American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc.

Name

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc.

Legal name

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://birkie.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Recreation Events

NAICS

Skiing Facilities (713920)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Nordic & Cross-Country Centers (XC Skiing, Biathlon, Snowshoe Trails) (THAAAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Winter Adventure Experiences (Ski Touring, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding) (THAJABAH), Ski & Mountain Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAJ)

Keywords

• Cross-country ski races
• Trail running events
• Fat bike racing
• Ski training camps
• Outdoor recreation events

Headquarters

HQ city

Hayward

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from registration fees for ski, run, and bike events including the American Birkebeiner ($225-$250), Birkie Trail Run ($35-$135), Lumberjack Run ($35-$45), Stride de She camp ($400), and various other events.
2. Retail Sales - Birkie Store: E-commerce sales of Birkie merchandise, gear bags, apparel, and branded items through birkiestore.com.
3. Venue Rentals: Private event venue rentals at Mt. Telemark Village including the Hub, Derksen Family Great Hall, and Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center at OO Trailhead.
4. Sponsorships: Partnership revenue from title sponsors (Slumberland), gold circle sponsors, presenting sponsors, and supporting sponsors across events and facilities.
5. Membership Program: ABSF membership dues providing insider access and supporting the foundation's mission to promote healthy active lifestyles.
6. Donations and Legacy Gifts: Direct donations, Birkie Trail Friends program (sponsoring trail kilometers), Warrior Wall tile donations, endowment contributions, and bequests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that produces and manages year-round outdoor recreation events, including the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski marathon (North America's largest), trail running events, cycling events, training camps, and youth programs at Mt. Telemark Village between Cable and Hayward, WI. The foundation also operates the Birkie Store e-commerce site, hosts venue rentals for private events, and maintains a 100+ kilometer multi-use trail system.

Product overview

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation operates a multi-sport platform centered around the iconic American Birkebeiner ski race (North America's largest cross-country ski marathon) and supporting events across skiing, running, and cycling. The portfolio includes flagship ski events (American Birkebeiner 50K/53K, Kortelopet 29K, Prince Haakon 15K), summer running events (Birkie Trail Run with multiple distances), cycling events (Fat Bike Birkie, Epic Bike Fest), training camps (Stride de She, Ski de She), youth programs (Birkie One, Birkie Trail Kids), professional racing team (SNØ Racing), and venue/facility services (Mt. Telemark Village, Birkie Venue Rentals). The organization also operates the Birkie Store for merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Birkie Ventures: A cohesive view of all ABSF programs promoting learning new skills, working towards goals, exploring nature, and meeting new people through outdoor activities.
• Birkie One
• Birkie Wild Nature Programs
• Birkie Trail Kids Youth Programs
• Birkie Green
• Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner
• Birchleggings Club
• Team Birkie

