- Registration is required for this event.
- Registration will close on January 22, 2026 @ 4:00pm.
Program Description
Event Details
Each February, cross-country skiers from across the nation and around the world descend upon the sleepy northern Wisconsin town of Hayward to compete in the American Birkebeiner—the largest cross-country ski race in North America. Join author and skier Jerome P. Poling as he traces the remarkable history of the famed “Birkie,” from its modest origins in the early 1970s to its modern incarnation as an international Nordic-themed festival and multi-day racing event drawing more than 30,000 skiers and spectators.
American Birkebeiner: The Nation's Greatest Ski Marathon offers an up-close, behind-the-scenes tour of all things Birkie— from pre-race preparations and skier profiles to race-day highlights and history-making finishes. It also tells the story of visionary race founder Tony Wise and his efforts to popularize the sport of cross-country skiing in the Upper Midwest. The book delves into the origin and evolution of the world-class Birkebeiner Trail and the communities that support it, as well as the ways the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is adapting to climate change to help ensure the event thrives for years to come.
Don't miss this special opportunity to meet Jerome and learn more about this Wisconsin (and worldwide) institution.
Books will be available for sale.
Disclaimer(s)
- Registration is required.