Tour de Finn | Seeley Hills Classic 2026 Recap

by Allie Rykken

Seeley, Seeley, you beautiful legend, you. Thanks for reminding us that winter does exist and that it’s perfect. Of all the things that can go sideways in ski racing, this event delivered just about magical conditions. 20 something degrees, snow from the night before, a little bit of sunshine, big chunky flakes coming down that made you feel good, despite being halfway through a race. Great tracks packed down from the skiers ahead of you, thank you, whoever led that - I hope it was a collective effort. There’s something about a train of classic skiers zooming along a single track.

Seeley was back at 00 (ed. note: pronounced "double oh") this year, with the original course in play. The Tour de Finn points race was the 22K, and there is something really fun about going hard for the “short” race, feeling good after and getting to watch the long race come in after. The Birkie sure knows how to put on an event, and it was fun to get the big “Birkie Trail feels” and also, getting to just turn around after 11K. That section is so delightfully rolling. Please report back on this - what other trails have similar flow to the Birkie trail? Where you glide down one hill and momentum sends you halfway up the next uphill? Really, I want to know.

A fantastic event and day, and personally, I was reflecting on having a bit of guilt taking a mental break from the current events happening in our country, particularly in the Twin Cities. The state of things feel very scary and unstable and there’s something about skiing through the woods that felt very “normal” and restorative. So, while a lot of things need our attention right now, I think resetting our nervous systems on the trails can be something to be grateful for.

Okay, so, our standings after two races are updated and live on the web!

We are on for next weekend at the Riverview Loppet in Brule, WI, on the AfterHours ski trails, with the 28K Skate being the featured points race. This is a fundraiser for their trail system.

Hope to see you there!