Trail to Prince Haakon Program

Trail to Prince Haakon

Since 2021, New Moon Bike and Ski and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation have partnered to create programs to increase opportunities for people to get outside and get active. The Trail to Prince Haakon program aims to help people find the joy of winter and be healthy year round and the organizations are happy to again be working together to provide this great opportunity.

The program is a guided ski progression for first-time Birkie event skiers, emphasizing "eventing" vs racing. Participants will learn basic classic technique instruction, advice, a race training plan, and attend weekly inperson sessions beginning December 3rd. The program will culminate with the February 19th Prince Haakon open track or the February 21st traditional race. This program is geared toward those new to classic cross-country skiing, those returning to the sport, or recreational skiers who want to give "eventing" a try. Participants must be first time Prince Haakon registrants. 

Details: Program will meet Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30 pm at Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. Tuesday lessons will be under the lights of the 'OO' loops. Saturday sessions on the Prince Haakon course may be added later in the program if participants are intersted. The tentative start date, weather-dependent, is Dec. 3rd, 2024.

Fee: $200 for first-time Haakon skiers, includes entry to Prince Haakon event (Friday race or Wednesday Open Track) and a regular-season Birkie Trail Pass (Greater Birkie Trail, groomed, natural snow). The Birkie Trail Pass does not include the Tormondsen Family Snowmaking Trail at Mt Telemark Village in Cable (MTV pass can be added on separately). Prince Haakon entry is non-transferable.

Limited to 25 participants.

Trail to Prince Haakon Alumni Training Group

For skiers who have participated in our Trail to Prince Haakon program previously and want to continue skiing with a group. The Alumni Training group will meet at the OO Trailhead on Tuesday nights at 5:30-7:00pm from December 3rd-February 11th, 2025. Skate and classic techniques are both welcome and the program is open to anyone interested.  Coaches will provide a training focus each week, but there will be no individual technique instruction. The Alumni Training group will focus on fun and accountability- it will be a great group to hang out with on skis.  Come for the skiing, stay for the community- and maybe even have a potluck after your training! Includes a Birkie Trail Pass (Great Birkie Trail, groomed, natural snow).  

Details: Program will meet Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00 pm at Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center. Tuesday lessons will be under the lights of the 'OO' loops. The tentative start date, weather-dependent, is Dec. 3rd, 2024.

Fee: $75, includes a regular-season Birkie Trail Pass (Greater Birkie Trail, groomed, natural snow). 

For further information contact:
Stephanie Martin at the Birkie office 715-634-5025.
Kristy or Joel Harrison at New Moon 715-634-8685.