The Ski Classics Challengers event, American Birkebeiner, takes place this Saturday, February 21, 2026, with a 50km long-distance race in freestyle technique from Cable to Hayward, USA.

The 52nd edition of the American Birkebeiner marks the highlight of the winter season in the United States. As North America’s largest long-distance cross-country ski race, the event has been a cornerstone of American skiing since 1973. Thousands of skiers gather each year in Wisconsin’s Northwoods to race along the legendary Birkie Trail, finishing in the heart of Hayward. Those who complete 20 or more editions earn the prestigious Birchlegging status.

The Slumberland American Birkie is part of the Ski Classics Challengers series and was the first American event to join the circuit. In addition to the 50km freestyle race, the weekend program also includes a 53km classic event and several other races held from Wednesday, February 18, to Sunday, February 22.

American Birkebeiner – Ski Classics Challengers Event

• Date: February 21, 2026
• Location: Cable – Hayward
• Country: USA
• Distance: 50km
• Technique: Freestyle
• Website: American Birkebeiner
• Facebook: American Birkebeiner
• Instagram: American Birkebeiner 

 More information about the event can be found HERE and HERE

Map & Profile

As the 50km freestyle race is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team-registered athletes can earn 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, professional and recreational skiers, can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics, called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected when subscribing to the 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 that is unique for combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers, in a 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.

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