Deeper Roots | Season 3, Episode 8: The Birkie Warrior

March 6, 2025
Blain's Farm & Fleet

Deeper Roots | American Birkebeiner

What’s better than gliding through snow-covered trails, powered by history, competition, and camaraderie?

In this episode of The Inside Wisconsin Show’s Deeper Roots with Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Trevor and the Blain’s crew take you deep into Wisconsin’s Northwoods in search of the American Birkebeiner. It’s a legendary ski race that’s part of an international Nordic ski circuit, filled with fierce, yet fun-loving competitors.

Trevor sits with Ernie St. Germaine, a Birkie warrior with 50 years of competition under his (ski) belt, and Shawn Connelly, advocate and spokesman for the event. Together, they explore everything from the race’s rich Norwegian origins to its founder, the late (and visionary) Tony Wise.

Whether you love skiing, history, or just enjoy a good underdog story, this episode is for you. Learn how a little ski race in Wisconsin turned into an international phenomenon.

If you liked this episode of Deeper Roots, you can view all past episodes here!