American Birekbeiner hits capacity; registration closed

The rapid pace of registrations provided a ready excuse for skiers looking to dodge the 2012 American Birkebeiner: "I couldn't get in."

The largest Nordic ski event in North America reached its capacity of 9,000 skiers and closed registration on Monday, about a month ahead last year's pace. Organizers hung this sign on their web page.

With steady growth over the past three years, the Birkie now rivals some of its European counterparts for popularity.

For skies hoping to catch a bit of the Bikie experience, the Prince Haakon, a 12K race, still has slots available. There's also a look ahead, to 2103.