"When 7,000 cross-country skiers convene at the start of the Birrkie, the largest, most vaunted ski race in the country, it’s a maelstrom of adrenaline, camaraderie, knit caps, and Northwoods spectacle. Rank amateurs go toe-to-toe with the world’s elite to gun for a personal best or a piece of the $20,000 purse. The 50K course is gorgeous anytime, but the race is worth planning your life around."