Products and services

• American Birkebeiner Ski Race North America's largest cross-country ski marathon, spanning 50K (skate) or 53K (classic) from Cable to Hayward, WI. Part of the Worldloppet circuit and Ski Classics Challenger series. Registration ranges from $225 to $250 based on timing.
• Kortelopet 29K ski race available in both skate and classic techniques, serving as a mid-distance option within the Birkie Week events. Sponsored by Salomon.
• Prince Haakon 15K ski race in both skate and classic techniques, offering an accessible entry point for newer skiers during Birkie Week.
• Birkie Trail Run Trail running event featuring multiple distances including Marathon ($95-$135), Half Marathon ($70-$110), 10K ($40-$80, added 2026), Trek 8.5 miles ($45-$85), 5K ($35-$55), 5K ages 12 and under ($10), and 1K Kids Dash (FREE) through the Birkie Trail system at Mt. Telemark Village.
• Fat Bike Birkie Premier on-snow fat tire bike event in North America with three distance options (47K, 21K, 10K) on the professionally groomed Birkie Trail.
• Epic Bike Fest Multi-day cycling festival featuring diverse rides and gravel events in the Northwoods region, attracting cyclists from across the Midwest.
• Stride de She Women's running camp led by Olympic runner Carrie Tollefson, featuring running form workshops, nutritional guidance, and expert coaching at Mt. Telemark Village. Camp fee: $400; Mini Me (youth 14-21 with registered adult): $150; lodging not included.
• Ski de She Women's ski camp focused on skill development, race confidence building, and community connection among female skiers.
• Lumberjack Run 5K run/walk event at Mt. Telemark Village. Pricing: Ages 18+ $35 (before May 21), $40 (May 22-June 25), $45 (June 26-July 18); Ages 17 and under: $25. Title sponsored by Backroads Coffee.
• Birkie Venue Rentals Private event venue rental services at Mt. Telemark Village including the Hub, Derksen Family Great Hall, and Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center at OO Trailhead for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings.
• Birkie Store Online retail store offering Birkie-branded merchandise, gear bags, apparel, and event memorabilia at birkiestore.com.
• SNØ Racing (formerly Team Birkie) Midwest-based professional cross-country ski team representing the Birkie at elite competitive levels, rebranded from Team Birkie in June 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40,000+ annual participants and spectators
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Slumberland FurnitureflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner. Slumberland has been a long-standing partner offering free Birkie entries with purchases over $1,499.
• Rex WaxflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of the American Birkebeiner (Slumberland American Birkebeiner presented by Rex).
• TrekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Trek Trails Powered by OTM - 16+ mile mountain bike trail network at Mt. Telemark Village. Also a supporting sponsor.
• OTM (Outdoor Tech Labs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developer of Trek Trails mountain bike network at Mt. Telemark Village.
• WorldloppetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational ski marathon circuit. American Birkebeiner is one of the founding events of Worldloppet, an association of 20+ long-distance ski races across 5 continents.
• Ski ClassicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe American Birkebeiner is the first American event in the Ski Classics Challenger Series, an international long-distance skiing circuit.
• U.S. Ski and SnowboardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial governing body partnership. The Birkie follows FIS rules and hosts US Ski and Snowboard sanctioned events including Junior Nationals.
• SwixcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor for major Birkie events year-round.
• SalomoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor and sponsor of Kortelopet race.
• UntappedcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial fuel and hydration sponsor for Birkie events, providing energy gels, waffles, and hydration formulas at aid stations.
• Kwik TripcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor for major Birkie events.
• Tamarack HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor and healthcare partner.
• Republic ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor.
• RossignolcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Birkie Trail Run and supporting sponsor. Provides demo skis at events.
• Endurance UnitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Training Partner of the American Birkebeiner, providing ski training plans for event preparation.
• Carrie TollefsoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOlympic runner and spokesperson leading Stride de She women's running camp. Also works as broadcaster and fitness director.
• Verizon FrontlinecoreOthersProvides crucial communications infrastructure for annual Birkie Week operations.
• Telemark Northwoods Lodging (TIOA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging, offering condo retreats near Mt. Telemark Village.
• Earth Rider BreweryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Circle Elite sponsor and beer sponsor for post-race celebrations.
• Cable Area Chamber of CommercecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal partner supporting Birkie Week community events. Invested $15,000 through Travel Wisconsin's Ready Set Go Grant for Junior Nationals.
• Kuvetta AthleticminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Stride de She camp, providing custom sports bras and athletic apparel.
• AdidasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting sponsor of Stride de She camp, providing swag bags with gear and surprises.
• Backroads CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Lumberjack Run event.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Methow Trails: Washington-state nonprofit operating one of the largest Nordic ski trail systems in North America with events, youth programs, and summer trail use. Highly comparable as a trail-network-anchored nonprofit with multi-sport programming.
• Yellowstone Rendezvous Race: West Yellowstone, Montana XC ski marathon and part of the Worldloppet circuit. Directly comparable as a Nordic ski marathon in a destination setting drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
• Craftsbury Outdoor Center: Vermont nonprofit operating a year-round outdoor recreation center with extensive Nordic ski trail systems, racing events, youth programs, and community-based programming — directly analogous to Mt. Telemark Village's year-round model.
• Vasaloppet USA: Operates the Mora, Minnesota Vasaloppet, the other flagship long-distance cross-country ski marathon in the United States with similar Nordic heritage, Worldloppet affiliation, and mass-participant format comparable to the American Birkebeiner.
• Loppet Foundation (City of Lakes Loppet): Minneapolis-based nonprofit that organizes the City of Lakes Loppet, a major urban cross-country ski festival and trail system. Comparable mission: year-round outdoor recreation programming, multi-sport events, youth programs, and volunteer-driven operations.
• Boulder Mountain Tour: Major long-distance cross-country ski tour in Sun Valley, Idaho with a similar large-participant mass-start format, similar registration pricing structure, and a long-standing heritage within the U.S. XC ski marathon circuit.
• Soldier Hollow (Utah Olympic Legacy): 2002 Olympic venue in Heber Valley, Utah hosting Nordic ski races, biathlon, and year-round recreation. Comparable as a destination Nordic ski venue that anchors major events and serves as a regional outdoor recreation hub.

Others

• American Birkebeiner Nordic Fund / NNF: Adjacent enabling organization in the U.S. Nordic ski community that supports elite development and grassroots programs. Related ecosystem participant rather than a direct event competitor.

Broad incumbents

• New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA): Regional governing body that sanctions and organizes New England XC ski events, including the New England Marathon Championship. Overlaps with ABSF as a Nordic event organizer and U.S. Ski and Snowboard affiliate.
• U.S. Ski and Snowboard: National governing body for ski sports in the United States. Overlaps with ABSF as a partner, sanctioning authority for Junior Nationals and FIS events, and broader organizer of competitive skiing programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/birkie
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AmericanBirkebeiner
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanBirkebeiner
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanbirkebeiner
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-birkebeiner-ski-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc.