On February 19-22, northwestern Wisconsin's Cable and Hayward area will become the center of the cross-country ski universe.
That weekend, more than 9,000 competitors and 20,000 spectators will converge on this region (about 340 miles northwest of Milwaukee) for the annual SAmerican Birkebeiner.
The "Birkie" is the largest cross-country ski marathon in North America. Drawing competitors from more than 20 foreign countries and 46 states, it includes many Olympians. One of only eight International Ski Federation Marathon Cup events in the world, the feature race covers 51 kilometers. In addition to the Birkie, Olympic-level skiers also compete in the Salomon Elite Sprints, while recreational skiers - or those interested in a shorter course - can register for the Kortelopet, the 23-kilometer sister event with a finish line at the Telemark Resort.
Children can also get into the fun during Birkie Weekend. Skiers ages 3-13 can compete in the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, the world's largest cross-country ski race in the world for kids; while 10- to 15-year olds can take part in the Junior Birkie sprint races. The weekend is rounded out by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints and Cheqtel 10K Family Fun Ski, which present opportunities for skiers of all levels to participate in the excitement.
The 51K Birkie Trail is groomed and maintained year round by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Trailheads are located at Cty. 00 in Seeley, Mosquito Brook Road and Fish Hatchery Park in Hayward, Telemark Resort in Cable, and the North End in Cable. Lighted sections for nighttime skiing are located at Cty. 00 and Fish Hatchery. For information on the Birkie Trail or American Birkebeiner Weekend, visit www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.