American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Secures Permanent Start Area For Race

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation said it reached an agreement this week with Telemark owners in Cable to secure a permanent start area for the race.

Telemark property manager Rick Carpenter said the agreement allows the foundation to use part of the property for the race no matter who owns it.

“Just as an example, the new owner would have to understand that he’s buying 1,000 acres, but Birkie has rights to use all but 930,” Carpenter said. “Birkie would have the right to use that 70 or so acres permanently.”

The owners of Mount Telemark Partners, LLC are considering selling the property to several interested buyers. If nothing sells, the foundation has the option to buy the land or get a permanent easement for the start. Foundation Executive Director Ben Popp said they are launching a $650,000 capital campaign.

“That includes all the start infrastructure,” Popp said. “We’re going to be building out and buying the land, as well as a project that includes a bridge in downtown Hayward that will allow skiers to get up and over Highway 63 so that there doesn’t have to be a detour through town, which causes really major congestion and safety issues.”

Cable Area Chamber Director James Bolen said it’s a good move for the local economy.

“It would encourage people to come through Cable out to Telemark to ski on the trail and hike on the trail. And then obviously they would be spending money in the local community,” Bolen said.

Popp said they’ve raised $210,000 so far and plan to begin work in the spring of 2015. He said they hope to have everything in place by the 2017 race.