About the Ski Events

All ski events are on Saturday, February 13, 2010

Event Brochure	Download Canadian Birkie Brochure
Timing Chips	With chip timing system, please make sure to double-check that you have a timing chip in your registration package! It MUST be worn on the ankle and MUST be returned at the finish line.
Can I Skate?	No. The Canadian Birkebeiner is "Classic-style" diagonal stride only. Skating is NOT allowed. Two sets of classic tracks are prepared on all courses.
After I register, can I change the event I'm skiing?	Yes. Contact the Birkie office at (780) 430-7153 or e-mail us and provide a detailed message. The appropriate bib package will then be available at Friday's Nordic Fair for you to pick up. Note to self: 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!
Are there starting waves?	No. The Canadian Birkebeiner is a mass start (gun start) for each advertised start time. To avoid congestion, please line up according to your estimated finish time. If you aren't sure, ask other skiers lining up what their estimated finish time so you can place yourself with folks travelling the same speed. Please do not self-seed yourself closer to the front than your skiing ability suggests! If you fall, fast skiers behind you may not be able to get around you, and tangled poles and broken skis can happen!
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! Closing times for each station are based on skiing an average of 9-minute kilometres over the 55 km distance. Just to give you an idea, a skier has to reach the first food station at 8 km before 10:12 a.m. Wapiti food station, 19 km from the start, closes at 11:51 a.m., and Wanisan (at 43 km) at 3:29 pm. Anyone arriving after closing time is taken off the course and transported to the finish stadium. With a 9 a.m. start, 55 km skiers have 8 hours 15 minutes to ski the course.
Food Stations	Refreshment stations located along the courses and at the finish line. First aid, medical and evacuation support is available at all stations. Dress appropriately for changing weather and wind chill. You are responsible for ensuring you are physically able to participate in this winter sport. See the station locations for your event on the travel instructions page.
VIKINGS’ FEAST	Apres ski, feast with your friends! Awards banquet is at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre - see Vikings' Feast page.
Age group awards for 55 km events	Thanks to chip timing, results come fast and furious throughout the afternoon. Stick around after your race to see the awards handed out for age groups for the 55 km events. If you are skiing the 55 km event, you must provide your race day age on your entry form to be eligible for age group results and awards.
Overall and Special Awards	Following the Vikings’ Feast banquet at Holiday Inn - Awards begin at 8:30 p.m. Top 3 winners in 55 km, 31 km, 13 km, male and female. Age group awards (55 km events) handed out at the finish line throughout the afternoon - pick up after 8:30 pm Saturday night if you did not receive it near the finish line.