The second annual BirkieTour will be held on Saturday, January 22^nd. Skiers age 13 and older may choose from event distances ranging from 25 to 50 kilometers.

The BirkieTour events begin at Telemark Resort. Skiers should drive to Telemark, park their cars, and plan to begin the Tour between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.

"The tour is a non-competitive, untimed, fun event using the portions of the Birkie, Birkie Classic and Kortelopet Trails," said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF). "We invite everyone to come out with their friends and family and enjoy a supported day on the trail."

Participants of the long BirkieTour finish their event at Hatchery Park and participants of the 25K Tour will finish at the Birkie Trailhead at County OO. All Tour participants will receive refreshments at the finish lines including chili, hot dogs and cookies donated by Marketplace Foods and Swiss Miss hot chocolate. Buses at each finish area will return skiers to Telemark Resort parking lots.

The BirkieTour will have mini-aid stations at various points along the course. The aid stations will offer water and HEED electrolyte drink. Skiers are strongly encouraged to carry their own energy products and additional food and fluid.

From the BirkieTour page you can either register online or print out a tour registration form. Registration will also be available at the Cable Community Center on Friday, January 21 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m.

"BirkieTour participants who have pre-registered will receive a great long sleeve event t-shirt and pin," said Zuelsdorff. "Best of all, you'll be skiing, either classic or skate, on one of the best cross-country ski trail systems in the World."

Pre-registered skiers can pick up their tour pins, t-shirts and materials at the Cable Community Center on Friday, January 21 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. or on Saturday, January 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. Pre-registered skiers will be eligible for door prizes.                       

To learn more about the BirkieTour or to register for the event, click here.

The BirkieTour is sponsored by Hammer Nutrition, Becker Law, Gear West, ActivEdge and Marketplace Foods. 

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is looking for artists, both amateur and professional, to participate in the Birkie Snow Sculpture Contest. The contest will be a part of the 2011 Birkie Festivities taking place February 24-26.

"The Snow Sculpture Contest is a fun way for families, friends, school groups and professional snow sculptors to display their talents and love of snow," said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF). "This is our first year for the contest and we are allowing 16 teams to enter. The sculptures will be created and displayed around downtown Hayward, Wisconsin."

Looking for a great child care option for your children while you ski the 2011 Birkie or Kortelopet? Look no further. In its fifth year Camp Birkie for Kids, an Environmental Education Camp, provides children from Kindergarten to sixth grade an opportunity to experience nature and the beauty of the Northwoods while their parents race.

The Camp is organized and supported by the Conserve School of Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. The camp program focuses on the environment, sustainable practices through craft projects with recycled materials, games and a lot of other hands on fun activities. Students will also take a field trip to the Cable Natural History Museum and participate in outdoor snow activities. Snacks and lunch are included.

When: Saturday, February 26, 2011

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cable Community Center
Cost: $35/child (includes lunch, snacks, crafts & programs)

To Register: Online registration available at www.conserveschool.org or

Email Cathy Palmer, Director of Summer Programs for Conserve School and Camp Birkie for Kids Coordinator, 

Deadline for Registration:  Monday, February 14^th or when the camp is full.  (Camp limit 100 children.)