The American Birkebeiner — fondly known as the American Birkie — is more than a race. It’s a winter pilgrimage.
Each February, thousands of skiers descend on Hayward, Wisconsin to take part in North America’s largest cross-country ski race. From elite competitors chasing podium finishes to passionate amateurs pushing personal limits, the iconic 50 km skate and 55 km classic events deliver endurance, tradition, and a true festival atmosphere.
For many, simply reaching Main Street in Hayward is a victory. For others, it’s about shaving seconds, finding flow, and executing the perfect race plan. But for everyone, the Birkie represents something bigger — grit, community, and the shared love of Nordic skiing.
A Race Rooted in Tradition
Inspired by Norway’s historic Birkebeiner legend, the American Birkie honors a story of courage and resilience dating back to the 13th century. That same spirit lives on today across the rolling forests and frozen lake crossings of northern Wisconsin.
From the cannon start to the roaring finish line crowds, every mile is packed with energy. The Birkie trail challenges athletes with punchy climbs, fast descents, and terrain that rewards both strength and smart ski selection.
It’s a course that demands preparation — and the right equipment.
Madshus at the Heart of the Action
With a legacy rooted in Norwegian ski craftsmanship since 1906, Madshus brings more than a century of Nordic innovation to the start line.
At the Birkie, performance matters. Snow conditions shift. Temperatures swing. Wax strategy can make or break your day. Madshus equips athletes with high-performance skis engineered for speed, stability, and efficiency — built to thrive in demanding marathon conditions.
As the Birkie celebrates grit and community, Madshus continues to power skiers chasing personal bests — and podium dreams — across the snow-covered trails of Wisconsin.
Whether you're racing on our elite World Cup constructions or choosing a reliable, race-ready ski for your first 50+ km effort, the goal is the same: deliver confidence with every stride.
Experience Madshus at Camp Norway
The Birkie is more than race day — it’s a full ski festival experience.
During race week, you can visit Camp Norway, located just outside the expo and bib pickup area. It’s your opportunity to:
- Test Madshus products
- Connect with fellow skiers
- Talk gear with experts
- Dial in your race-day setup
And while you’re out on course pushing toward Hayward, keep an eye out for Madshus and Camp Norway at one of the aid stations, where you’ll find refreshments and encouragement to keep you moving strong to the finish.
Because at Madshus, we don’t just build skis — we support the entire journey.
The Spirit of the Birkie
What makes the American Birkebeiner special isn’t just the distance. It’s the atmosphere. The cowbells. The costumes. The first-timers skiing alongside 20-year veterans. The frozen lake stretch before the iconic Main Street finish.
It’s a reminder that Nordic skiing is both deeply personal and powerfully communal.
At Madshus, that spirit mirrors our own philosophy: performance driven by passion, innovation grounded in tradition, and a belief that every skier — from first start to fiftieth finish — deserves equipment they can trust.
See You on the Start Line
Whether you’re lining up for your first Birkie or adding another year toward Birchlegger status, we’re proud to be part of your journey.
Train hard. Trust your skis. Embrace the challenge.
We’ll see you at Camp Norway — and on the trail to Hayward.