The annual gathering of veteran and new Birchleggers took place at the Hayward Steakhouse and Lodge the day after Birkie 52. The staff at the Steakhouse once again put on a great and welcoming feed that helped to refuel the energy and spirit of the racers after their marathons.
The silent auction for a 50th-anniversary Birkie quilt and ski bag, both made from repurposed race bibs by Julie Virkus and Nancy Bauer, continued from the Birkie expo.
BLC President Paul Thompson welcomed the Birchleggers, skiers, and guests. He introduced the members of the board of directors who each gave a quick description of his/her role and activities with the club. Several additional members were introduced and praised for their involvement and leadership that guided club activities over the past year and are in the planning stages for 2026.
Paul’s quick review of 2025 highlighted how the Birchleggings Club continues to work towards its mission of supporting the American Birkebeiner, the Birkie trail, youth skiing, healthy lifestyles, and a healthy climate. Over $14,000 was awarded in October to nine projects that corresponded with the club’s purpose and mission. Events planned for 2026 echo the priorities that members identified in a recently-emailed survey. Members said they wanted to have events that help the skiers of our age demographic to maintain and improve our active lifestyle. Topping the list is a June 5-7 weekend at Minocqua Winter Park that includes mountain biking, hiking, disc golf and fitness, strength and mobility sessions led by Dr. Jim Mullen, a long-time Birkie skier. More hiking, biking and disc golf events will happen over the summer including a return of the Dakota Trail bike ride. A flyer highlighting the events and dates was distributed and can also be seen at:
https://www.birchleggings.com/2026/02/birchleggings-club-2026-activities.html
Lousie Dreossler, Development Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and Ben Pop, Executive Director of the ABSF. Gave an overview of the vision that the ABSF has for the future of the Birkie and related events. The foundation has a goal of 250,000 outdoor-enthusiast visits to the Telemark area per year by 2031.
The Tony Wise Spirit of the American Birkebeiner award was presented to two persons this year, Ernie St. Germain and Steve Carmazon. The Spirit Award is given for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the American Birkebeiner and the sport of cross-country skiing. Ernie’s legendary completion of every one of the first 50 Birkebeiners, his dedication to the Birkie, and his devotion and service to the local Lac Courte Oreilles youth and community echo the spirit of Tony
Wise. Steve Carmazon, with 49 Birkie finishes, has been an untiring advocate for the Birkebeiner. He has been involved as a board member of the Birchleggings Club since it was established in 1992. Steve has volunteered in many ways to promote the Birkie, improve the trail and preserve the legacy of the race. He is the go-to person when someone has a question about the history of the race.
Awarding the milestone recognition of skiers is always a highlight of the breakfast. This year was no exception. In addition to awarding 20, 30, and 40-year achievement plaques, the Birchleggings Club gave recognition awards to Combi Skiers, those racers who may not have Birchlegger or Skiløper status but nonetheless have completed a total of 20 Birkie+Korte finishes.
All during the event as skiers exchanged their stories of this year’s race and events from the past, it was clear that the socializing and camaraderie was the “frosting on the cake” that made the 2026 awards breakfast a good one from start to finish.
To see additional photographs from the breakfast as well as ones from Birkie 2026 go to the link below on Facebook. You do not have to be a Facebook member to view them.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.1711595920291535&type=3
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