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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.

Tag: birkie registration

  • Birkie, Korte & Prince Haakon Price Increase This Friday

    Birkie Week Smaller Events Registration Also Opens

    North America’s #1 & #2 Cross-Country Ski Races Filling Fast

    (Press release)

    HAYWARD, Wis. (September 5, 2018) – With fall temperatures in the air, thoughts turn quickly to the change in seasons, fall leaves, and snow. The Birkie week of festivities is a mere 168 days away and thousands of skiers have already registered for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon races to date. Friday, September 7 marks a price increase for all three races (skiers must register by 11:59pm on Thursday, September 6 to avoid the price increase), with the final price increase on November 2, 2018.  The Birkie is North America’s largest cross-country ski race and is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2019, with the Kortelopet, North America’s second largest ski race, and Prince Haakon, on Friday, February 22, 2019. Skiers from 49 states and 36 countries participated in 2018 Birkie week events.

    Friday, February 22, 2018

    Kortelopet 29K & Prince Haakon15K – Both races will finish in downtown Hayward with the Kortelopet starting at the Highway OO Trailhead and the Prince Haakon starting near Mosquito Brook.

    Saturday, February 23, 2018

    45th Annual Slumberland American 50K Skate/55K – Thousands of skiers journey from Cable, WI, on the Birkie Trail, through the north woods, across Lake Hayward, and over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge to the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. It’s the Greatest Show on Snow!

    Currently, Birkie skate Waves 1 & 2 are closed with Wave 3 (94%), Wave 4 (91%), Wave 5 (80%), and Wave 6 (84%) nearing capacity. Birkie classic Wave 1 is closed with Wave 2 (85%), Wave 3 (89%), and Wave 4 (81%) nearing capacity. Similarly, Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races are rapidly filling. There is a 10,800-participant race cap for the combined Birkie, Korte and Prince Haakon races. Registration will close when this cap is reached. Wave Placement is based on first registered, first seeded basis. Once a wave has filled, participants will be placed in the next available wave.

    Registration for the 2019 Junior Birkie, Barnebirkie, Birkie Adaptive, Barkie Birkie Skijor, and Birkie Giant Ski opened today, September 5, 2018 for the Birkie week of events starting on Thursday, February 21, 2019. Registration for all events is available at www.Birkie.com.

    About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events

    Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the Birkie has grown to encompass a variety of year-round, silent sport events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The ABSF also acts as steward of the legendary Birkie Trail, providing year-round grooming, mowing and maintenance to all 100+ kilometers. From the iconic Slumberland American Birkebeiner ski race, to the Birkie Trail Run Festival, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite athletes. Learn more at www.birkie.com.

  • What’s Your Birkie Story? Jessie Diggins Shares Hers

    (e-newsletter)

    Be Inspired!

    Gold Medalist, Jessie Diggins, Shares Her Birkie & Korte Story…

    What Will Your 2019 Story Be?

    -Plus, Important news below!-

    Register by June 28 at 11:59pm and SAVE!

    Friday, June 29 marks the next price increase!

    Time to Write Your Story…

    Ski the Korte!  Register for the Korte

    Ski the Birkie!  Register for the Birkie

    Ski the Prince Haakon!  Register for the Prince Haakon

    &

    Over the coming weeks and months, watch for more on how the Birkie, the National Nordic Foundation (NNF), and US Ski & Snowboard are joining forces to help US Junior skiers reach for their own gold medal dreams!

    See you in the north woods soon! 

  • American Birkebeiner Registration to Close Thursday Night!

    (Press release)

    Registration to Close 11:59pm, Thursday, November 3

    The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announced today that registration for the 44th Slumberland American Birkebeiner, the “Birkie,” North America’s largest cross-country ski race, will close at 11:59pm, tonight, Thursday, November 3.

    The American Birkebeiner (55K classic/50K skate) race is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2017; the Kortelopet (29K), North America’s second largest ski race, and Prince Haakon (15K), are slated for Friday, February 24, 2017. While both Kortelopet and Prince Haakon race registrations are still open, they are quickly nearing capacity with fewer than 185 remaining spots available in the Kortelopet and fewer than 250 in the Prince Haakon.

    An estimated 13,000 skiers will participate in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races in February 2017. An international event, the 2016 race drew participants from 46 states and 22 countries to northwestern Wisconsin.

    The American Birkebeiner is rooted in Norwegian history when two Birkebeiner warriors, so- called by the birch bark leggings they wore, skied two-year-old Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, to safety on a long and perilous journey through the treacherous mountains and forests of Norway. Their determination is commemorated each year at the American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon as skiers recreate the courageous 55 kilometer journey.

