How a baby prince created the largest ski marathon in North America

You don’t have to fly to Italy to see Olympic-level skiers. They’re coming to Wisconsin this weekend.

As the largest ski marathon in North America, the American Birkebeiner promises to attract over 10,000 people to Hayward Wisconsin for a celebration of cross country skiing. Starting tomorrow and running through Sunday, there are several races for kids, dogs, and yes, Olympic-level skiers. But the main race is where the action is, and it involves carrying a real-life infant for a portion of the course.

A new baby is chosen every year. While this year’s baby was not much of a talker, Lake Effect’s Sam Woods caught up with 2010’s baby and his parents. 16 years later, their story reveals a tapestry of love, living history, and a life of skiing.