American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet & Prince Haakon Open Track

Date:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Time:

8:00 AM

Where:

Hayward, WI

What:

1 Day, 3 Events, Main Street Finish!

The Open Track provides a opportunity for skiers looking for a less competitive Birkebeiner experience while still enjoying our world-famous course. Because the event is limited to the first 1,500 people, Open Track skiers enjoy less crowding, more open trail, and an opportunity to ski with other registered friends and family. Choose your own start time and pace, and get excited for the beginning of Birkie Week 2026!

Open Track skiers will ski the same courses as the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon events later in the week. Skiers will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Kortelopet Stadium, or Prince Haakon Stadium, respectively, then they’ll ski down the Birkie Trail, over frozen Lake Hayward, and across the American Birkebeiner International Bridge to the finish on Hayward’s snow-covered Main Street. American Birkebeiner classic skiers must use the classic course.