Warm temperatures could wash out the American Birkebeiner ski race

Thousands of cross country skiers heading to northwestern Wisconsin for the Birkie this weekend will need to be flexible. And maybe plan on a trail run and street party instead.

Unseasonably warm temperatures and rain have forced organizers of the American Birkebeiner week to juggle their schedules. More than 11,000 skiers from around the world and some 40,000 spectators were expected to attend the weekend competition and celebration that has become a key event for northwestern Wisconsin since its inception in 1973.

With Tuesday afternoon temperatures reaching 55 degrees, and only a chance of snow in the forecast for later in the week, Birkie organizers are making changes.

The original 50-kilometer race course extends from Cable to Hayward. On Monday, following rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, organizers canceled plans for skiers to cross Lake Hayward for the finish in downtown Hayward. On Tuesday, they decided conditions merited further changes, and the race schedule was juggled. Events scheduled for Friday, including the 29-kilometer Kortelopet and 15-kilometer Prince Haakon races, were rescheduled for Saturday.

In a video posted Tuesday afternoon, Birkie executive director Ben Popp said additional changes could be coming.

He spelled out three options:

- If there's measurable snow Friday "there is a very slim chance that a one-way, timed race could be held (American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races)."

- If enough snow comes and "conditions are such that 10,000 plus participants can safely ski, however unsafe for a competitive race, there is a possibility of an untimed, open-track, looped-event on the Birkie Trail (north of OO) for the American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet and Prince Haakon events."

- No snow = party. "This year's will be a Birkie, Korte & Prince Haakon like none other. Participants will be part of a first -ever winter Birkie run and street party celebration in downtown Hayward. Live music, Birkie Brew-Ski, food vendors, and a festival atmosphere!"

“While this may not look like a typical week, it will be absolutely one to remember," Popp said. "We'll have a 2017 Birkie celebration like no other with or without snow!"

It wouldn't be the first time that the weather has scrambled plans for the big ski race. In 2007, the race course was cut to 25 kilometers after temperatures reached the 50s. In other years, the race course has been reversed, and other modifications were made to deal with snow challenges.

Organizers promise to give an update on their plans Wednesday.