Cdn Birkie Ski Events

The Canadian Birkie Ski Events

55 km Torskeklubben Birkebeiner with pack	The premiere event with 10-year age categories. Skiers recreate the legend of the original Birkebeiner skiers by carrying the equivalent of the infant crown prince, a 5.5 kg (12 lb) pack. A point to point course from the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village along the east edge of Elk Island National Park and through the scenic Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.
Details about the PACK for the 55 km with pack event	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.
55 km StatoilHydro Birkie Lite	Looking for a personal challenge but want to travel "lite" without the pack? Try the same distance without the extra weight. Skiers in 10-year age categories travel without a pack, the same course and at the same time as the Birkebeiner with pack skiers.
31 km Edmonton Journal Tour	A fun event with no age categories geared to those wanting to ski an intermediate distance, testing their skill and stamina. This event is an incredible personal challenge. A point to point course covering much of the 55 km trail with the same start and finish lines.
13 km Mini Birkie	A loop course for those who want a taste of the Birkebeiner, no age categories. Skiers in this event vary in age and ability, but they all seek the thrill of crossing the finish line. This event starts and finishes at the Waskehegan Staging Area.
Ole's Tour	This is a 2.5 or 4km untimed fun event where participants can ski with costumed Birkebeiners! Both distances start at 11:00 a.m., and you can choose one or other distance to complete even after the start line!
Start Times and Finish Line	55 km - 9:00 am - Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village  31 km - 9:30 am - Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village  13 km - 1:30 pm - Waskehegan Staging Area, Blackfoot  Ole's Tour 2.5 & 4km - 11:00 am - Waskehegan Staging Area, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot All events finish at the Waskehegan Staging Area, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area.