From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.
If you are still interested in skiing the 2013 Birkie or Korte, but missed out on registering before registration closed on October 15, there are stil 16 “Second Chance” entries left.
On October 18, right after registration closed for the 2013 Birkie and Kortelopet races, we made the following announcement: “JDRF, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, is the Birkie’s new Skiers For Cures partner for the next three years. As a way to help kick-off this fundraising effort and help skiers who did not get a 2013 Birkie or Korte entry on time, JDRF and the Birkie have arranged to make 50 entries available through JDRF’s “Second Chance” program.”
We’re glad to hear that 34 skiers have already signed up for these entries! There are still 16 left.
Here’s how it works. Raise a minimum of just $500 for JDRF by November 30 and its research to cure diabetes and receive one of these remaining entries to the Birkie or Korte, your choice.
The first 50 people who sign-up for this “Second Chance” fundraising option will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Register online through the link above (16 of these 50 entries are still available).
To register, each of these people will be required to make an initial, non-refundable deposit of $50.
JDRF will send them their Birkie Entry Form as soon as they raise the minimum of $500. (Also see Additional JDRF Rewards, below!)
When they register online for one of the 50 Second Chance entries, each person agrees that they are responsible for raising and/or donating $500 to JDRF by November 30th. They also agree that if they do not raise that amount by November 30, they have the option to simply pay the remainder. If they choose not to, JDRF will make that Second Chance entry available to someone else.
The skier should complete, sign, and return the Birkie or Korte entry form to the Birkie office as soon as possible and by January 31 at the latest. Wave placement will be based on availability. Send entry to: ABSF, P.O. Box 911, Hayward, WI 54843
Your fundraising will also qualify you for these additional JDRF Rewards!
Raise $150: Earn a Team JDRF cross-country ski hat
Raise $250: Get an entry into the Norway trip drawing (prize includes entry for two people in 2014 Norwegian Birkebeiner, three nights lodging and air travel)
Go the Distance: Be one of the Top Ten fundraisers and receive a complimentary 2014 American Birkebeiner registration.
JDRF, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, is the Birkie’s new Skiers For Cures partner for the next three years. As a way to help kick-off this fundraising effort and help skiers who did not get a 2013 Birkie or Korte entry on time, JDRF and the Birkie have arranged to make 50 entries available through JDRF’s “Second Chance” program.
Get one of 50 Entries in exchange for fundraising a minimum of $500 for JDRF!
For Your “Second Chance” Entry
Choose the “Register Now” option.
Here are the details:
_ The first 50 people who sign-up for this “Second Chance”
fundraising option will be accepted on a first-come first-served
basis. Register online through the link above.
_ To register, each of these people will be required to make an
initial, non-refundable deposit of $50.
_ JDRF will send them their Birkie Entry Form as soon as they
raise the minimum of $500. (Also see Additional JDRF
Rewards, below!)
_ When they register online for one of the 50 Second Chance
entries, each person agrees that they are responsible for raising
and/or donating $500 to JDRF by November 30th. They also
agree that if they do not raise that amount by November 30, they
have the option to simply pay the remainder. If they choose not
to, JDRF will make that Second Chance entry available to
someone else.
_ The skier should complete, sign, and return the Birkie or Korte
entry form to the Birkie office as soon as possible and by
January 31 at the latest. Wave placement will be based on
availability. Send entry to:
ABSF, P.O. Box 911, Hayward, WI 54843
Your fundraising will also qualify you for these additional JDRF Rewards!
_ Raise $150
Earn a Team JDRF cross-country ski hat
_ Raise $250
Get an entry into the Norway trip drawing (prize includes entry
for two people in 2014 Norwegian Birkebeiner, three nights
lodging and air travel)
_ Go the Distance
Be one of the Top Ten fundraisers and receive a complimentary
2014 American Birkebeiner registration.
More than 9,000 participants prepare to start the full-, half-distance and 13 k races at the American Birkebeiner in Cable, Wis., on Feb. 25, 2012. (Photo courtesy of Darlene Prois/ABSF)
Those unfamiliar with the American Birkebeiner and cross-country ski culture in the Midwest might not get it.
How does a point-to-point ski marathon in northern Wisconsin sell out in record time year after year? Especially after last season, which was marked by low-snow across the continental U.S., how does it draw 10,000 participants?
For the year-round employees at the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) in Hayward, Wis., it’s not rocket science. They consistently put on a good race from Cable to Hayward, which brings people back.
