Skiing Events - February 9, 2008
 
 

The total distance skied by participants in 2007 was 55,263.5 km, equal to 1.38 times around the world!

 

55 km Torskeklubben Birkebeiner with pack
The premiere event with 7 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 Elk Island National Park and through the scenic Blackfoot Recreation Area.

55 km Statoil Hydro Birkie Lite
Looking for a personal challenge but not quite ready to carry the pack? Try the same distance without the extra weight. Skiers in 7 age categories travel without a 5.5 kg (12 lb) pack, the same course as the original Birkebeiner skiers.

31 km Edmonton Journal Tour
A fun event with 7 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. The registrants of 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.

5 km Snow Shuffle
A great event for novice skiers of all ages seeking a short challenge. Remember, it is never too late to start skiing!

2.5 km Ole's Two-Bit Tour
Ski with a real Viking! This event is for kids and people learning to cross country ski.

Group Challenge
The group challenge is "most kilometers skied by an eligible group wins". Group are organized in one of these categories: College/university, Junior/Senior High, Elementary School, Family, X-C Ski Club, Jackrabbit Club, Outdoor Group, Public Service, Spit & Polish, Small Corporate, Large Corporate, Seniors. If you are part of a group, just put its name in the corresponding area on your entry form! **Note: When registering for the group challenge, be sure all members fill out the same group name and category!

Start Times and Locations

All starts are a mass start format with no waves, qualifying times or seeds.

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
5 km - 11:00 am - Waskehegan Staging Area, Blackfoot
2.5 km - 11:30 am - Waskehegan Staging Area, Blackfoot

All events finish at the Waskehegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area.

Copyright 2007 Canadian Birkebeiner