The American Birkeibiner and Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

Mornin' to the Wisconsin hunter who found a dead Bald Eagle with its talons stuck inside a deer skull (woah). 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.

What we're racing towards this week:

• The American Birkeibiner ⛷

• Bear hunting flourishes 🐻 

• DNR hiring seasonal staff 🌲 

The Birkeibiner and Cross-Country Skiing Month in Wisconsin

Our Super Bowl hopes may have been squashed, but there's still plenty of reason to be stoked for February in Wisconsin.

February heralds the celebration of one of our favorite past times: shoveling our neighbor's driveway- oh wait, hold on. We mean, cross-country skiing!

With thousands of miles of trails all over the state (and not to mention the American Birkeibiner), cross-country skiing attracts more and more fans, year after year.

WI XC Skiing

• Wisconsin's Birkeibiner is the 3rd largest "Birkie" in the world

• Thousands of cross-country skiers will race 50k in Hayward, WI

• WI ranks 10th in internet searches for cross country skiing

History of Wisconsin's Birkie

The first American Birkeibiner was 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.

But what does the 5-day event look like today? Racers from every US state and over 25 nations, celebrating the sport in a 50 kilometer race from Cable to Hayward, WI.

From professional racers, to people who like they've been in a never-ending YMCA spin class for 50 years, to couch potatoes who feel really inspired, the Birkie attracts people of all ages and abilities.

But perhaps what's coolest about the event is the tens of thousands of volunteers, racers, and spectators who rally to help make this historic event possible.

How to get out 'der

What's so great about cross-country skiing is that nearly anyone could do it. Unlike your college roommate who got totally wrecked on your downhill ski trip, cross-country skiing is a low-risk, low-impact way to get outside in the winter time.

After you pick up some gear (we recommend checking your local ski shop or even Craigslist), be sure to tune into the trail reports to know where to go. It is Wisconsin, so the conditions could be fairly variable. (Here's another good one).

Next, delight yourself in the newly opened Ariens Nordic Center in Birllion.

Called a "game changer," for Wisconsin's cross-country ski racing scene, the Ariens Nordic Center is only 1 of 4 race courses with artificial snow making capabilities in the state. Perfect for when Mother Nature just won't cooperate.

Again, whether you just want to get outside with your neighbor, or maybe even start training for your own Birkeibiner debut, cross-country skiing is a great way to earn those cheese curds and get out 'der!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well folks, it looks like our natural splendor is still considered a hidden treasure, according to 28 MILLION plays, Wisconsin is the 7th most forgotten state name (even more forgotten than Delaware).

Only 22% of readers got this one right (Uncle Charlie doesn't blame you).

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

30th Annual Free Ice Fishing Clinics for Kids on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m at seven different parks and lakes in Milwaukee County

PATTISON STATE PARK WINTERFEST on Saturday, February 11, 2023, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Pattison State Park

NEWPORT STATE PARK CANDLELIGHT SKI on Saturday, February 11, 2023, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Newport State Park

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🐻 DNR expands Bear hunting: This year, Wisconsin hunters will be allowed to kill 4,575 bears, a 1.7% increase from last year's quota. Wisconsin currently has about 26,000 black bears, nearly three times more than the population in 1989. If anyone needs a good bear stew recipe, we've got you covered...

👍 Improvement projects approved: The DNR approved 25 projects for our natural spaces and state parks. Check out the full details here and see if your favorite park made the list!

🌲 DNR hiring seasonal staff: Do you enjoy being outside? How about bolstering outdoor recreation in Wisconsin? Wearing khaki shorts? Consider applying to these seasonal jobs from the DNR. Great way to make some beer money!

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... We're assuming you're talking about us, gah! Flattered