The American Birkebeiner, a Ski Classics Challengers event in the USA, is a 50km long-distance race in freestyle technique from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin. Registrations for the American Birkebeiner and all Birkie Week events are now open!
Registrations are now open for the American Birkebeiner 2026, North America’s largest long-distance cross-country ski race and the first North American event to be part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit.
The Slumberland American Birkie presented by Ariens, part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit, is a 50km long-distance race in freestyle technique, starting in Cable at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead and finishing in the heart of Hayward, Wisconsin.
According to the Local Organizing Committee, Birkie Week, held each February, brings thousands of skiers to northern Wisconsin to participate in a celebration of endurance, community, and cross-country ski culture. The 2026 schedule includes the Slumberland American Birkebeiner presented by Ariens, Salomon Kortelopet, Northern Lakes Cooperative Prince Haakon, and UnTapped Open Track.
From world-class athletes to weekend warriors and first-time racers, there’s a place at the start line for everyone. Each race offers a unique challenge and experience, with every trail leading to Hayward’s legendary Main Street finish.
“Whether you’re aiming to ski your first Kortelopet or training to PR the Birkie, opening day is the perfect time to commit,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “It’s about more than racing—it’s about tradition, community, and the joy of winter in the Northwoods.”
Registration typically fills quickly, with thousands of skiers signing up in the first few weeks. Organizers encourage participants to mark their calendars and register early to ensure their place in one of the most iconic ski events in the World.
Registrations for all the Birkie Week events are already open and can be accessed here:
Watch the video below for registration information from Event Director Kristy Maki. Also included is a tutorial to walk you through the improved registration process. Jump to that section of the video here
The 50km freestyle event is part of the Ski Classics Challengers series, but there are also several other events from Wednesday, February 18, to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
American Birkebeiner 50km Skate – Ski Classics Challengers Event
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Location: Cable – Hayward
- Country: USA
- Distance: 50km
- Technique: Freestyle
- Website: American Birkebeiner
- Facebook: American Birkebeiner
- Instagram: American Birkebeiner
- Registration: American Birkebeiner
More information about the event can be found HERE
As the 50km freestyle race is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders.
A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2025/2026 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.
Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, and professional and recreational skiers can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics called MyPages.
MyPages can be connected for free. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.
One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live updated international ranking, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.
As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.
When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.
Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
Photo: ABSF
