• The American Birkebeiner is expanding west for the first time, launching a new two-day race weekend at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, on January 22–23, 2027.
• The event will utilize the expansive Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, featuring over 80 kilometers of groomed trails across 5,100 acres of mountain terrain with stunning Rocky Mountain views.
• The schedule includes races for all ages and abilities, with Friday dedicated to Junior and Barnebirkie West events and Saturday featuring 42k and 21k races for adults.
• Registration for the inaugural Birkie West opens today, November 3, 2026, and organizers expect a significant turnout of racers and spectators

North America’s premier cross-country ski event is heading to the Rockies. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is partnering with YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch to launch the inaugural Birkie West, a significant expansion of the legendary Wisconsin tradition. This exciting two-day race weekend is scheduled for January 22–23, 2027, at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center in Granby, Colorado.

Birkie West brings the prestige and community spirit of the largest ski race in North America to one of Colorado’s favorite Nordic destinations. The event kicks off Friday, January 22, with races for the next generation, including the Junior Birkie West and Barnebirkie West, alongside a Race Expo. Saturday, January 23, features the main events with 42k and 21k races, followed by a festive post-race gathering and awards ceremony.

Snow Mountain Ranch provides an ideal venue for this expansion. Racers will have access to more than 80 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails across 5,100 acres of mountain terrain. The courses wind through diverse landscapes of pine and aspen forests, open meadows, and challenging climbs that offer expansive, breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Participants and their families can enjoy a complete weekend experience with on-site lodging, dining, and gathering spaces.

This new event also strengthens the existing relationship between Snow Mountain Ranch and SNØ Racing, the Minneapolis-based professional team for which the ranch serves as Presenting Sponsor. Athletes from SNØ Racing will be present to race, cheer, and lead clinics, further connecting the Midwest Nordic community with the new Rocky Mountain venue. Organizers anticipate strong participation, expecting over 500 racers and 750 spectators for this landmark debut. Registration for the inaugural Birkie West opens today, November 3, 2026, at birkie.com.