To begin, what is the American Birkebeiner and what does it means to a photographer? :

The Birkie is a Century-Old Inspiration: Named after Norway’s famed Birkebeiner rennet and founded by Tony Wise, the American version draws on Nordic tradition and passion for ski endurance events.

The main 50 km race is one highlight of Birkie Week, which also includes:

  • Kortelopet (29 km) and Prince Haakon (15 km) races
  • Shorter events like Junior Birkie, 5K/10K family fun ski, BarneBirkie and ParaBirkie
  • Barkie Birkie Skijoring, where skiers and dogs team up for a spirited downtown run over 1–5 km

Course & Challenge: Known for steep climbs like Powerline Hills and Bitch Hill, a 4 km unprotected crossing of Lake Hayward, and then a spirited finish through crowds lining Hayward’s Main Street. The iconic international bridge over Hwy 63 marks the final stretch into town.

On low snow years this tends to occur in Cable, Wisconsin with a shorter track but more rounds.

To a photographer:

The Birkie’s mix of challenging terrain, vibrant costumes, international competitors, cheering crowds, and snowy landscapes makes it a thrilling subject for photographers. Key moments to focus on:

  • Mass starts and wave departures on the groomed Nordic trail
  • Dramatic climbs like Bitch Hill, with spectators lining every turn
  • Dynamic crossings over Lake Hayward
  • The iconic finish via the International Bridge into downtown cheers
  • Barkie Birkie skijoring teams and playful interactions in town
  • Cultural scenes: volunteers, warming huts, costume-clad racers, local traditions


Now let's start from the first time I heard of the American Birkebeiner (the birkie). It all started on a cold January day in 2021 in Lac Courte Oreilles, Wisconsin. I was working for a local university, and I met Ernie's daughter Stephanie St. Germaine. Stephanie kindly explained to me what the birkie was, she suggested I come and take some photographs, and the rest is history really.

Meeting the St. Germaine family was one of the best things that ever happened to me and my wife Kim. They helped with our business and most important of all they became very good friends to us. Over the last four years Kim and I would make time to photograph Ernie skiing the birkie. We captured some very emotional moments because he used to ski the birkie with David Landgraf, another founder but more importantly a great friend to Ernie! We also captured moments with his friends and family. Ernie has skied 50 birkies officially. That is 50 years of dedication to the sport, to the foundation and the people the event entertains. It is an honor to be in his presence to say the least. Now Kim and I get to watch a new legacy unfold with his grandson Benjamin, who has and will continue skiing alongside his family.