Mornin' to everyone wearing their snowmobile suits to the grocery store in these frigid temps. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

• The American Birkebeiner Turns 50 ⛷️

• DNR job fair 👔

• Bad state park reviews 😂 

  

  (Courtesy of The American Birkeibiner Facebook page)

The American Birkebeiner Turns 50

Reasons we’re absolutely puckered for February in Wisconsin?

1. The Packers beat the Cowboys to keep our Super Bowl dreams alive

2. We’ll finally have enough snow to cover up all that yard work we didn’t get to last Fall

3. The American Birkebeiner

…And this year, the ‘Birkie’ turns 50.

Nordic skiing in Wisconsin:

• Wisconsin boasts more than 700 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails

• Home to the 3rd largest Nordic race in the world 

• The Birkie attracts more than 40,000 racers + spectators each year

Birkie History

Of all the crazy events in Wisconsin (looking at you, World Naked Bike Ride), The American Birkebeiner is one of our Crown Jewels.

Why? Because Wisconsin loves cross-country skiing.

For the hardy out there who like to hoof it on skis, we have over 700 miles of groomed cross-country trails, one of the top states in the nation!

But the American Birkebeiner isn’t just for ‘Sconnies - this 50k Nordic ski race in Hayward, WI attracts racers from all over the world.

The first American Birkebeiner took place in 1973, but it grew from a historic event in Norway, 1206, when crooks attempted to steal the prince and overthrow the monarchy.

The royal family made their escape, 55 kilometers to safety via skis, saving the prince who eventually established one of the strongest dynasties in Norway's history.

And thus, the modern “birkie” was born.

The American Birkie today

Today, the American Birkebeiner draws 40,000 racers and spectators nationwide, bringing in some $20 million in economic, erm, stimulation for the area.

Also making it the largest cross-country ski race in North America.

The 50k race takes pro athletes, hobbyists, and everyone in between through the meandering woods and hills of Hayward, WI.

This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of this historic race, which will be celebrated with a weekend full of events like Giant Ski (6 people on 1 pair of skis!), Junior events, and more.

The third largest Birkie in the world, and is part of the Worldloppet circuit of over 20 international ski marathons.

How to get out ‘der

Besides tree-trunk thighs (or some ironclad determination), you need a decent snowpack to cross-country ski.

Bookmark this link to get an up-to-date snow reading for the state, and save this map of cross-country ski trails in Wisconsin.

Interested in learning how to cross-country ski? A simple Google search will bring up tons of ski clubs in the state, like the longest standing ski club in the state Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee or Madison’s own Wisconsin Hoofers.

And finally, if you want to test your mettle, consider throwing your name in the list for the infamous American Birkie!

Now get out ‘der!

Other great Wiscampsin reads…

Wisconsin: Maple Syrup Sanctuary

Wisconsin's Winter Sports Capitol

Wisconsin native finishes 7th in Olympic Biathlon, the best American performance ever

Shop Wiscampsin

Wisconsin State Bird Art Print: “Very nicely made, great colors and design. It looks amazing in my home. Keep it up Wiscampsin ❤️” - Peggy

Wiscampsin Badgers Tee: “It’s the perfect t-shirt to show off my love for camping and Wisconsin at the same time :)” - Emily

Wiscampsin Recycled License Plate Frame: “Love it! Get out der! Makes my Mazda look even better” - Alex

Wiscampsin Mug: “Awesome mug, very lightweight, the mug doesn't get piping hot if you need to microwave your coffee either.” - Matthew

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Eau Claire received the most votes (27%) on last week’s poll, however Green Bay was the correct answer, receiving the 2nd most snowfall last year.
2023 Winter Season Snowfall Totals:

1. Wausau 90.8”

2. Green Bay 77.2”

3. Eau Claire 75.2”

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🙋🏼‍♀️ DNR job fair: If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about wildlife conservation, game management, or countin’ acorns, the DNR may have a job for you! Throughout January they are hosting a boatload of job fairs, check ‘em out here.

😂 “Bathrooms completely skipped spider eradication”: Looking for a laugh? The Instagram account Subpar Parks compiled the ‘best’ worst state park reviews from around the state, and we can’t help but giggle at a few of them. Take a gander. 

🎣 Free fishing weekend: If you’re freezer (and bank account) is running a little low, you’re in luck! The DNR is hosting a Free Fishing Weekend so you can try your luck fishing without a license or trout/salmon stamp. Grab your friends, some bait, and get out ‘der!

 Sponsored by our Wiscampsin Shop!

Looking to rep some new gear? Consider supporting your local Wiscampsin writers!

We’ve got a great stock of recycled coffee bean coffee mugs, license plate frames, our new shirts… Everything we make, we source as sustainably as possible to keep our green spaces all the greener.

*And as always, 1% of profits will go to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

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Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Thanks, neighbor!