    New in 2017

    • Friday, February 24, 2017: Both the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races will finish in downtown Hayward with the 29K Kortelopet starting at the Highway OO Trailhead and the 15K Prince Haakon starting near Mosquito Brook.
    • Saturday, February 25, 2017: For the first time ever, 44th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner skiers will line up for the inaugural use of the Birkie starting line at the new American Birkebeiner Trailhead near Cable, Wisconsin. Skiers will traverse the legendary Birkie Trail as they make their way toward the finish line on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street.

    Slumberland Furniture is the title sponsor of the 44th American Birkebeiner ski race.

  • Birkie Registration Opens May 2

    Registration for the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon, BirkieTour and more opens May 2, 2016. (Photo: ABSF)
    Registration for the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon, BirkieTour and more opens May 2, 2016. (Photo: ABSF)

    Birkie 2017 Event Registration Opens Today!

    Exciting New Schedule! Waves Fill Fast!

    Click here

    Friday – February 24, 2017
    Kortelopet & Prince Haakon
    Ski the International Bridge!
    Finish in Downtown Hayward!

    Saturday, February 25, 2017
    Slumberland American Birkebeiner
    Experience the New Start Line!
    Test Your Inner Warrior!

    Saturday, January 15, 2017
    BirkieTour
    Tour the Birkie Trail
    Aid Stations & Untimed
    Food, Friends & Fun!

    Saturday, March 11, 2017
    45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie
    World’s Largest Fat Bike Race!
    Test Your Skill on the Rolling Hills!
    A Race Distance for Everyone!

  • Birkie and Korte Registration Closes on Tuesday

    Slumberland American Birkebeiner and
    Kortelopet race registration will close Tuesday, November 3, at 11:59 p.m. CST!

    We don’t want you to miss out on the 2016 Birkie experience!Birkie
    Based on registrations received as of this morning,
    the participant cap will be reached by Tuesday night!

    Please share this with family and friends who have yet to register!

    Prince Haakon registration will remain open!

     Slumberland American Birkebeiner – Skate & Classic!  February 20, 2016

    Register Now

    Kortelopet 24K – Skate & Classic!  February 20, 2016!

    Register Now

    Prince Haakon 13K!  Space is Still Available!  February 20, 2016!  

    Register Now

    It is going to be a fabulous February!  #BirkieFever

    Questions?  Call 715-634-5025 or email us at birkie@birkie.com.

  • Birkie/Korte Registration Closes Thursday Night

    CLOSING TODAY at MIDNIGHT

    We have reached our participant cap for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner.

    Registration for both the Birkie and Korte events will close tonight

     (Thursday 10/23/14) at 11:59 pm CDT.

    The Prince Hakkon 13K will remain open.

    Take Advantage of This

    Last Day to Register!  

    Click HERE to Register Now

    ABSF-swix-2013-3v4ac

    When a wave closes, upon registering you will
    be placed in the next available wave.

    *Please remember, due to our new registration system, you must REGISTER AS A GUEST

    Questions? Email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025

  • Just Over 500 Spots Left for American Birkebeiner

    The view from the front of the pack at the 2014 American Birkebeiner (Photo: Kelly Randolph)
    The view from the front of the pack at the 2014 American Birkebeiner (Photo: Kelly Randolph)

    Before Registration Closes for the 2015 Swix American Birkebeiner!

    (Birkie press release)

    HAYWARD, Wisconsin (October 8, 2014) – It must be that crisp snap in the air and the first snowfall of the season that hit Hayward, WI, home of the Swix American Birkebeiner cross country ski race, this week. As a result, registration for the 42nd annual event on February 21, 2015, is filling up fast. With a total event cap of 10,500 entries, there are now just over 500 spots left. Last year the event also reached its cap in early October—the earliest close on record. The American Birkiebeiner is the largest ski race in North America and the fourth largest in the world.

    Click Here to Register Now

     Skiers who register for the Swix American Birkebeiner Skate (50K) or Classic (54K) events or for the Kortelopet (23K) event are placed in waves according to their ability, based on past race results and qualifying races. As registration accelerates, these waves are also reaching capacity. Anyone who registers in time to get one of the remaining 500+ entries will secure their spot at the starting line; waves will be assigned based on where each skier belongs. When a wave closes, skiers are placed in the next available wave. The following waves are currently closed:

    Skate Waves 2, 3, 7, 8

    Classic Waves 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

     For Details and to Register Now*

    *Please remember, due to our new registration system, you must REGISTER AS A GUEST.