But a 50-kilometer ski marathon, mostly made up of masters and citizens, is only as good as Mother Nature allows, and last year was no walk in the park. Organizers scraped snow off soccer fields and transported 120 truckloads to Main Street. There, they spread the pristine white stuff 6 inches to a foot deep for the ½-kilometer finish.
The ABSF also made sure the Birkie trail was in tact, unloading 500 totes of snow – each weighing 300 pounds – on the course, and shoveling 75 totes by hand. Despite all the sweat that went into it, groomers and organizers alike emitted a relaxed yet down-to-business vibe. Entering the 40th anniversary of the American Birkebeiner, snow seems to be one of the furthest things from their minds – for now.
On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in Wisconsin, ABSF executive director Ned Zuelsdorff said they had a few dustings recently, but that probably wasn’t driving registration sales. The Birkie (with the option of a 50 k skate or 54 k classic) and 23-k Kortelopet sold out on Monday (Oct. 15) at 3 p.m., more than a month earlier than it did last year on Nov. 21.
According to Zuelsdorff, registration has closed progressively earlier over the last several years – meeting its 10,000 cap this year in record time. That grand total includes Birkie, Korte and 13 k Prince Haakon participants. On Tuesday, there was some room left in the 500-person Haakon race, and the ABSF saved spots for elite and international skiers.
“It’s fun for us to have set this record,” Zuelsdorff said on the phone. Last year, the three races drew about 9,600 people. This year, they’re already at 9,700 or so. According to public relations director Susan Kendrick, 62 percent signed up for skating and 38 percent registered for classic.
“We now can really focus on getting everything together for the 2013 Birkie, the 40th anniversary, and it’s just really nice to see,” Zuelsdorff added. “It’s just an exciting thing that people are so enthusiastic about coming here.”
The hype surrounding its 40th anniversary, known as the “Big 4,” might have something to do with it. The Birkie started with 11 founding members in 1973. They kept the tradition going for 10 straight years, and today, anyone who completes 20 Birkies is dubbed a Birchlegger. Zuelsdorff estimated there were 1,200-1,300 Birchleggers registered for the upcoming Birkie on Feb. 23.
What’s more, he said at least 200 registrants have done more than 30 Birkies.
“The numbers indicate that we have about 15 percent first-time skiers, which says to me that we’ve got 85 percent that have been here at least once before,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that keep coming back year after year.”
However, each year, the race grows slightly and fills up even faster. Zuelsdorff said that was likely because of the growing impact of the Birkie and word of mouth.
“A week ago, I was at the Twin Cities Marathon expo, we had a booth there, and so many people mentioned that the Birkie is on their bucket list,” he said. “Evidently, roughly 1,500 of our skiers are putting a check on their bucket list this year because they plan to be here.”
When it comes to registering for America’s largest ski marathon, one of 16 international Worldloppets, a sense of immediacy has also infiltrated people’s minds. That makes snow less of a concern. Years ago, registration typically picked up around December or January, Zuelsdorff said.
“Now with the way things have been going over the past couple of years, [our registration employees have] been largely in here all summer making sure that people get assigned to the correct waves and that everything is corrected as far as data,” Zuelsdorff said. “I guess there no longer is the option of waiting to see what the winter’s like before you decide to sign up.”
Registration for the 2013 Birkie and Korte races is officially closed:
Online Registration (and Fax) closed Monday at 3:00 p.m. (CST), October 15.
Mailed Registrations postmarked October 15, 2012, will still be accepted and processed.
The Prince Haakon 13K is still open, and you may continue to register online, and by fax and mail.
Please note, too, as a follow-up to the final Birkie Registration Update on Oct. 11, that there are now just a limited number of entries left to be filled by Elite Wave skiers, international skiers, and entries provided to sponsors as part of their support.
This is the earliest in the 40 year history of the American Birkebeiner that registration for the Birkie and Korte has closed this early. Last year had been the earliest to-date, when registration closed on November 21.
Even though we increased the cap this year to an all-time record of 10,000 total skiers for the Birkie, Korte, and Haakon races combined, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of enthusiasm. All those spots have now been claimed by those of you already thinking ahead to snow, wax, tracks, those first mornings of freshly groomed corduroy, and all lies ahead this winter.
We are happy this year to welcome back so many long-time Birkie and Korte skiers to our big 40th annual celebration. And, we are thrilled to again welcome so many new skiers to the Birkie adventure as well!
