The Chicago Adventure Travel Examiner skiing at Indiana Dunes State Park
photo taken by Worldloppet Master skier Andrew Ivar Johnsen
The American Birkebeiner is America’s elite cross-country ski marathon and located not too far from Chicago in Hayward, Wisconsin. The Worldloppet International Ski Federation designates one elite marathon race per country and for the United States that race is Wisconsin’s Birkebeiner.
The 37th annual race will be held on Saturday, February 27. The Birkie as it is affectionately called is offering 4 different races. There is the 54 km classic cross-country race, a 50km skate marathon, the Kortelopet 23 km, and the Prince Haakon 12 km race. The last two races are open to both classic and skate skiers.
The cost varies depending on the race and the time when the skier signs up. Currently the price for the 54km and 50km are $110 until January 31 when the cost raises to $130 starting February 1. The Kortelopet is currently $100 and after February 1 will rise to $120. The Prince Haakon is now $35 and $45 on February 1, so sign up now to save a few dollars.
To get to Hayward from Chicago take I-90 north to Madison where I-90 reunites with I-94. Continue on I-94 to Eau Claire Wisconsin. Take U.S. 53 north from Eau Claire to the small town of Trego, Wisconsin. Take U.S. 63 from Trego to Hayward. From Hayward go north on State Route 27 to the Birkebeiner course. There is a section on the Birkebeiner home page for flight information out of Chicago. Info on this page also details how to obtain discounts from Delta and Northwest airlines for skiers.
The Chicago Adventure Travel Examiner has provided in depth information on the cross-country ski scene for the Chicago and Midwest for the last two months. It is only logical that this coverage expands to include America’s most prestigious cross-country ski race that is located within driving distance of Chicago. It is 420 miles from Chicago to Hayward.
I will not only be covering the race, but will be participating in the 50km classic ski marathon. Over the next month this column will feature many articles about this amazing race including how to train, lodging info, course information, interviews from other participants, and interviews from winners and past winner. Keep tuned for in depth coverage on the America’s elite cross-country ski marathon from a writer and a participant.
Please subscribe to my articles at the top of this page if this type of activity interests you. I also cover canoeing, hiking, backpacking, scuba, and other outdoor adventures. Examiner does not spam subscribers nor do they sell emails to other companies.
Ted Nelson was recently named one of the top 101 Adventure Travel twitterers on twitter. http://abroadening.com/161 Click on the icon below to follow me there.
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Comments
Best of luck!
Good luck. We have driven to Hayward, but in the summer. Love northern Wisconsin.
AWSOME! Good luck!!!
I hope you do great! You're Chicago's pride!
From all of us non-adventure travel Examiners who live vicariously through your adventures, good luck!
Didn't realize it is so expensive to compete. Good luck. Look forward to the article about the race.
I look forward to learning more. This is going to be GREAT fun!
When it comes to the outdoors, Ted, you're The Man. You make it all fascinating.
Oh, this should be exciting - go get 'em!
Congrats on entering the race. I'm looking forward to tracking your progress!
Interesting read and info regarding your entry..good luck and enjoy!
Cheers...
Hope it all goes well Ted, our fingers are crossed for you!
Wait...54k...that is truly a feat. I cannot wait for more about this.
Ted,
Whoa - your going for the big race! I will look for you up there. I am signed up for the Korte 26 k and without snow in Chicago I don't know how to really be ready.
Mike
Have a great time, and tell us all about it.
You ski enough for all of us! It must be great to be independently wealthy. Some of us have to work!!
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