    Don’t Miss Your Chance to Take the Challenge and Live Your Story
    At the Greatest Show on SNOW!

    Questions? Email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025

  • 2015 Birkie More Than 75 Percent Full

    Photo: ABSF/Mark Milford
    Photo: ABSF/Mark Milford
    SWIX American Birkebeiner
    Wave Closures!
     
    Over 8,300 skiers have registered!
    That means we’re OVER 75% FULL
    & waves are beginning to CLOSE!
    Birkie Classic Wave 3 – CLOSED
    Birkie Classic Wave 4 – CLOSED
    Birkie Classic Wave 7 – CLOSED
    Birkie Classic Wave 8 – CLOSED
    The following waves are VERY!! CLOSE to capacity:
    Skate: Waves 2 & 3
    Classic: Waves 2 & 5
    When a wave closes, upon registering you will be placed in the next available wave. 
     
    *Please remember, due to our new registration system, you must REGISTER AS A GUEST
    Questions? Email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025

  • Birkie Registration Opens Monday, June 2

    Start of the 2014 American Birkebeiner (Photo: Darlene Prois)
    Start of the 2014 American Birkebeiner (Photo: Darlene Prois)

    (Press release)

    HAYWARD, Wisconsin (May 28, 2014) – It’s time to sign up for an amazing four days of fun at the 42nd annual American Birkebeiner on February 21, 2015! Registration for the Swix American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, and all Birkie Week events, opens June 2, 2014, at 8:00 a.m. CST. Again this year, registration is completely online at www.birkie.com.

    New for 2015!
    There are a few changes and additions this year, including the brand new Birkie website, a new event insurance option, and a chance to win a Birkie Week VIP package when you Like the Birkie Facebook page. See details below.


    REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 2 at 8:00 a.m. CST
    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    New Website
    All those planning to register should be aware that the Birkie now has a brand new website at www.birkie.com. The ABSF suggests you visit the new site to get familiar with the Birkie ski events page. The new website makes it easier to see all the ski events in one place. Then, each individual event page has its own “Registration” button.

    Skier Confirmation
    As soon as you register for any Birkie Week event, you will receive an email confirmation. You can also access your confirmation for the Birkie, Korte, and Haakon events through the “Confirmation” button on those event pages. 

    Wave Placement
    Please allow up to 30 days for wave placement notification, which you will receive by email from the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

    Event Insurance
    Having to commit to an event six-plus months in advance can be difficult, and issues can arise. The Birkie recognizes this and now offers an option for the Birkie, Korte, and Haakon similar to travel insurance in case something happens that prevents you from participating. Information about this insurance option will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

    Participant Cap
    The total participant cap for the 2015 Birkebeiner 50/54K, Kortelopet 23K, and Prince Haakon 12K events is set at 10,500. All levels of skiers are encouraged to participate–experienced skiers as well as those new to the sport of cross country skiing. While registration for the 2014 Birkebeiner and Kortelopet closed on October 9, 2013, registration for the Prince Haakon remained open longer, giving new skiers just starting their “Birkie Fever” experience time to get into the ski season, get on skis–often for the first time–and be able to get to the starting line of the greatest show on snow!

    There is no way to predict how quickly registration will fill for 2015 events, so if you, friends, and family are interested in participating, consider signing up early to ensure you get in and also to take advantage of the lower registration fees.

    Win a Birkie Week VIP Package!
    The American Birkebeiner invites you to Like its facebook page to keep up with all the latest Birkie happenings. On July 1, 2014 a randomly selected Birkie Facebook follower will be selected to receive the following Birkie Week VIP Package: Parking at the Birkie Race Start area; Race Wax Service; and $100 in Chamber Bucks from the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce—good at more than 250 area restaurants, hotels, ski and bike shops, grocery stores, golf clubs, and more.

    Questions? If you have any questions, especially if you will be new to the Birkie this year, please feel free to contact us with any questions. We are happy to help! Email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.

    Thanks to all our Sponsors, including SWIX, Title Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner and Birkie ski events, Feb. 19-22, 2015, as well as FITS, New Moon Ski & Bike, Gu Energy, Hammer Nutrition, Marshfield Clinic – Hayward Center, Timber Ford of Hayward, and dozens of other businesses, organizations, and professional services.

    SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE!
    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–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. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle. Ski . Run . Bike . Live!

