Winter Concludes With Birken & Lake Placid Thrills
Gliding ahead at this year’s Birken in Norway
Astronomical winter has drawn to a close in the northern hemisphere, with exciting events in Norway and Lake Placid ringing the final bell on this year’s organized ski season, with only Iceland's Fossavatn event on the Worldloppet calendar for April. It’s been a season to remember. In today’s blog, we’re featuring Lumi’s March Norway Trips and reminiscing about this year’s World Cup event while looking forward to next year’s Worldloppet, World Cup and World Championship events.
Dreaming of skiing with Lumi in Europe next year? Reach out today to secure your spot and save $300/person off your trip for reservations made by March 31!
The Birkebeiner Warriors Ski from Rena to Lillehammer
The 2026 Birkebeinerrennet had skiers facing winds and precipitation as they skied across Norway’s high alpine forests, following the route of the famed Birkebeiner warriors. Many skiers don't know that there's a skate option for the event on Friday, before Saturday’s traditional classic style event. This year's Friday skate race was delayed by high winds and driving precipitation, while the classic events the next day skied through a stunning snowy landscape, fresh with accumulation left by the storm. It was going to be a memorable occasion no matter the conditions but this year was particularly unforgettable.
Lumi skiers on our Norway Birken trip had prepared for any eventuality and had packed their 3.5kg backpacks with all of the required essentials just in case. In fair weather those spare warm and waterproof layers simulate the weight of the young Prince Haakon who was rescued on skis by the original Birkebeiner warriors in 1206. On rare stormy days, those same layers provide a much-needed buffer against the chill.
Despite the challenging conditions, many Lumi guests skied the route and celebrated with trip leaders at the finish line. Similar to this year’s Marcialonga, some of the best skiing of the trip came just after the storm as fresh snow made for ideal skiing the next day. Many shared that their favorite ski of the week was exploring the Sjusjøen trails under sunny skies on Sunday after the Birken. It was an ideal finish to a week spent skiing Norway’s seemingly endless network of trails.
World Cup Dreams
Cheer on athletes trailside at the 2027 Holmenkollen World Cup in Norway
Through the thick of spring conditions in Lake Placid this past weekend one story stood out: Jessie Diggins’ final race on the World Cup circuit. We’ve enjoyed cheering for Jessie throughout her storied career, and to end it on home soil in front of thousands of fans – including many Lumi skiers – was a special end to the season. Jessie has been an inspiration for so many skiers both young and old and we look forward to seeing where she goes next!
Tour de Ski
2027 brings several Lumi trips to World Cup events in Europe. We kick off our winter season next year with a visit to Italy for the Tour de Ski, which in 2027 is a week later for better schedule flexibility. Watch trailside as the world’s top skiers conclude the Tour de Ski on the infamous Alpe de Cermis hillclimb before traveling to Seiser Alm, one of Italy’s top ski destinations.
Falun World Championships
The early-season action is just the prelude to the main event: the 2027 FIS World Championships in Falun, Sweden. Lumi has two trips scheduled to this event that only happens once every two years. Both World Championship trips overlap a portion of the Vasaloppet’s Winter Week in nearby Mora. With the opportunity to experience the most competitive races outside of the Olympics, the Vasaloppet and Sweden’s extensive trails all on one trip, our Falun World Championships trips really do have it all.
Norway Birken and World Cup
Preceding Lumi’s Norway Birken trip is the Holmenkollen World Cup, offering skiers the chance to extend their travels in Norway to experience even more of the country’s fanatical devotion to cross country skiing. These two trips go hand-in-hand, a pairing that only takes place every few years. Don’t miss your chance: our Birken trip is nearly full! Reserve your spot today if you’ve been on the fence about this one.
Cheer on athletes at the 2027 Holmenkollen World Cup in Norway
From the snowy landscapes of Norway to the excitement of the Tour de Ski, Lumi’s trips visit destinations that all have one thing in common: a deep passion for Nordic skiing. Reach out to reservations@lumiexperiences.com for a detailed trip itinerary and to reserve your spot by March 31 to save $300/person off your next trip. We look forward to hearing from you!
See you on the trail,
Garrott Kuzzy
Founder & Olympian
garrott@lumiexperiences.com