We have a lot of new events and festivities as part of our “BIG 4.”
Please see Birkie.com andFacebook for updates, starting soon!
This is a final announcement about registering for either the Birkebeiner or the Kortelopet races on February 23, 2013. There are now fewer than 500 spots left for these two races combined. There are still more than half of the allotted spots still open for the Prince Haakon.
The 500 spots remaining take into account entries we retain each year to fulfill certain commitments. For example, each major sponsor receives entries as part of their support; registrations from skiers who quality for the Elite Wave will be accepted until the men’s and women’s fields are filled; and we reserve a number of registrations for our international skiers and members of the Worldloppet community.
With only 500 spots remaining in the Birkie and Korte, we do anticipate that these two races will fill very soon. We will then close registration for these two races.
Again, now that we are at this 500 mark, this is the last email update we will send. Our next email will announce when registration for the Birkie and Korte closes. Again, we do have more than half of the allotted spots still open for the Prince Haakon.
Please Help Us Get the Word Out
Please share this information with anyone you know who is still thinking about registering for either the Birkie or the Korte. We would like to include everyone who wants to join us for another great day on the Birkie Trail! That is one of the reasons we increased the total race cap for the Birkie, Korte, and Haakon races to 10,000 skiers this year. Thanks for your help. Think Snow!
Participants in American Birkebeiner ski marathon events on February 23, 2013 will receive one of the most unique gifts ever offered at an event. This year at bib pick-up, each participant in the Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon will receive a pair of SwypeGloves—special cold-weather gloves infused with conductive fibers that allow you to operate your touchscreen phone and other devices while keeping toasty warm.
How These Gloves Give Back to the Birkie Trail
Again, every participant in the 2013 Birkie, Korteplopet, and Prince Haakon will receive a pair of SwypeGloves as a gift from the Birkie. But, anyone who would like a pair to use earlier in the season, or for any friends and family who would also like a pair, these gloves can be purchased online at a very generous 25% Birkie discount. At the same time, for every pair of gloves purchased, the SwypeGear company will make a donation back to the Birkie Trail. This is a great way to stay warm this winter and help support the Birkie Trail.
“We are very honored to be partnering with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation in this way,” says Vik Colaso, Founder and CEO of SwypeGear. “We’re excited to get our gloves out to so many skiers and, we’re especially glad that we can get involved in supporting the Birkie Trail itself. After 40 years and going strong, it looks to have a lot of great years ahead. It’s a real privilege to be part of that.”
Why SwypeGloves?
While you may not be texting on the trail, many skiers, keep their phones with them on long and short outings to stay in touch with family, to meet up with friends, or just to be able to call for help if needed. If you’ve ever tried using your touchscreen with regular gloves, you know it doesn’t work. And on frigid days, no one wants to end a great ski by getting frostbite phoning home to say you’re on the way and will pick up dinner.
On their own or as a first layer under ski mittens or lobster claws, SwypeGloves are designed for outdoor athletes. The gloves are made from 100% stay-dry, moisture-wicking acrylic. They are also available in wool. Both come in a wide range of great colors. Their unique herringbone weave is designed to provide breathable comfort while the stretch yarn and ribbed cuffs ensure a snug fit, like a second skin.
Whether you wear them on the trail or getting there and home again, SwypeGloves are quickly becoming the next must-have gear for skiers. Spectators, too, will like them for staying warm and staying in touch while waiting for family and friends to cross the finish line. Known as “The world’s most precise touchscreen gloves,” SwypeGloves work with all touchscreen phones, iPods, iPads, reading tablets, and more. How to Purchase SwypeGloves and Support the Birkie Trail:
Click Hereto purchase SwypeGloves at www.SwypeGear.com.
Use Coupon Code: birkie13
Click Here to learn more about the Birkie Trail and “Birkie Trail Friends.”
. . .
Thank you. We’re excited about this opportunity to do something nice for our skiers and continue to keep the Birkie Trail in great shape year round.
For additional information or for questions, please email media@birkie.com.
Registration is now at 9,000 total skiers for the 2013 Birkie, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon races combined, to be held February 23, 2013.
Our total, combined cap for these three races is 10,000 skiers, so if you plan on being part of our 40th annual celebration, now is the time to register! Last year registration closed on November 21, and we expect an even earlier closing this year.