  • Birkie Sells Out in Record Time, Again, with 10,000 Skiers

    Birkie Sells Out in Record Time, Again, with 10,000 Skiers

    (Photo: JDRF, Birkie "Skiers for Cures" Partner)
    (Photo: JDRF, Birkie “Skiers for Cures” Partner)

    (Press release)

    Registration for the 2014 Swix American Birkebeiner officially closed October 8, 2013, at 2:00 pm (CST) as the Birkebeiner 50/54K and Kortelopet 23K events reached a combined total of 10,000 skiers and an historic new race cap. Another first, this is again the earliest in the 41-year history of the American Birkebeiner that registration for the Birkie and Korte has closed.

    “We are excited to welcome all these participants, their families, and friends to the 2014 event. It is shaping up to be a fantastic year! Let the training begin!” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

    Each year the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has allowed more skiers to participate and done this at a rate that allows the ABSF to assure a great experience for all involved.

    The first year registration closed earlier than January was the 2012 Birkie, when registration closed on November 21. This was the first year the ABSF set and reached a predetermined cap. Then, registration for the 2013 Birkebeiner closed on October 15. This year, even with registration opening in June rather than in April as it typically does–because of the transition to all-online registration–it still closed in just over four months.

    More skiers means more volunteers, bananas, oranges, the list goes on. The American Birkebeiner, like other events in the international Worldloppet series of ski marathons, is a citizen race. It’s all about creating a very special experience for skiers of all ages and abilities, from the elite to the 10th waves.

    “The ABSF welcomes all those returning skiers and many skiers that we know are new to the Birkie and to the sport of cross country skiing!” added Popp.

    12K Skiers Still Welcome to Register

    The Prince Haakon 12K, which also takes place on February 22, is a great entry-level event for skiers who want to be part of the Birkie party at the start line but are looking for a more recreational distance. There are still slots open for this event. giving new skiers a chance to sign up even once the ski season gets underway. Click Here for details.

    Help for Those Who Did Not Get Into the Birkie or Korte

    Once registration for the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopte races closed on October 8, our Birkie “Skiers for Cures” charitable partner, JDRF, opened up sign-up for 50 “Second Chance” entries. You simply fundraise a minimum of $500 for JDRF and you get one of these entries that you can use for either the Birkie or the Korte. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation started making this fundraising-for-entries opportunity available when we supported Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as our charitable partner, and now as we work with JDRF, which researches treatments and a cure for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To Sign up for one of these 50 spots, go directly to www.jdrf.org/birkie.

    Make your skiing count for even more this year!
    Click Here for complete details on How to SKI FOR A CURE

    Or … Volunteer!

    Come experience the Birkie events as a volunteer. “Birkie Fever” takes many forms. There are lots of positions and ways to help, inside and outside, for a couple of hours or a couple of days—there are many options. Contact the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation office at 715-634-5025 or email birkie@birkie.com.

    Questions? Call 715-634-5025. Or, email registration or skier confirmation questions to registration@birkie.com.

    Thanks to our Sponsors: The 2014 Swix American Birkebeiner events on February 22 are co-presented by Marshfield Clinic – Hayward Center / Kortelopet, and Timber Ford / Prince Haakon.

  • Birkie Registration Closes Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. Central

    Birkie Registration Closes Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. Central

    (Photo: Darlene Prois/ABSF)
    A scene from the 2013 Birkie (Photo: Darlene Prois/ABSF)

    (Press release)

    Accepting Final Registrations Until 2:00 p.m.

    We’re There!!!

    After a final surge in registrations last night and this morning, we are projected to reach our cap for the Swix American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet events today and will close registration for these events today at 2:00 pm – central. (The Prince Haakon 12K will remain open until the cap for that event is reached.)

    Accepting Registrations for BIRKIE / KORTE Until:

    TODAY – 2:00 pm (central)

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

     

    Get Info on 50 “Second Chance” Entries 

    Once Birkie – Korte registration closes … these “Second Chance” entries from our Birkie “Skiers for Cures” charitable partner, JDRF, will open for sign-up. Click Here for complete details.

    Questions? Call 715-634-5025

  • Birkie and Korte to Close Within Days: 85 Spots Left for 2014 Birkie

    Fabio Santus (right, in blue), leads the men's 2013 American Birkebeiner field to the finish line in Hayward, Wisconsin. Santus was second; his teammate Sergio Bonaldi (far left in blue) won the race. Photo, Darlene Prios/American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
    Fabio Santus (right, in blue), leads the men’s 2013 American Birkebeiner field to the finish line in Hayward, Wisconsin. Santus was second; his teammate Sergio Bonaldi (far left in blue) won the race. (Photo: Darlene Prios/ABSF)

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

    Plus … “Skiers for Cures”

    Get Info on 50 “Second Chance” Entries

    It’s here! We’re quickly counting down to the last 85 American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet entries. (Like last year, the Prince Haakon 12K will remain open until those spots fill.)

