Seeley Hills Classic returns to traditional course

After two winters of snow shortages and warm temperatures, the Seeley Hills Classic is finally back on its traditional course.

The Seeley Hills Classic is the second-largest annual classic cross-country ski event held on the American Birkebeiner Trail. It featured a 42K classic and a 22K classic race and is an American Birkebeiner qualifying race.

“This race was started to make sure that classic skiing stayed alive in the region and in the area, and to celebrate that traditional technique,” says Kristy Maki, events director for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. 

She says for the past two years, the Seeley Hills Classic hasn’t been held on its traditional hillside course near the OO Trailhead in Seeley.

Poor snow conditions forced organizers to move the race to the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, where skiers competed on a looped five-kilometer course, with snowmaking helping to keep the trails in shape.

After two winters away from the hills, the race finally returned to its original course in Seeley this weekend.

“That’s the traditional venue where this event has been held since the 80s, so we’re really excited to be back here,” says Maki. “With the last two years of low snow, we’ve had to be up at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, and it’s really nice to be back in Seeley.”

After the races, participants gathered for the post-race party at the Sawmill Saloon, enjoying food, music, and a chance to celebrate with fellow skiers.

Later on, awards were handed out, including the Penman Award for the top three male and female finishers in the full race. Prizes were $1,000, $250, and $125.

Age group winners were also recognized in both the full and half races, with categories ranging from under 19 to 70 and older.