Preliminary information 2022

March 4.

• Start together in unseedet waves
• Change of pick up place Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken 54 km

March 15.

• Ordering matress accommodation online Rena
  Ordering mattress accommodation on site Rena is available for NOK 600,- Thursday and Friday.

March 16.

• Change of wave SkøyteBirken, TurBirken 54 km and TurBirken 28 km.

March 17. 20.00

• Registration SkøyteBirken, TurBirken 54 km
• Ordering bus for SkøyteBirken and TurBirken 54 km

March 18. 21.00

• Registration Birkebeinerrennet
• Ordering bus for Birkebeinerrennet

March 19. 19.00

• Registratrion UngdomsBirken and TurBirken 28
• Ordering bus UngdomsBirken and TurBirken 28

Logistics, hotels and cabins

Birkebeinerrennet has start and finish in two different arenas. Rena and Lillehammer. 
We recommend that you can stay in Lillehammer, Hamar or Rena:

Stay in Lillehammer region

• Book bus or train - VY.no to Lillehammer
• Order pick up place for your Bib in Lilllehammer, pick up your Bib in Håkons Hall, Lillehammer the day before race day.
• Book bus from Lillehammer to the start arena at Rena for race day.
• Accommodation in Lillehammer

Stay in Rena

• Birken offers mattress accommodation in Rena. You order when register for the race, or after at your My Page
• Book bus to Rena the day before race day , or train - nsb.no
• Pick up your Bib in Rena center the day before or at the start arena on the race day.
• After the race, you can either choose to go back to Rena by bus or stay in Lillehammer.
• Accommodation Rena and Elverum

Stay in Hamar (save 2 hours travelling time)

• You can travel to Hamar from Oslo and Oslo Airport by train - nsb.no
• Book bus for the race day from Hamar to Rena
• Pick up your Bib at the start arena at Tingstadjordet, Rena
• Book bus from Lillehammer to Hamar after the race.
• Accommodation Hamar

Luggage transport from Rena to Lillehammer on race day is included in the entry fee.

Bus booking
Bus transport is available from Lillehammer and Oslo to the start at Rena in the morning and return after the race. You must pre-order bus transport, through My Page before 20.00 the day before you depart. There is no refund for unused tickets.

Train
Transportation by train from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen; vy.no

Race rules
The Norwegian Ski Federations rules and regulations for cross-country competitions apply throughout Birken Skifestival. The races in Birken ski festival are all nordic classic, free technique is only allowed in the classes M/F free technique in SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km. 

For your safety it is not allowd to use any form of audio during the race.

There is no refund for any reason. If you are unable to participate, you may sell your spot using our re-registration form.

Participants not abiding by these rules, may be disqualified.

• Information about use of gliding products contaning fluor for competitors up to 16 years old
• Maximum pole length - Please find information regarding the new rule about maximum pole length at fis-ski.com
                 
  Bib
  The BIB must be visible at all times during the race. It is forbidden to wear another participants BIB. Identification must be provided in case of random control.

Backpack (not mandatory for StafettBirken)

All participants must carry a backpack weighing at least 3,5 kg (7.7 lbs) throughout the race (bum bag is not allowed).
The backpack symbolizes the little prince Haakon Haakonsen - read the history. The backpack must be carried on your back during the entire race. Random controls of weight and content in the backpack, will be performed. Participants must make sure the backpack has the required weight when crossing the finish line.

For safety reasons the backpack must contain:

• Wind proofed jacket and pants (long sleeved)
• Dry and warm underwear
• Headwear/hat
• Buff/headover/balaclava
• Gloves/mittens.

We strongly recommend that all skiers also bring food, drink and ski wax. Sun cream and blister plasters is also recommended. Please check the weather forecast, and take necessary safety precautions.

Participants will be disqualified, or given penalty time:
- if they do not carry a backpack
- if the backpack is to light crossing the finish line
- if the backpack is not properly equipped.
- if the bib is not visible at all times during the race

Environment
Littering along the course is not allowed. Please bring your own litter to the nearest food station or use the drop zones along the course. Littering can be penalized with 15 minutes added to your time.

Protest
Any protest must be in writing, and a fee of Norwegian kroner 300,- must be paid when handing in the protest. Deliver the protest directly in the race office in Håkons Hall.
The protest must be handed in immediately:
1. Protest against conditions during the race: 30 minuts after crossing the finish line.
2. Protest against results: 30 minuts after results being published.

Weather conditions
If the jury decides that the weather conditions makes the race too dangerous to attend, Birken holds the right to cancel or postpone the event at short notice.

Please also read the entry conditions

For our skiing events the license is mandatory for participants from age 13-69 that is member of the Norwegian National Insurance - paying taxes to Norway.

The participants that the license do not apply for, will need for sign an Athletes Declaration form when picking up their BIB.

