TTPH Skiers tackling the big Birkie hills for the first time and staying upright. Yes, a step at a time and you CAN do it!
PHOTO BY KRISTIN FRANE
The following story first appeared in the February 2025 issue of Silent Sports Magazine.
Three years after the Trail to Prince Haakon (TTPH) ushered its first set of students down the Birkie Trail, the group is back on the snow-teaching, inspiring, and creating community.
The Trail to the Prince Haakon group is a guided ski experience geared toward new and returning recreational skiers who want to give “eventing” a try. Skiers get together on Tuesday evenings on the Birkie Trail and work with coaches and each other to become more confident on the trails.
The program was dreamed up by Stephanie Martin from the American Birkebeiner and Kristy Harrison from New Moon Ski Shop, who wanted to offer basic instruction, advice, and moral support to skiers wishing to improve their skiing—possibly capping off their season with the Prince Haakon, a 15K event that’s part of the American Birkebeiner festivities. “The idea was based on the Couch to 5K programs we had seen,” Kristy says, “We wanted to make skiing (and even taking part in a race) affordable and accessible to folks who may not yet be fluent in XC skiing.” Stephanie explains, “[Trail to the Prince Haakon is] a chance for people to learn or improve their skiing in a non-intimidating, weekly, group setting with a goal to work towards. Success isn’t determined if participants ski the Prince Haakon in February, but rather if they finish with more confidence in skiing than they started with, all the while meeting new friends along the way!”
Coach Stephanie (right) discussing the training plan with new skier Kimberly. PHOTO BY KRISTIN FRANE
Both women felt that newer skiers are often overwhelmed by obstacles that make stepping out of their comfort zones hard. “I think the trail itself can be intimidating with the hills and the distance, but breaking the trail down into manageable bites gradually over a couple of months helps us overcome our preconceived ideas of what we are capable of,” Stephanie says.
“And,” Kristy points out, “being in a group adds a certain synergy. Folks are having fun with each other and can practice their skills by teaching and supporting other skiers in the group.”
Another head coach, Kristin Frane, adds that it is meant to be fun and social, and having a group start at the same level works great to help develop a feeling of camaraderie. Greg Simpson, a “graduate” of TTPH in 2022, echoes this group dynamic sentiment. When Greg started skiing, he received some advice from well-meaning friends, but it was not consistent, and he found it hard to put into practice. Coming into the sport as an adult, Greg says, “I found there weren’t many resources available. I had skied for approximately the previous five years, alone 99% of the time, but I knew nothing about ski control or the sport.”
I’ve-got-this-down smiles to go with the Birkie miles. TTPH alum Greg Simpson skiing his first Birkie.
So when he heard about TTPH-consistent, repeated instruction with a defined goal, he felt it was exactly what he was looking for. “The (TTPH) groups are small enough so you receive individual assistance but then large enough so you can focus on your own technique without feeling over-analyzed,” he says. “As adults, we … have to set a little ego aside and be willing to feel awkward at something new. When you see others facing the same obstacles and have instructors who have been there and know what you need, it is so much easier to ‘pick yourself back up’ both figuratively and literally.” Greg continues, “Learning how to ski is a great physical accomplishment, and TTPH did a great job of moving the participants from kicking/gliding and balance skills to handling turns and, most importantly for the Birkie, taking on up and down hills.” “But being part of this community is a much greater benefit that stays with us on and off the trail and for years to come. Along the way, we formed a greater community with the instructors and those in the class. Then at the end of the season, when goals are achieved, it isn’t just an individual achievement but shared.” Greg has gone on to ski the Kortelopet and the Classic Birkie. His goal for this season is to complete the full Birkie on skate skis.
Like Greg and his skiing, The Trail to Prince Haakon has improved over the years. The group has continued its partnership with American Birkebeiner, which is offering the program reduced race entry fees and extra coaching staff this year. Kristy and Stephanie have also added an alumni group. Many attendees wanted to experience that group dynamic again, even though they were a bit more advanced. “This group is for skiers in the next phase who have attended TTPH previously and want to refine and expand their skills as part of the group and with a bit of coaching but who don’t need as much one-on-one attention as before,” Kristy explains. And, for all those bikers who are using TTPH as a template, they also hope to offer a ‘Trail To Fat Bike Birkie’ early next year.
As for Kristy’s other coaches, they continue to be enthusiastic about the program. Joel, Kristy’s husband and New Moon co-owner is as excited as ever about the new season. “Sliding on the snow is a magical thing,” he muses. “It’s fun to see folks discover something we (long-time skiers) experience daily. These skiers have a lot of humor and great self-awareness as they tackle these mini-adventures. But really, it’s a learning experience for me. I’m breaking down the teaching steps and relearning it as I go.”
Stephanie continues to pay it forward, “I’m so thankful someone took the time to teach me how to ski. It’s a joy to be with others as they learn.” Kristy sums up what coaching is all about: “I get to see these folks step out of their comfort zone and take some chances. Meanwhile, I am continually learning and getting rejuvenated by watching people fall in love with skiing.” The Trail To Prince Haakon gets what is often missing in our daily, busy lives. They are fostering a love of the outdoors, the importance of self-care, and building community bonds. Their message is one we all can learn from – with a little encouragement, skill, and support, everyone can make it down the trail together.
Author: Judy Young, New Moon Ski & Bike, Owner
Editor’s Note: Judith Young is a Maryland native who fell in love with the Northwoods (and now husband Chris) as a student at Northland College in Ashland. She worked at the local newspaper as a graphic designer and award-winning columnist. In 2005, she joined Chris at New Moon, where she strives to help folks feel welcome in the Northwoods by outfitting them with all their outdoor needs. Outside the shop, she enjoys adventuring with her family and serving on the board of directors for the local theater.
