kilometers (9K) with both events finishing at Telemark Resort.
The Birkie Skate and Classic courses merge at 23K for skate skiers and 27K for classic skiers. All Birkie skiers finish on Hayward's Main Street to a spectacular crowd of 10,000 cheering spectators.
The total elevation gain for the Birkie Skate Course from the start line to the finish line is 1,398 meters while the Birkie Classic Course's total elevation gain from the start line to the finish line is 21 meters less or 1,377 meters.

OTHER SPORT EVENTS

Birkie events and the Birkie Trail attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual recreational users to elite athletes. From its signature ski race--the legendary American Birkebeiner--The Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities, including;
The new BirkieTour Open Track event in January. The BirkieTour is an untimed, non-competitive Worldloppet cross-country ski event with distances ranging from 22K to 51K.
The Birkie Trail Run & Trek is held in September that includes a Marathon and Half Marathon Run, a Marathon Relay and a Nordic Walk, the Birkie Trek.
The Birkie is an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle. Ski . Run . Live!

ACCOMMODATION

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation provides a Lodging Directory each year for skiers. The directory contains information on hotels, motels, resorts, and private homes and is available each year in July.
Contact the Birkie Office

715-634-5025, birkie[at]birkie.com
Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau,715-634-4801, info[at]haywardlakes.com
www.haywardlakes.com

Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, 715-634-8662,
www.haywardareachamber.com

Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, 715-798-3833
www.cable4fun.com

REGISTRATION

Race entry for all American Birkebeiner Events is available online at www.birkie.com. Event participants will also find forms on our website that they may print and mail or fax to our office.

American Birkebeiner
PO Box 911
Hayward WI 54843
USA

Fax: 715-634-5663

HOW TO GET TO AMERICAN BIRKIE

Hayward and Cable are located in Northwestern Wisconsin, approximately three hours drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota airport. International and national flights service both Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota. Flights arrive daily.

Rent a car from the airport to reach the Hayward/Cable area or contact www.nwtexpressshuttle.com for Van Shuttle service to Hayward. Car rental and airline discounts are available visit www.birkie.com/page/show/104569-getting-here
Race day bus transportation is provided to the Race Start from various parking lots in the Cable-Hayward area. More information www.birkie.com/page/show/110372-parking-busing

QUICK LINKS

Birkie Online Registration
Trail Report