Preliminary information 2022

March 17.
Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 15.00-21.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs

Lillehammer Håkons Hall

• 15.00-21.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs for TurBirken ski 54 km, TurBirken ski 27 km, SkøyteBirken, StafettBirken and Birkebeinerrennet
• 15.00-21.00 Sport 1 market

March 18.
Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 07.00-21.00 Race office, registration and distribution of bibs for TurBirken ski 54 km, SkøyteBirken and Birkebeinerrennet
• 08.30 Start SkøyteBirken
• 09.00 Start TurBirken ski 54 km

Center of Rena, Åmot kulturhus

• 12.00-22.00 Cafeteria open
• 12.00-22.00 Sport 1 market
• 15.00 -15.30 Press conference Visma Ski Classics
• 16.30 Team captains meeting
• 17.00-18.30 Pasta Party for Worldloppets Master
• 14.00-22.00 Open church with mini conserts etc.

Stores and restaurants are open in Rena center

Sjusjøen langrennsarena

• 10.00- 12.00 Distribution of bibs for TurBirken 28 km
• 12.00 Start TurBirken 28 km

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 11.30 Start StafettBirken ski
• 10.45 First competitor in SkøyteBirken expected to the finish.
• 12.00 First competitor in TurBirken ski 54 km expected to the finish.
• 12.45 First team in StafettBirken ski expected to the finish.
• 12.00-16.00 After Ski
• 14.00 Prize ceremony for StafettBirken ski

Håkons Hall

• 09.00-22.00 Race office and distribution of bibs for StafettBirken and Birkebeinerrennet
• 09.00-22.00 Sport 1 market
• 12.00-22.00 Diploma and prizes for SkøyteBirken, TurBirken ski 54 km, TurBirken ski 27 km and StafettBirken ski
• 14.00 Prize ceremony for SkøyteBirken

March 19.
Rena, starting area Tingstadjordet

• 06.00-11.00 Race office and distribution of bibs for Birkebeinerrennet
• 06.00-11.00 Sport 1 market

• 07.45-10.05 Start Birkebeinerrennet

Sjusjøen Sjusjøen ski stadium

• 09.50 First participant in Birkebeinerrennet will pass.

Lillehammer Birkebeineren Ski stadium

• 10.20 First participant Birkebeinerrennet expected to the finish.
• 11.00 Flower ceremony for the three best women and men in Birkebeienrrennet

Håkons Hall

• 10.00-19.00 Race office, diplomas and prizes
• 10.00-19.00 Sport 1 market
• 10.00-19.00 Lost and found
• Fra kl. 13.00 Prize ceremony for the three best in each class in Birkebeienrrennet

Center of Lillehammer

• 09.00-16.00 Stores are open

March 20.

Sjusjøen langrennsarena

• 07.00- 12.00 Distribution of bibs for UngdomsBirken and TurBirken 28 km
• 10.00 Start UngdomsBirken
• 12.00 Start TurBirken 28 km

Lillehammer, Håkons Hall
10.00-16.00 Race office, Sport 1 Market

Distribution of bibs and Race office
preliminary information

Lillehammer Håkons Hall
Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken, TurBirken 28,
SkøyteBirken 54 km and TurBirken 54

• Thursday March 17. 15.00 - 21.00

Birkebeinerrennet, UngdomsBirken and TurBirken 28

• Friday March 18. 09.00-22.00

UngdomsBirken and TurBirken 28

• Saturday March 20. 10.00-19.00

Sjusjøen ski stadium
TurBirken 28 and UngdomsBirken

• Sunday March 20. 10.00-12.00

Rena, Tingstadjordet start area
SkøyteBirken and TurBirken 54K

• Thursday March 17. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 18. 07.00 - 12.00

Birkebeinerrennet

• Thursday March 17. 15.00-21.00
• Friday March 18. 07.00 - 21.00
• Saturday from 06.00
  
  

Note: Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and TurBirken ski 54 km
Race packets that have not been retrieved the night before race day, must be picked up in Rena, Tingstadjordet start area, race day morning.
Please use the included luggage tags for all luggage that you deliver for  transportation to Lillehammer on race day morning.

On race day
On race day race packets must be collected at least 1 hour before starting time. Allow for some extra time as traffic will be heavy.
Please bring your start card (on paper or on your smart phone) to testify paid entry fee, and bib number.

In your start packet:
Your bib, which must be visible throughout the race.
Your personal timing chip, that must be fastened around your left ankle using the velcro bands. You will find further instructions on the race packet envelope.

NOTE: The timing chip must be delivered immidiatly after the race. Failure to return the chip entail a fee of NOK 300,-.

Timing chip
The timing chip will be handed out when you pick up your BIB and must be fastened on your left ankle.
NOTE: The timing chip must be delivered to the organizer after the race ( also if you do not start, or do not finish the race). Not doing so will give an extra fee of NOK 300,-

Timing
Real time: Timing starts when you pass the start line.
Start shot: Timing starts when the start shot is fired.

Birkebeinerrennet:
Elite classes: Start shot
All other waves: Real time

Wax tips from Swix

Wax tips in the start area
Bring your own wax,  we provide the information you need to choose the right wax for your kick zone.

