The 2026 American Birkebeiner: Warming winters affect a legendary ski race

The American Birkebeiner is the largest cross-country ski race in North America. Every February, the Birkie brings more than 10,000 participants to northern Wisconsin to race along the legendary Birkie Trail, finishing on historic Main Street in Hayward. But in recent years, warming winters have made the race harder to predict. In this video, skiers, coaches, and community members share what the American Birkebeiner means to them, and how climate change is affecting the future of cross-country skiing in Wisconsin. Due to warmer winters with less snow, many athletes say the conditions that define the sport are becoming less reliable. Addressing climate change will be essential to preserving the snowy winters that events like the Birkie depend on. Wisconsin Conservation Voters: Wisconsinites building political power for a clean environment, healthy communities, and a thriving democracy. Follow us: Youtube:    / wiconservation   Facebook:   / conservationvoters   Instagram:   / wiconservationvoters   Chapters: 0:00 - History of the American Birkebeiner 1:13 - Thursday: The Birkie Expo 4:36 - Friday: The Kortelopet 8:43 - Saturday: The American Birkebeiner