After I register, can I change the event I'm skiing?
Yes. Simply contact the birkie office at (780) 430-7153 or via email and provide a detailed message. The appropriate bib package will then be available at the Nordic Fair for you to pick up. This must be done in advance of the Nordic Fair to guarantee a bib number in the appropriate ski event. You may NOT change at the start line or you will be disqualified!

Can I have some more details about the 55 km with pack?
The pack you carry must be one that is worn over the shoulders, no fanny packs qualify. Most skiers wear day packs and some internal frame packs. The pack must weigh 5.5 kg or 12 lbs and it will be weighed prior to the start of the event and at the finish line to ensure the minimum weight is met. You can be over the 5.5 kg, if you wish, but not under. People use everything from wax kits to sand and even bird seed to ensure the correct weight of their packs. Many skiers will decorate their packs with stuffed toys to signify the infant crown prince, or just to show off their character..... and there are a few characters on the course. If you are unsure if your pack qualifies, either bring your pack to the bib pick up at the Nordic Fair on Friday or arrive early at the starting line on Saturday morning. If you are not carrying the correct pack throughout the full 55 km distance, you run the risk of being disqualified so please ensure your pack is appropriate.

How long do I have to finish?
There are cut-off times for each aid station and the finish line. The finish line closes at 5:15 pm or thereabouts, when it starts getting dark. We don't want people lost out on the course after dark! The information book that you receive when you get your bib package lists the closing times for each station. It is based on skiing an average of 9 minute kilometres over the 55 km distance.

There are 10 food stations on the 55k course. Just to give you an idea, a skier has to reach the first food station at 8 km before 10:12am. Wapita food station, 19 km from the start, closes at 11:51 am, and Wanison (at 43 km) at 3:29pm. Anyone arriving after closing time is taken off the course and transported to the finish stadium. With a 9am start, skiers have 8 hours 15 minutes to ski the course, and the finish line closes at 5:15.

Are there different starting waves?
No. All events are a mass start. To avoid congestion, we do encourage skiers to line up according to their estimated finishing times. Signs are posted to assist with the informal line up. There may be 2 waves used for the start of the Mini-Birkie if necessary.

When are the next Birkies?
The Birkie is always the second Saturday in February. So upcoming dates are: Saturday, February 14, 2009, Saturday, February 13, 2010.