YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation are joining forces to launch the Snow Mountain Ranch Birkie West, an inaugural two-day race weekend January 22–23, 2027, at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center in Granby, Colorado.
The new event brings the prestige of North America’s largest cross-country ski race to one of Colorado’s favorite Nordic destinations. Saturday, January 23, features the 42k and 21k races, followed by a post-race gathering and awards. Friday, January 22, belongs to the next generation, with the Junior Birkie West (6K, 4K and 2K), the Barnebirkie West (3K and 1K) and the Race Expo.
Registration opened yesterday, November 3, at birkie.com.
“When we announced our partnership with SNØ Racing, we told everyone to stay tuned for an exciting new event. This is it,” said Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch. “The Birkie has always been about more than the finish line. It’s a celebration of everyone on the trail, from first-time racers to seasoned marathoners, and we can’t wait to share that feeling with Colorado.”
“As North America’s largest ski race and the third largest in the world, the American Birkebeiner has become an iconic celebration of Nordic skiing ” said Ben Popp, Executive Director, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “We can’t wait to bring the excitement, challenge and spirit of our Northern Wisconsin event to Snow Mountain Ranch in the Rocky Mountain West.”
At Snow Mountain Ranch, racers will find plenty of room to ski. The Nordic Center offers more than 80 kilometers of groomed trails across 5,100 acres, with routes winding through pine and aspen forests, open meadows and challenging climbs with expansive views of the Rocky Mountains. Racers and their families can stay, eat and gather on site all weekend. Birkie West also builds on Snow Mountain Ranch’s role as Presenting Sponsor of SNØ Racing, the Minneapolis-based professional cross-country ski team whose athletes compete at the FIS World Cup, U.S. SuperTour and regional levels. Many in SNØ Racing’s Central Region community of athletes, clubs, juniors and masters already know the Birkie trail in Wisconsin and now have a reason to head west.
SNØ Racing athletes will race, cheer and lead clinics during Birkie West weekend.
“The Birkie is a cornerstone of Nordic skiing in the Midwest, and our skiers know that trail well,” said Yuriy Gusev, Chair of the Board of Trustees of SNØ Racing. “Seeing that tradition grow at Snow Mountain Ranch, alongside a partner that believes everyone belongs on the trail, is exciting for our team and for the sport.”
Organizers expect more than 500 racers and 750 spectators. Businesses interested in sponsorship, from the $500 Supporter level to the $15,000 Title/Presenting Sponsor, can contact Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director, YMCA of the Rockies, at jpaulson@ymcarockies.org, or Jen DeYoung, Partnership Director, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, at jen.deyoung@birkie.com.
To register and learn more, visit birkie.com/ski/events/birkie-west. To explore Nordic skiing, lodging, lessons and winter experiences at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch,
visit ymcarockies.org/things-to-do/nordic-center.
About the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been drawing skiers to the Wisconsin Northwoods from around the world since its inception in 1973. The ABSF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and providing world-class outdoor recreation experiences. Through events such as the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Birkie Week, and year-round trail programs revolving around running, biking and skiing, the ABSF fosters a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Information on
becoming a member of the ABSF can be found by visiting birkie.com/about/membership.
About YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch
YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch is a year-round mountain destination in Granby, Colorado, dedicated to helping people connect with one another, the outdoors, and a greater sense of purpose. Its Nordic Center offers over 80 kilometers of groomed track and trail across 5,100 acres of mountain terrain, welcoming recreational skiers, families, clubs, competitors, and athletes of all abilities. Snow Mountain Ranch also offers lodging, dining, meeting spaces, camps, programs, and year-round outdoor recreation.
About SNØ Racing
SNØ Racing is a Midwest-based professional cross-country ski team headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its athletes compete at the FIS World Cup, U.S. SuperTour, and regional levels. The team is dedicated to advancing cross-country skiing in the Central Region, supporting high-performance athletes, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of Nordic skiers.
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