Birkie foundation members meet in new base camp

Holding their annual meeting Saturday Aug. 10 at the newly-constructed Mt. Telemark Village Base Camp, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) members reviewed events and finances of the past year as well as the Birkie’s ongoing mission to conduct “world-class events, be good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail and associated trails and promote healthy outdoor activities, amazing experiences for people of all ages.”

Executive Director Ben Popp reported that to date 8,300 skiers have signed up for the 2025 Birkie Week events.

Popp said the new 13,000-square-foot Base Camp, which was built atop the slab of the former Telemark Coliseum, includes “a lot of pieces of the old (Telemark Lodge) building.”

ABSF members re-elected Paul Eckerline and Jan Guenther to the board of directors and elected new member Marit Ross-Sonnesyn. Outgoing board member Sue Scheer was applauded for her 16 years of service.

ABSF treasurer Kris Bjerkness reported that the foundation’s “financial health is as strong as it’s ever been.” During its 50th anniversary year in 2023, the Birkie had record revenue of $7.6 million. Its expenses were up two percent, and net income was $2.5 million for the year ending June 30, 2024.

Finances “were tested” due to a lack of snow but fundraising was “strong and wonderful,” Bjerkness said. There is $1.4 million in pledges not yet received.

The Birkie bought a new snow groomer machine and spent $4.3 million for improvements to the Telemark Village property, Bjerkness said.

The Birkie continues to raise capital funds for the Mt. Telemark Village projects, and is 80 percent toward its goal, Bjerkness indicated.

“We’re headed in the right direction,” Bjerkness said.

“We’re here to create amazing experiences,” Popp said. In the past year with hardly any snow, the Birkie Foundation still was able to hold every scheduled event. “The Birkie in 2024 was one for the ages. Our organization was able to adjust and make changes. We continue to give huge kudos to all who were part of it.”

Popp said the Birkie relies on more than 3,500 volunteers throughout the year. The Foundation now has 22 full-time and six part-time staff and has 50 race chiefs.

This past year the Birkie honored Bill Ryan with the Shellie Milford Spirit of the Birkie award and Dalt and Sheree Collins as Volunteers of the Year.

Ongoing initiatives of the ABSF include Birkie Green for sustainable, renewable resources, Birkie One to give everyone the opportunity to be part of the Birkie lifestyle, and Team Birkie to provide role models for young skiers, Popp indicated.

One example of Birkie Green is that the new building at Mt. Telemark Village uses geothermal for heating and cooling, Popp said.

Paul Thompson said the Birchleggings Club has 350 members, out of 2,000 people who have completed 20 or more Birkies. Their goal is to increase their membership and support the initiatives of the ABSF. A year ago the club donated a new electric snowmobile to the Foundation.

The new Base Camp is designed for daily use by a variety of outdoor trail users/camps, while race events continue to be based at the nearby Birkie start/finish venue, Popp said.

The new Base Camp main room will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, serving as a “gateway” for outdoor recreation, Popp said. Bathrooms will be open all the time, and retail shops will have their own open hours.

There is a nature interpretation trail with informational signs created by Emily Stone of the Cable Natural History Museum.

Snow-making “continues to be” an important function of the ABSF, Poppe said. The $10.4 million capital investment in the Mt. Telemark property includes $1.8 million for snow-making, including more water, electric power and more snow guns to “make snow where we want it.” The long-term goal will to be able to make snow to cover 3.5 to 5 kilometers of trail.

To date, about 80% of the capital campaign’s goal of $10.7 million has been raised, Popp added.

There is no fee to use the mountain bike or roller ski trails, but there is a snow season trail pass to use the cross-country ski trails maintained by the Birkie. Also a Telemark Village membership will be available, Popp indicated.

The large parking lot off Telemark Road will have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Popp, who was recently elected as president of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races, said the Birkie is “now seen as a global leader of cross-country skiing.”