The most anticipated time of winter season has arrived in the USA with the 50th edition of the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest long-distance cross-country ski race and the first American event to be part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit.

Bird’s Eye View from the 49th Annual American Birkebeiner

The Slumberland American Birkie, part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit, is a 50km long-distance race in freestyle technique, starting in Cable at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. Due to the challenging weather and snow conditions, the traditional finish over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge, finishing in the heart of Hayward, Wisconsin, is changed for 2024.

According to the Local Organizing Committee, “One of the most significant updates to the event week is the introduction of a lapped course. While the lack of snow on the traditional Cable to Hayward course necessitated this change, this race format will enhance the spectator experience by allowing them to see athletes multiple times throughout the race. It also adds an element of strategy and excitement for competitors as they navigate the course,” and adds about the distance for the women’s and men’s elite skate race:

“While several races will see changes in distance, the American Birkebeiner Men’s and Women’s Elite Skate race will remain a 50K event.” 

The 50km event is part of the Ski Classics Challengers series, but there are also several other events from Wednesday, February 22, to Sunday, February 25.

American Birkebeiner – Ski Classics Challengers

• Date: February 24, 2024
• Place: Cable
• Country: USA
• Race distance: 50km (5x10km)
• Technique: Freestyle
• Website: American Birkebeiner 
• Facebook: American Birkebeiner 
• Instagram: American Birkebeiner

Course Map

More information about the event can be found HERE

As the 50km 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 2023/2024 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 when subscribing to Ski Classics online community proxcskiing.com. 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, including logging in to SC MyPages, where you can check your SC Ranking. 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.

Register HERE as a Member