- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hayward Today
By the People, for the People
Birkebeiner Ski Race Overcomes Warm Weather Challenges
Organizers say the iconic cross-country ski event is ready for this weekend's races despite recent warm temperatures.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The 52nd annual American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race in northern Wisconsin is underway, despite recent warm weather that forced organizers to make some changes earlier in the week. Ben Popp, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, says the track is holding up well thanks to the hard work of the groomers and trail crew. The Birkebeiner has had to adapt to weather challenges in recent years, but Popp says the excitement of bringing the community together for the event outweighs the frustrations.
Why it matters
The American Birkebeiner is one of the largest and most prestigious cross-country ski races in North America, drawing thousands of participants from around the world to the Hayward, Wisconsin area. The event is a major economic driver for the region, and its ability to adapt to changing weather conditions is crucial to its long-term success.
The details
Earlier this week, organizers had to make adjustments due to 50-degree temperatures and rain, which left over a foot of standing water on Lake Hayward. However, Popp says the groomers and trail crew were able to get the course ready in time for this weekend's 50K and 53K races. The Birkebeiner has had to adapt to weather challenges in recent years, including lack of snow, but Popp says the community's enthusiasm for the event makes the effort worthwhile.
- The 52nd annual American Birkebeiner is underway this weekend.
- Earlier this week, organizers had to make adjustments due to 50-degree temperatures and rain.
The players
Ben Popp
The executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, which organizes the annual cross-country ski race.
Wesley Case
A Junior Berkie Skier participating in the event.
What they’re saying
“You know, I have to give a huge hat tip to our groomers and trail crew. For them to bring this full circle in such a short period of time, to get so many people safely out on the course, super excited to see it all come together.”
— Ben Popp, Executive Director, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (cbsnews.com)
“I feel like it becomes more exciting and it gives me more effort to push on because there's all these people cheering me on.”
— Wesley Case, Junior Berkie Skier (cbsnews.com)
What’s next
The 50K and 53K races are scheduled to take place this Saturday, February 26th.
The takeaway
The American Birkebeiner's ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and bring the community together for this iconic cross-country ski event is a testament to the dedication of the organizers and the passion of the participants.