Wave Closings & Updates
Skate:
Wave 2 is closed
Wave 3 is closed
Wave 4 is closed**
Wave 9 is 95% full
Classic:
Waves 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 95% full
(** Latest update since Monday, Oct. 1)
Please contact the Birkie at birkie@birkie.com or 715-634-5025 with any questions.
We’re now at 8,900 total skiers registered for the Birkie, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon races combined, to be held February 23, 2013.
Our total, combined cap for these three races is 10,000 skiers, so if you plan on being part of our 40th annual celebration, now is the time to register! Last year registration closed on November 21, and we expect an even earlier closing this year.
The “Birkie Warriors” of the 2012 American Birkebeiner. (ABSF photo)
(Press release)
Enter for a Chance to Ski the Historic Re-Enactment of the Original Birkebeiner!
This annual contest is now open for entries. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is searching for three cross country skiers to depict the two Birkebeiner Warriors and Inga, the mother of baby Prince Haakon, at this year’s 40th annual American Birkebeiner ski race. Each year a trio is selected to ski the 54 kilometer journey from Cable to Hayward, WI, re-enacting–on wooden skis and in full costume–the historic rescue of the Prince more than 800 years ago. This year’s American Birkebeiner ski race takes place on Saturday, February 23, 2013.
* The deadline for submitting entries is November 15, 2012.
Winners will be announced on December 15.
The Role of the Warriors and Inga at Birkie 2013
The group of three skiers selected will dress in authentic period clothing and ski on wooden skis to depict the historic event (see “A Brief History” below). They will also serve as ambassadors on the trail, encouraging skiers along the way. On race day the two Warriors ski the entire 54K Classic Birkie race course. Inga may choose to ski either the same 54K Classic or cut off to ski the 23K Kortelopet course. Either way, she will re-join the Warriors to Ski the final two blocks up Main Street to the finish line.
The group will also make appearances at other events during Birkie race week, like Thursday’s Welcome Ceremony on Main Street and the Barnebirkie children’s event earlier that day.
A Brief History
Birkie Warriors at the 2012 start line. (ABSF photo)
The two Viking warriors being portrayed, Torstein and Skervald, were called “Birkebeiners” for the protective birch bark leggings they wore. They skied more than 50 kilometers through rugged mountains and forested terrain to smuggle the infant son of King Syverresson and Inga of Vartieg from Lillehammer, Norway, to safety in the town of Trondheim, during the Norwegian Civil War.
The rescued prince became one of the most popular kings in Norwegian history, and the Birkebeiner soldiers became a Norwegian symbol of courage, perseverance, and character in the face of adversity.
This historic rescue inspired the creation of three ski marathons: The Birkebeinerrennet in Lillehammer, Norway, launched in 1932 and skied on the same route as the famous rescue; the American Birkebeiner, launched in 1973 when the late Tony Wise looked to his Norwegian roots to create a high-profile event for Telemark, his ski lodge in Cable, Wisconsin; and the Canadian Birkebeiner, launched in 1985 in Alberta, Canada.
“The re-enactment has become a great tradition that our skiers, volunteers, and spectators look forward to every year,” says Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “For our 40th year especially, this re-enactment plays a very special part in the Birkie race and in the festivities during the week leading up to Saturday. The contest itself has become one of the highlights of the Birkie year.”
Special Benefits of Skiing as the Warriors and Inga:
_ A Free Entry the Following Year
Each winner will also receive a free 2014 Birkie or Korte race entry.
_ Race Credit
If you ski as either a Warrior or Inga, you will receive full credit for completing the race.
_ The Experience of a Lifetime! Our past Warriors and Ingas tell us over and over again that skiing the Birkie in these
historic roles is one of their most cherished experiences. Part of that, they say, is the
feeling on the trail, encouraging other skiers and being part of the Birkie in a whole new
way. Sking on traditional wooden skis and taking on the roles of these characters that
brought the first Birkie into being has added a whole other dimension to their Birkie
experience.
Comments from 2012
__ From Darald Bothun, 2012 Warrior “Skervald”:“It was an huge honor to represent the Birkie by carrying out the Norwegian tradition of saving the future king. The spirit of the Birkie was always felt. Spectators and skiers were constantly cheering for us. It was one of the most inspiring days of my life, and to share it with family and friends made it extra special!”
“Also,” he says, “Barry and I are doing the half marathon Nordic Trek at the Birkie Trail Run & Trek on September 22. We want to smell the oaks!”
