It’s Birkie Time!

Photo: Tom Lynn
Photo: Tom Lynn

Next weekend, thousands of nordic skiers from all corners of the globe will find their way to Northern Wisconsin for the annual American Birkebeiner ski race.  While it’s famously know for it’s draw of elite skiers, most people are surprised to find out it’s grown into so much more, offering four days of races, festivals, demos and expos, family fun programs, and more!  Did you know they even offer child care for participating parents where children can visit museums, partake in outdoor activities, and learn amazing things about the environment?!

Maybe you’ve always been interested in checking it out, but nervous you’re not the best skier out there or not interested in competing.  Don’t let that stop you!  You can participate in on-snow demos to familiarize yourself with all the new gear, swing by the expo to chat with industry professionals and racers about getting involved in the sport, and even give racing a try in a shortened 12k race geared for newbies and recreational skiers.  And with hundreds of volunteers and super friendly supporters along the way, you’ll find the help and encouragement to get to that finish line!

For our more experienced skiers heading back for another year of racing, remember to stock up on the race day essentials you can find right here at Shep’s!  With a full line of Swix tuning products and a certified ski technician working in our state of the art tune shop, we’re here to get your skis performing at their best.  And don’t forget we’re also a multi-line nordic ski shop able to outfit skiers of all abilities.  So whether it’s some temperature specific wax and a scraper or a new pair of racing skate skis, Shep’s is the place.  Be sure to stop in and chat with our friendly and knowledgable staff today, and be sure to check out our race day gear list below to help you prepare for race day!

Clothing
-Base layer (top and bottoms)
-Outer layer (top and bottoms)
-Wind briefs
-Hat/Headband
-Gloves
-Socks
-Neck warmer
-Glasses
-Warm jacket and pants for pre/after race activities

Gear
-Skis
-Boots
-Poles
-Waxes and tuning supplies
-Energy food and water
-Sunscreen/Chapstick/Dermatone