The American Birkebeiner is one of the largest cross-country skiing events in the world, attracting skiers from all over the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, the Birkebeiner is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and ski with thousands of others who share your passion. To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that will help you have a successful and enjoyable Birkebeiner.
- Train for the Terrain: The Birkebeiner course is challenging, with rolling hills, steep climbs, and fast descents. To be ready for the race, make sure to include hills, intervals, and endurance training in your pre-race training.
- Get Your Gear in Order: Make sure you have all the necessary gear for the race, including skis, poles, boots, and clothing. Check that everything fits properly and is in good working order before the race.
- Test Your Wax: The wax you use can make a big difference in your performance. Test different waxes on different snow conditions to see what works best for you.
- Eat Right: Eating well before, during, and after the race will help you perform your best. Make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast on race day and bring snacks to eat on the course.
- Start Slow: The Birkebeiner is a long race, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and start too fast. Don’t burn yourself out early – start slow and pace yourself.
- Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the race to stay hydrated.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: A good night’s sleep before the race is essential for peak performance. Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid staying up late the night before.
- Take Advantage of the Free Nordic Ski Waxing Clinic: To help skiers prepare for the Birkebeiner, Wildside Action Sports is hosting a free Nordic ski waxing clinic on February 20th. This is a great opportunity to learn about waxing, ask questions, and get your skis ready for the race.
We hope these tips will help you have a successful and enjoyable American Birkebeiner. Good luck and happy skiing!
