Covering, skiing, and chronicling the American Birkebeiner

Jerome Poling spent years covering the American Birkebeiner as a journalist before deciding to take part in the race himself.

Poling spent 27 years as a journalist at the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram and another 15 years as communications manager at UW–Stout. He also holds a master’s degree in English literature from UW–Eau Claire.

He first encountered the American Birkebeiner in the early 1980s while covering the race as a journalist.

Watching the race year after year, Poling says it didn’t take long before he wanted to be part of it himself.

“I loved watching the people in the race and I just thought someday I want to be one of them and join in on the fun, it just looked like such a cool experience to be out there skiing, I really at some point just decided I want to do that too,” says Poling.

A few years later, Poling started with the Kortelopet, eventually moving up to the full Birkie, while continuing to report on local skiers from Eau Claire.

“I kind of had a double exposure to the Birkie as a skier and as a writer,” he says.

 He has now completed half of the 50 Birkebeiner races that have been held and earned a membership in the Birchleggings Club, which recognizes skiers who have finished 20 or more Birkies.

Poling says the personal challenge of the race and the energy of Birkie Week is what brought him back year after year.

“I loved being there, I love being a part of it, seeing skiing friends, being there with my family, creating memories. The whole experience is something I’ve just always looked forward to every year.”

Approaching its 50th year, Poling thought it was the perfect time to document the history of an event that had meant so much to him.

He published his fifth book in October titled American Birkebeiner: The Nation’s Greatest Ski Marathon, drawing on decades of reporting and skiing to document the race’s history, its unique atmosphere, and how it has changed over time.

“The title isn’t making a boast, I believe the Birkie truly is, I mean most people would say, truly is the nation’s greatest skiing marathon. So I hope that the book cements that idea in their mind that this is a great amazing event and continues to support it, continue to support the foundation so that it remains the great event that it is,” says Poling.