Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required.

After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal race, skiers would ski across Lake Hayward before entering downtown Hayward. While snow is in the forecast for the end of the week, a downtown finish is no longer a feasible option for the 2017 event.

The Birkie Trail, according to officials, has remained quite stable after the weekend snow melt, and trails north of Highway OO continue to have a 4″ base. As of Monday, the possibility of finishing at Duffy Field in Hayward, is a viable option for Birkie race. ABSF has contingency plans to state Birkie week events on the trail north of OO.

Official decisions will be made and announced Tuesday.

For the latest on trail conditions for the Birkebeiner visit http://www.birkie.com/