Bristlecone birkebeiner winter fest
ward mountain recreation area, north TRAILhead
January 18, 2025

The original Bristlecone Birkebeiner in Ely, Nevada ran from 1983-1993.  We brought this cross-country skiing event back to the community in 2014, but it was canceled due to lack of snow.  In 2015, we held our first successful event with a dusting of snow and four skiers and one trail runner!  This event has continued to grow and is now better than ever!  We have added trail running, for when there isn't enough snow to ski, as well as snowshoe and fat bike events!  Come join us for Nevada's longest running cross-country ski event in Nevada!
CURRENT FORECAST (1/11): There is a fresh couple of inches at the Ward Mountain Recreation Area.  Snow detph varies from about 2-6 inches throughout the course.  We will be having snow events this year!

snow events

long course cross-country ski

$40

Birkebeiner Loop - 4.1 miles
Race Start - 8:00 am

Short course cross-country ski

$30

Connector Trail to Birkebeiner Loop - 1.5 miles
​Race Start - 8:10 am

fat tire bike

$40

Birkebeiner, Atta Boy, Revenue, to Birkebeiner - 5.0 miles
Race Start - 8:30 am

snowshoe

$30

Connector Trail to Birkebeiner Loop - 1.5 miles
​Race Start - 8:35 am (immediately after fat bikes)

kids cross-country ski

$15

Out and Back on Connector Trail - 1.0 miles
​Race Start - 9:30 am
10 years and younger

no snow events

long course trail run

$40

Birkebeiner Loop - 4.1 miles
Race Start - 8:10 am

Short course trail run

$30

Connector Trail to Birkebeiner Loop - 1.5 miles
​Race Start - 8:30 am

fat tire bike

$40

Birkebeiner, Atta Boy, Revenue, to Birkebeiner - 5.0 miles
Race Start - 8:00 am

kids trail run

$15

Out and Back on Connector Trail - 1.0 miles
​Race Start - 9:35 am
​10 years and younger

Kids mountain bike

$15

Connector Trail to Birkebeiner Loop - 1.5 miles
​Race Start - 9:30 am
10 years and younger

Rental discount! sportsworld is offering $5 ski rental for this event.  they also have a few pairs of snowshoes to rent.  boot sizes are limited!

There will be no same day registration.  Everyone must register online.
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES
January 16 at NOON!
​
PACKAGE PICKUP
Friday January 17
4:30-6:00 pm
 Desert Mountain Realty
1060 E Aultman Street

YOUR EXPERIENCE IS OUR GUARANTEE

Ely's weather is unpredictable!  The determination of snow or no snow events will be determined the morning of the event.  Frequently there is no snow until the night before the event.  We work closely with the BLM to ensure the trails are properly groomed for the event; however, when weather doesn't cooperate this can be very challenging.
If you register for a snow event and the weather does not work in your favor, you have three options: 1) change your registration to another Birkebeiner event, transfer to next year's Birkebeiner event, or transfer to another Ely Outdoor Enthusiasts' event.  Please email us at elyoutdoorenthusiasts@gmail.com within one week post event to transfer your registration.  Requests past one week will not be honored.
COVID EVENT INFO:
  • This event will be capped at 250 participants. 
  • It is recommended for individuals not within the same family unit to 6" social distance and/or wear face coverings
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the venue.
  • Volunteers, participants and spectators should stay home if they have any COVID symptoms or are feeling sick.
  • Depending on number of participants, events may be staggered in waves.
  • Event may be canceled at any time due to COVID.
Event Details and Rules:
  • All events (except kids' events) will go counter-clockwise on the course.
  • The course will be marked with flagging or signs approximately every 1/4 mile or where there is an area of possible confusion.
  • There are no aid stations on the courses.  There will be a water aid station at the finish line.  Please bring your own water on the course.  Please keep in mind that bladder hoses freeze in very cold temperatures.
  • There will be an EMT at the finish line for unexpected emergencies.
  • All fat tire bike participants must wear a helmet.
  • Fat bikes must have tire widths >3 inches wide.
  • No electric bikes are allowed on the course. 
  • Fat bikes and snowshoes MUST stay out of the groomed cross-country ski track.
  • Skiers need to stay to the right of the course and fat bikes must stay to the left.  
  • Participants who are skiing or snowshoeing side-by-side must move to single-file if another participant approaches.
  • Slower fat bike participants must allow faster participants to pass them.  
  • Anyone passing needs to announce they need to pass when approaching and pass on the LEFT.
  • Fat bikes are required to stay 2 bike lengths behind other event participants until it is safe to pass.  
  • If two bikes are lined up waiting to pass another participant, they must stay in that order until after passing.  No trying to pass each other while passing another participant.
  • The kids route will only be for cross-country skiing or trail run (if there is not enough snow).  Kids will not be allowed to snowshoe or fat bike on the kids course.
  • If there is not enough snow for a kid's ski event, we will offer a mountain bike event on the short course instead.
  • If you do not follow the exact course, you will be disqualified.
  • No pets are allowed on the course. Any pets at the finish line must be on a leash.​
  • Awards will be distributed as following: 
    • Ski - Top three male and female long and short course
    • Snowshoe - top three male and female
    • Fat bike - top three male and female
    • Kids - top three

The COURSES:

Fire & ICe Winter Festival

The Bristlecone Birkebeiner is one of the many activities during Ely's Fire & Ice Winter Festival! 

ely outdoor enthusiasts