    PLUS … get info below on 50 “Second Chance” entries through our “Skiers for Cures” charitable partner. Once again, JDRF will have these entries available to those who sign up to fundraise to help JDRF research and find a cure for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Click Here for information.

    The following waves, below, are now closed. Please look for continued updates on Facebook as well.

    Skate Waves: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

    Classic Wave: 1, 3, 4, 5, 8

     

    CLICK HERE

    For Details About Each Event and To Register

    Questions? Call 715-634-5025

  • 500 Birkie Spots Left, Plus ‘Second Chance’ Entries and Wave Closings Sept. 27

    More Wave Closings – Sept. 27

    Only 500 Spots Left

    CLICK HERE To Register

    Plus … “Skiers for Cures”

    50 “Second Chance” Entries 

    And, More Wave Closings:

    1:00 p.m., Sept 27

    2014 American Birkebeiner booth worker bees
    2014 American Birkebeiner booth worker bees

    It looks like we’re there, the final countdown for the remaining registrations for Birkie 2014. We now have just 500 spots left for the Birkebeiner 50/54K, Kortelopet 23K, and Prince Haakon 12K. It’s time to register if you haven’t already!

    PLUS … once again, our charitable “Skiers for Cures” partner, JDRF, will have 50 entries available through fundraising to help research and find a cure for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Click Here for information.

    Next Waves to Close: Sept. 27, at 1:00 p.m.

    Classic Waves: 1 and 5
    Skate Wave: 5   

    The following waves, below, have already closed. Please look for continued updates on facebook as well.

    Skate Waves: 2, 3, 4, 8
    Classic Wave: 3, 4, 8

    CLICK HERE 

  • Swix Birkie 2014 Registration Hits 7,674

    (Photo: ABSF/Kelly Randolph)
    (Photo: ABSF/Kelly Randolph)

    (Press release)

    Getting Close … 

    Even though it’s a steamy 95 degrees here in Hayward, WI, this week, people are thinking snow and Birkie. Registrations are rolling in for the 2014 Swix American Birkebeiner on Feb 22. And, with 7,674 registered as of this afternoon, we are now starting to close in on the 10,300 cap.

    Waves will start closing soon  

    Please note that skate waves 1-4 are now 90% full, and classic waves 1-5 are now 88% full.

    CLICK HERE 

    For details about each event, or …

    REGISTER NOW

    Like us on Facebook for regular updates.

    Questions?

    Call 715-634-5025

  • American Birkebeiner Registration Opens Monday, June 3

    2013 American Birkebeiner (Photo: ABSF/Mark Milford)
    2013 American Birkebeiner (Photo: ABSF/Mark Milford)

    Registration for the 41st American Birkebeiner Opens Monday

    8:00 a.m. Central, U.S. Time

     *Total participant cap is 10,300. Click here to read more.

     

  • 16 More Birkie/Korte Entries Left Through JDRF

    16 More Birkie/Korte Entries Left Through JDRF

    Fundraise to Help Cure Diabetes and Get an Entry to the 2013 Birkie or Korte!

    (Birkie.com press release)

    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.

    SIGN UP NOW!

    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 (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.

    SIGN UP NOW!

    For Your “Second Chance” Entry Choose the “Register Now” option

  • 50 Birkie, Korte Entries Available via Fundraising

    50 Birkie, Korte Entries Available via Fundraising

    (Press release)

    Raise a Minimum of $500 for JDRF by November 30!

    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! 

    SIGN UP NOW!

    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.

    SIGN UP NOW!

    For Your “Second Chance” Entry
    Choose the “Register Now” option

    If you have any questions, please email the Birkie
    at birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.

  • Registration Closed for Birkie and Korte

    Registration Closed for Birkie and Korte

    (Press release)

    Greetings Again!

    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 and Facebook for updates, starting soon!

    Click Here to Register

    To Register for the Prince Haakon

    If you have additional questions, call 715-634-5025
    or email birkie@birkie.com

  • Fewer Than 500 Spots Left for 2013 Birkie/Korte

    Fewer Than 500 Spots Left for 2013 Birkie/Korte

     Birkie and Korte Close to Closing

    (Press release)

    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.

    This is the Final Update:

    Please Register Now If You Plan To

    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!

     

    For questions, email birkie@birkie.com or call 715-634-5025.

  • Only 1,000 Spots Left in Birkie, Wave 4 Skate Closed

    Birkie Registration Has Hit 9,000 of the 10,000 Cap!

    Only 1,000 spots left, and Wave 4 Skate is now closed.

    (Press release)

    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.