Canadian Birkie Ski Festival
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Canadian Birkie Ski Festival
The Canadian Birkie Ski Festival takes place February 12 to 14, 2027. It is a classic-style cross-country ski festival that combines recreational and competitive events over a weekend. Saturday events are point-to-point courses staged in a Provincial Recreation Area.
The festival offers a range of race distances and family activities:
- 55 km with pack (carry a 5.5 kg pack)
- 55 km Birkie Lite (same distance without the pack)
- 31 km Leading Edge Physio Birkie Tour
- 13 km Global Edmonton Mini Birkie
- 7 km Birkie Fun Ski
- Barnebirkie family ski options: 500 m, 2 km, 4 km
Long starts begin at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and finish at the Waskahegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Short events start and finish at the Waskahegan Staging Area. The Full Moon Birkie is an evening ski at Waskahegan with warmed huts, hot drinks, and snacks.
Training programs include a Dryland session beginning in September and a Winter training program from late October until February. The festival is sanctioned by Nordiq Canada and operates as a Loppet; Nordiq Canada’s fluorocarbon wax policy does not apply. Event rules require classical technique only; skate skiing is not allowed. Organizers may cancel for extreme cold at or below -25 C. Registration closes at midnight MST on Wednesday February 10, 2027. Timing uses Zone4 chips which must be returned or a replacement fee applies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
