The History of the Birkie: The Beginnings, The Evolution, The NOW By Ben Popp The Beginning It started in 1206. skiers, so called for their protective birch bark leggings, skied through the treacherous mountains and rugged forests of 's Osterdalen valley during the winter of 1206, smuggling the son of King Sverresson and Inga of Vartieg to safety. The story and painting of the flight were the inspiration for the first Birkebeiner ski race held in Norway in 1932.

The race known today as the American Birkebeiner began in 1973 as the dream of the late Tony Wise. Thirty-four men and one lone woman were on the starting line clad in woolen sweaters and knickers for the 50-kilometer race from the Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward to Telemark Lodge in Cable, . Nineteen more women and juniors would ski a shorter race from "OO" to Telemark.

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was formed in 1985 when Tony Wise and the Telemark Resort property went through bankruptcy. Since then the ABSF has endeavored to preserve the event and his legacy in the Cable/Hayward area.

The Evolution Over the years many thousands of people, both elite and "Citizen Skiers," have enjoyed the thrill of personal triumph, crossing the finish line of the Birkie and Kortelopet and earning their prestigious award medallions. The Birkie is now ’s largest ski race—the third largest in the world—and has an entire week of ski related events including the largest children’s ski event in North America, a family ski, skijor, adaptive ski event, even a giant ski event!

The Birkie also continues to evolve into a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. The Birkie now offers a wide array of recreational and competitive opportunities, including a trail running event— Marathon to 5K— an “open track” untimed distance ski tour, and a “snowbike” event, all held on the Birkie Trail. The ABSF maintains this 88-kilometer trail system year round for the skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers that use the trail all year long! The Birkie is now a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle. Ski • Run • Bike •Live!

Today The Birkie has evolved into an inspiration for many in the silent sports community and throughout North America. It motivates, empowers, and educates participants to embrace and enjoy the lifestyle symbolized by the events hosted in Northern Wisconsin. Even as the main American Birkebeiner event continues to grow and to attract new skiers every year, increasing its reach and influence, securing the race start is critical. The iconic Birkie trail is the central thread to ensuring that the events, legacy, and tradition started in 1973 carry on for years to come.

For 40 years, Telemark has played an historic role in the life of the Birkie, either as the finish of the event in the early years, and as the start for more than the last 20 years. Currently the Birkie start line is on an airport runway that is closed in the winter, making use of this location possible. However, new airport security regulations and possible plans for fencing this area plus the ongoing, tenuous ownership status of the Telemark property are factors that put the Birkie start area at risk. Also factored in is the desire of many to keep the start near the home of the race origin.

The Future A plan has been created to purchase a permanent start stadium for the Birkie. This would enable us to (1) secure the future start of the race with a permanent starting area, (2) memorialize Tony Wise and the founders who created this esteemed event, and (3) ensure the legacy of the American Birkebeiner continues its course from the Cable area to Hayward for generations to come.

If you have any questions about this initiative and fundraising campaign, how it will work, or why it is critical to the future success for the Birkie, please don’t hesitate to call or write.

Kind Regards, Ben

Ben Popp Executive Director American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation [email protected] o. 715.634.5025 f. 715.634.5663 www.birkie.com

Ski · Bike · Run · Live