It’s no secret skiers, volunteers and spectators were excited for the American Birkebeiner to return in its entirety. Last year’s warm winter made it so the race was several loops at the trailhead. This year it would be a welcome return having the race start in Cable and end in Hayward again.

Thousands of winter athletes from around the world compete in the largest skiing competition in North America. It can be extremely difficult to ski over hills, through forests, not to mention crossing a frozen lake Hayward. When skiers are out on the trails, what’s the best way to keep shredding through over 30 miles of snow?

Adrian Swanson and Andrej Bemdsten have participated in the Birkebeiner for the past several years. They said one tip is to keep a steady pace, to avoid over exerting yourself.

“Being in a group and someone helps a lot just kind of like keeping your rhythm and sometimes breaking the wind a little bit. Keeping your mind off of how bad you feel,” Bemdtsen said. “It’s worth it when you come down Main Street and hear all the cheering fans. You forget about all those kilometers of pain from before,” Swanson said.

Whether you are a new skier or an elite, the American Birkebeiner brings plenty of challenge for those wanting to compete in this one of a kind race. Several athletes say the Birke is one of those special moments where you can appreciate the winter season.

Julia Langer said this is her 2nd time participating in the Birkebeiner. She says this year is an improvement to 50th anniversary, because she wants to finish the whole course.

“It’s just a really unique fun event. So many people come out to spectate and cheer. I feel like it really just helps you embrace winter and not just stay inside,” Langer said. “I just like being out in the woods out in nature and it’s beautiful that it’s snowing today.”

The American Birkebeiner brings friends, families, and spectators from the Northland and beyond. Throughout cable and hayward, you’ll hear the fans ringing their cow bells with Birke fever as they cheer on these skiers. Karin Zoll said she’s skied, volunteer and cheering on her son at this year’s Birkebeiner.

“It is quite the spectacle, to see so many people out on skis in the international bridge in Hayward,” Zoll said. “Seeing skiers come up and over that. It’s just like nothing you seen.”

Here are more stories about the American Birkebeiner. Also here’s more information about the Birke’s Sunday’s On-Snow Ski Demo. Everyone from new skiers to elites will be able to try out latest developments in skiing equipment.