Hello,

The Wiik family in collaboration with the American Birkiebiner Ski Foundation is fundraising for a statue of Sven Wiik and the Telemark Plaza in Cable WI.

In the late 1960's and early 1970's Tony Wise had a vision of bringing a world-class resort to a small town in Northern Wisconsin. Tony's vision came to life with a large lodge, a swimming pool, a stunning fireplace, and an alpine ski slope behind the lodge. As Billy Kidd once stated, "This is the only ski area where the lodge is bigger than the hill!" Tony faced one problem, how was he going to get enough skiers to come to fill his lodge? He had a plan! A call was placed to Sven Wiik in 1971 Tony asked if Sven would come to northern Wisconsin to help him make his vision come true. Sven happily accepted the opportunity to lay out a ski trail to attract the masses in Tony's vision.

The original trail was designed after the Swedish Vasaloppet, a 90 km race that attracts 70,200 (2015) to a small town in northern Sweden. The rolling hills of Bayfield County were perfect for the 50 km race. The first racers hit the start line in February 1973.

Unfortunately, the Telemark lodge is no longer standing after bankruptcy and the eventual deterioration of the lodge. It was ultimately condemned and torn down. In its place, the American Birkiebiner Ski Foundation is establishing a plaza to honor the history and allow for more memories and history to be made.

In September 2022 the Wiik family traveled to the old lobby of the Telemark Lodge to see where this plaza will be built. Artist Sara Balbin will be creating 3 statues of the 3 original founders Tony Wise, Sven Wiik and Marty Hall. They will be placed in the plaza along with a totem to honor the Anishinaabe/Ojibwe.

After many emails, phone calls and in-person meetings we have nailed down a final price for the sculpture of Sven and the plaza.

Sven's statue will cost $70,000.

The Wiik family thanks each and every one of you who has taken the time to read this brief history.

We thank you for your donations!

With much love,

The Wiiks