__ From Barry Knapp, 2012 Warrior “Torstein”:
“I continue to be humbled and honored for the experience of being a Birkie Warrior for the American Birkebeiner. The enthusiasm and energy that arose from our fellow skiers at each rest stop, along the trails, and those days preceding race day filled us with appreciation for the whole Birkie skiing community. Also, the locating, cleaning, pine taring, and waxing of the old wooden skis in preparation for the Birkie was a labor of love; it renewed my respect for the original Norwegian birch legging warriors. Thanks!”
__ From Kristin Bothun, 2012 Inga: “I have been blessed with many amazing opportunities in my life. Being given the opportunity to represent Inga at the Birkie has been one of these extraordinary experiences. As Inga, the Birkie journey was not only only fun and exhilarating, but humbling and honoring. I skied the most beautiful (and challenging) Birkie trail dressed in a scarlet red cape, bearing birch-skin leggings and wooden skis.
“Not only was I inspired by the warriers (my father as well as a dear family friend), but I was motivated by all of my fellow skiers, heroes in their own right. The exhilaration on and off the Birkie trail was phenomenal throughout the entire weekend, from the streets of Hayward to the hallways of Telemark Lodge.
“‘Hiya, Hiya, Hiya’! Thank you to the American Birkiebeiner for allowing me to be a Queen for the day!”
. . . . .
HOW TO ENTER THE 2013 CONTEST
1. Form a group of two Warriors and an Inga
2. Complete the Online Entry Form – Click Here
3. As part of that form, describe why the members of your group are qualified to ski as the Warriors, Torstein (TOR-stine) and Skervald (SHER-vol), and Inga
Entries must first demonstrate your skiing ability then your passion, sense of tradition, and why skiing in these roles is important to each of you.
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation will supply the Warrior and Inga costumes. Each skier must supply his or her own wooden skis. You may but do not need to provide a young child to portray the baby Prince Haakon, to be carried by one of the Warriors or Inga the two blocks up Main Street to the finish.
Click Here to access the online entry form. The deadline for entires is November 15.
The judges for this year’s contest will be the Warriors and Inga winners from 2011 and 2012 Birkies. The winning group will be announced on December 10, 2012.
A Look Back
Past Five Birkie Warriors:
2012: Darald Bothun and Barry Knapp, both from Rochester, MN
2011: Gale Otterholt and Marv Franson, both from Eau Claire, WI
2010: Brothers David Nelson, Medicine Lake, MN, and Grant Nelson, Duluth, MN, skied
the re-enactment as a family with David’s wife, Josie, as Inga and their son Karl
as the Prince
2009: Jeff Cummisford, Waukesha, WI, and best friend, Richard Pierce, Verona, WI
2008: Brothers Thom Gerst, Coon Rapids, MN, and Gary Gerst, Maple Grove, MN
Past Five Birkie Inga and Baby Prince Haakon:
2012: Kristin Bothun, Mankato, MN, daughter of Warrior Bothun, and Nikolai Fornear
2011: Gretchen Lindgren, St. Cloud, MN, and her grandchild Finnley
2010: Josie Nelson, Medicine Lake, MN, and son Karl
2009: Lyndsey Lewis, Fort Collins, CO, and son Piercen
2008: Gail Moede Rogall, Madison, WI, and son Bjorn
For more information, email media@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.
Start of the American Birkebeiner back in the "day" around the 1980s, when some participants tried the newly created skating technique (see front right)
(Note: On April 25, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announced it issued a two-part plan to Telemark Properties and its lender to move forward in securing land access and use of its lodge facilities for Birkie events throughout the year.)
Efforts to create a new trailhead for North America’s largest ski marathon are off the table, at least for now.
Earlier this month, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) withdrew its proposal to the Bayfield County Forestry Committee to purchase properties for a backup start, deciding instead to continue negotiations with Telemark Resort in Cable, Wis.
For nearly 40 years, the lodge has been home to the 50-kilometer race, which currently starts at Telemark and meanders south to Hayward, Wis. Land access has been an issue in recent years, with certain private landowners requesting up to $150,000 for race-day use. The Birkie crosses six private properties and also needs ensured access to Telemark’s trails and the adjacent Cable Union Airport, where nearly 10,000 people are expected to start the race next year.
American Birkebeiner Executive Director Ned Zuelsdorff said the foundation is trying to reach an agreement with Telemark that guarantees land and facility access. Since the resort’s heyday in the 1980s, its financial stability has been in question. The lodge closed in May 2010 and reopened in January 2011 with new owners.
