North America's largest cross-country ski race is bringing its trail traditions, and its community, to the Colorado Rockies. 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, CO.
The race weekend
Friday, January 22 belongs to the next generation, with the Junior Birkie West 6K (U16/U18) and 4K (U12/U14) races and the BarneBirkie West 2K and 1K untimed tour.
Saturday, January 23 features the 42K and 21K skate races, followed by an après-race meal and awards. All races are mass starts with self-seeding, so be on time if you want a spot on the front line.
Cash prize purse for the top three men and women overall.
Organizers expect more than 500 racers and 750 spectators.
"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."
Room to ski in the Rockies
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.
Snø Racing heads west
Birkie West also builds on Snow Mountain Ranch's role as Presenting Sponsor of Snø Racing. 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."
Race schedule
Friday, January 22: 6K Jr Birkie West (U16/U18) at 11:00am, 4K Jr Birkie West (U12/U14) at 11:15am, BarneBirkie West 1K and 2K untimed tour (time to be announced), and awards at 1:00pm at the Camper Hub.
Saturday, January 23: 42K skate at 10:00am, 21K skate at 10:30am, and awards at 1:30pm at the Camper Hub. Racers in the 42K need to finish their first 21K lap by 12:00pm.
Courses will be set based on snow conditions, with a 21K loop for the 21K and 42K races. Adaptive courses will be available too. There are aid stations at the start/finish lap area plus two more on course for the 21K and 42K.
Entry fees
Birkie West 42K: $80 through November 12, then $110.
Birkie West 21K: $70 through November 12, then $100.
Jr Birkie West: $25 per participant. BarneBirkie West: $15 per participant.
Your 42K or 21K entry includes an après-race meal with vegetarian options. Birkie West racers must be 16 by January 22, 2027; Jr Birkie West racers must be 10 to 17 and BarneBirkie West skiers 2 to 9 by January 21, 2027. Entries are non-refundable, and optional refund protection is offered during registration.
Bib pickup, travel and lodging
Pick up your bib at the Snow Mountain Ranch Camper Hub on Thursday, January 21 (4:00 to 6:00pm), Friday, January 22 (11:00am to 6:00pm) or Saturday, January 23 (7:00 to 9:30am). The start/finish stadium is just west of the Camper Hub, and parking is in the Nordic Center/Camper Hub lot with overflow shuttles.
Snow Mountain Ranch is about two hours from Denver International Airport. You can also take the bus or Amtrak to Winter Park, Fraser or Granby and catch a shuttle to the ranch.
Stay on site in a private cabin or lodge room. Each racer receives a $25 meal credit when booking lodging at Snow Mountain Ranch for the race.
Want a classic race too? Devils Thumb Ranch hosts its Stagecoach Classic (30K and 15K) on Sunday, January 24. Learn more here.
How to sign up
Registration is open now. Register for Birkie West, and find full event details at birkie.com/ski/events/birkie-west. To explore Nordic skiing, lodging, lessons and winter experiences at 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. Learn more at birkie.com/birkie and about membership at 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, CO, 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, MN. 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.