Every year in February, roughly 10,000 skiers take part in the Birkie skiing event, which has been running for over 45 years on an annual basis. It is the largest, longest and most popular North American cross country skiing race and is made up of two distinct parts; a 55km classic race and a slightly shorter 50km freestyle event. One of the main features of a Birkie race is that it symbolizes a survival situation; skiers must also carry a pack containing the equivalent weight of an eighteen-month-old child and additional food, survival gear and warm clothing, which distinguishes this event from any other standard race.

American Birkebeiner, Cable, WI to Hayward, WI, 14269W Nordic Lane, Hayward, WI, Phone: 715-634-5025

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