Swix is facilitating waxing iron and waxing table for free use.
They are also available for wax service at Skramstadsetra, Dambua, Kvarstad and Midtfjellet.

All participants should bring skis that are already prepeared, unless you are planning to use the wax service at Rena torg (Rena center) or outside Håkons Hall, Lillehammer thursday and friday evening.
Remember to bring extra wax in your backpack throughout the race.

We recommend that inexperienced skiers take a look at  Swix online wax school.

Wax service Rena and Håkons Hall, Lillehammer
Swix  offers wax service for a fee of minimum NOK 250,- depending on the type of service you need. They open at 15.00 thursday March 14th and at 09.00 Friday March 15th. Skies must be handed in by 20.00 thursday and 21.00 friday night.

For UngdomsBirken Ski you will find wax information at www.swix.no from Thursday March 7.  Information for Birkebeinerrennet, SkøyteBirken and Tur Birken is available at the same site form Wednesday March 13.

Pole service
Swix and Birken are providing pole service in the start area, and at all foood stations. Please return borrowed poles in the finish area, where you also return your time chip.

Birken is not liable for your poles, but all poles retrieved after the race will be brought to Rena with the lost and found items.

Ski service
Salomon will have a limited number of skins available at start and at the feeding stations. If you need to barrow skies from Madshus, please deliver them back after finish.

Storage for skies and poles
Skies and poles are not allowed inside Håkons Hall or in Åmot kulturhus, Rena. Storage with guards are avaialble on both sites.

Preliminary information

Rena
Everyone can drive directly to the start area at Tingstadjordet, Rena.

If you are travelling with one of our buses on race day, the bus will drive directly to the start area where you also will find BIB handout and Race office.

We advise all participants to arrive early, as traffic might be heavy. Please use public transport if possible.

If you are dropping off competitors at the start: Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards. You might not be able to leave the area until 08.45.

Travelling by car to Rena
There are two possible routes from Elverum to Rena:
RV 3 from Elverum to Rena. Lorries and busses are recommended to choose this road. Due to roadwork currently being done on this road, it might take longer then the usuall 30 minutes.
FV 535 on the east side of the river Glomma. Passenger cars are recommended to use this road.

Travelling by car to Lillehammer
If you arrive to Lillehammer by E6 take the northern exit. The exit is marked with a sign for Birkebeinerrittet from E6, and all the way up to the parking area.

Sigrid Undsetsveg (the road below Håkons Hall) is closed for traffic between the roundabout by Kiwi, Nordsetervegen, and the junction Bankgata/Sigrid Undsetsveg. Nordsetervegen is a one way street from Håkons Hall to Kringsjåvegen.

Parking Birken ski festival
Parking during Birken ski festival costs NOK 75,- and are valid at all Birken arenas at both Lillehammer and Rena.

Parking Rena
Parking will be availble at the start area. Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.

Parking Lillehammer
Parking is available at Birkebeiner Ski stadium and at Håkons Hall. Please follow instructions on signs and from parking guards.

Parking for campers

Rena
At marked places at the start area at Tingstadjordet, Rena. No electicity available
At Rena Camping in the center of Rena. Please contact Rena Camping for booking and prices.

Lillehammer
Campers that are only parking for the duration of the event may park at Lurhaugen, close to Håkons Hall, in Lillehammer. Remember to buy parking ticket from one of the machines at Lurhaugen.
For other options, please visit these sites; Lillehammer Turistsenter and Lillehammer Camping.

The center of Rena
Cafeterias and stores are open in the small and cosy village of Rena.
Open church with mini concerts etc. friday from 14.00-22.00

Race office, Sport1 market and activites from Thursday

Skramstadsetra 
The first competitor will pass around 08.10 and the last around 12.15. You can also ski from Skramstadsetra to Dølfjellet or Dambua. Please use the tracks marked for spectators.
If you want to go to Skramstadsetra, we recommend to go before the first start (07.45).

Kvarstad
The first competitor will pass around 09.05 and the last around 15.00.
You can get there by car from Brumunddal. It is around 23 km from Brumunddal to Kvarstad (toll road).

Midtfjellet 
The highest point in the track, 910 meters above sea level.
The first competitor will pass around 09.25 and the last around 17.00.
You can park at Sjusjøen and ski 7 km from Sjusjøen to Midtfjellet.

Sjusjøen
At the food and drink station in Sjusjøen there are always a lot of spectators.
The first competitor will pass around 9.50 and the last around 17.30. You get there by car from Lillehammer.

Birkebeiner ski stadium / finish
First competitor is expected to the finish around 10.25 and the last around 19.30.
You get there by car from Lillehammer and Sjusjøen.

Håkons Hall
All competitors retrieves their diplomas and prizes. Cafeteria and Sport 1 Market.
Prize ceremonys from stage.

Center of Lillehammer
A lot of nice stores, cafetrias, restaurants and more.