The 2012 American Birkebeiner warriors await the start of the 50- and 54-kilometer races at Cable Union Airport in Cable, Wis., on Feb. 25. (Photo courtesy of Darlene Prois/ABSF)
Steve Kaufman of Telemark Properties officially took over last June and said the lodge’s historical integrity and nordic roots are a priority. He would have never bought Telemark if he thought the Birkie — one of its “top three” events along with the Chequamegon Fat Tire mountain bike festival — would be held anywhere else.
“We think it’s important for the competitors or the participants of Birkie events, who have built traditions at Telemark, for that to stay,” Kaufman said in a phone interview. “I think moving it would be a mistake after three decades at one place. … I would have never got involved with Telemark if I ever thought for a second that the Birkie and Telemark wouldn’t be synonymous in the same sentence.”
Essentially, the Birkie foundation and its board of directors feel the same way, but as the race approaches its 40th anniversary in 2013, they’re seeking piece of mind. Two years ago, trail access across one private property wasn’t guaranteed until five weeks before the race. The landowner requested upwards of $100,000 dollars and eventually accepted $25,000.
Each year, the uncertainty of costs resurface, which is why the Birkie is working with Telemark now. Last November, the foundation formulated a plan to build about five acres of trails and a new trailhead on 120 acres south of Cable. Telemark joined the conversation and released a proposal of its own in late March.
In a bullet-point letter, Telemark Resort outlined several possible solutions for keeping the race there, which included guaranteed easements to Telemark trails for Birkie events, free year-round access to the Birkie Trail and a heated expo center, which Telemark would construct.
More than 9,000 participants prepare to start the full- and half-distance American Birkebeiner ski races at Cable Union Airport in Cable, Wis., on Feb. 25. (Photo courtesy of Darlene Prois/ABSF)
In return, it asked the Birkie to base its races, registration and expo at Telemark and lease the new expo center during its events for a 10-year renewable term.
Zuelsdorff said the ABSF planned to send Telemark its own “comprehensive plan,” written with the help of a lawyer, late last week. On Monday, Kaufman said he had not received it yet, but both parties were confident they’d reach an agreement relatively soon.
“Negotiations are still ongoing of course, and we’re doing our best to address the concerns of the American Birkebeiner foundation and at the same time do what’s in the best interest at Telemark and [its] lending institution,” Kaufman said.
According to Kaufman, Great Southern Bank in Springfield, Mo., has to sign off on any agreement between Telemark Properties and the ABSF. Zuelsdorff said they were still determining how many lien holders might be involved in the decision. Kaufman said Great Southern Bank was the only one.
“Nothing is as simple as it might appear,” Zuelsdorff said, citing costs and fees as the big questions.
Kaufman said Telemark is basically asking the Birkie for a “one-dollar commitment” to access all of Telemark’s property in exchange for basing the race there for certain number of years. He understood the Birkie might have prior commitments to other venues in the area.
At the moment, Zuelsdorff said the Birkie is focused on securing trail access near Telemark and an additional easement to bypass private properties if needed. He also hoped they would be allowed to use the lodge for all of its events.
“I think there’s a reasonable chance that we will be able to work out an agreement relatively soon,” Zuelsdorff said. “If anything were to complicate that, then we would have to go to some reasonable alternatives.”
While the new trailhead proposal was on hold, it certainly wasn’t out of the question.
“By taking it off the table immediately is effectively … just putting it on the back burner,” Zuelsdorff said. “That is an alternative for us. There’s actually a couple of other alternative sites that we could use if we needed to.”
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/11/IMG_0043_medium.jpg" "Birkie/Kortelopet")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/10/rsz_1jdrf_2c_logo.jpg" "JDRF logo"){kind=logo}
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/04/AB2012_Darlene_Prois-30608-29-44.jpg" "2012 American Birkebeiner start")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/10/AB2012_Darlene_Prois-67911-14-59.jpg" "2012 American Birkebeiner")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/10/rsz_img_9930.jpg" "Birkie, American Birkebeiner")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/10/absf39_Randolph_131.jpg" "2012 American Birkebeiner")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/09/absf39_Randolph_122.jpg" "Birkie Warriors 2012")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/09/BirkieWarriors2012-StartLine.jpg" "Birkie Warriors 2012 Start Line")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/04/IMG_2369.jpg" "Start of the American Birkebeiner")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/04/AB2012_Darlene_Prois_607-55-50.jpg" "American Birkebeiner 2012 start")