MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The most challenging Birkie ever!! As we prepare for our 2021 event, this time during a terrible pandemic, it is uncertain whether the Birkie will actually take place.
Of course, all the fun activities have been cancelled. Our Nordic Fair, Vikings Feast, Festival tent, beer garden, etc. etc.
Our few cancellations since 1985 have always been related to weather, either too cold or an extended period of snow-melting warm temperatures. But this is different.
But we are hopeful, as are our 640 skiers (over four days) who have signed up. We are sold out, and most of the long course spots were snapped up with a day or two of opening.
When the first restrictions were imposed back in March, our board decided to assume a carefully-planned Birkie would pass muster. And we began the work.
There is a strong community that supports the Birkie, and wants it to succeed. That includes our sponsors and volunteers. Without our normal revenues this year, we have struggled. But the society has always maintained a reserve for just such circumstances.
During the early fall, we had our plans in place, and proceeded to finetune them in advance of registrations opening in late November. While it seems most other similar events have been cancelled in various countries, we felt our “Covid Birkie� would be one of the few to actually take place. And we still do, if the Capital region goes back to the restrictions in place during the fall. Our loppet committee designed a loop-course, with one-way trails running between the Waskahegan and Islet Lake staging areas in the Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. We capped participants at 80 per site per day, and were careful to account for patrollers, medical and water station volunteers to keep the numbers under 100. Our parking controls and non-touch protocols resemble what the golf courses were allowed during the summer, and what ski hills still use today.
We intend to rebuild our finances, and to be around for many more years, to offer the community a winter festival inspired by the toughness and dedication of the original Birkebeiners in Norway who saved a royal baby. If we are forced to cancel, our registered skiers will have their spots moved to 2022. And will be invited to participate in our Virtual Birkie as our guests. Either way, let's Ski Like Vikings! Dave Cooper, President of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society
canadianbirkie.com
3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Welcome to the 31st running of the Canadian Birkebeiner. We anticipate a great Birkie and congratulate you for joining the adventure and accepting the challenge. Here are a few notes to remember for the big day.
1. Classical Technique Only Skating is NOT allowed - no gliding on herringbone; no sideways pushing except on corners (up to five pushes maximum per corner). 2. Passing Etiquette
Please be courteous and if you hear the call “Track”, get out of the way safely and quickly.
3. Food Station Etiquette In fairness to skiers passing, don't stop in the track; step well to the side. 4. Ears Alert
For safety, do not ski with headphones.
5. Stay on Your Course Changing events during the race is not allowed. Anyone not passing all checkpoints on their registered course will be a DNF or DSQ. 6. Cold Temperatures Dress appropriately in layers, and bring clothing and wax for changing weather. Have adequate hand and head protection; keep well hydrated and well-fueled. Starts may be delayed and/or courses modified for safety. Please check Birkie Social Media for updates on conditions. 7. Warm Temperatures Drink lots of water or sports drink at food stations. Peel layers as necessary. 8. Bib Visibility Please wear your bib only on your front and over top of your jacket for visibility.
BE ALERT, BE SAFE… In emergency situations, check the reverse side of your bib for Emergency Contact information for Alberta Park Rangers 780-9223293 (911 calls will be forwarded to this number). Please tell them your location (which course you're on, last km sign or food/aid station passed), and the nature and severity of the situation. They will mobilize the appropriate response. If there are “dead spots” in cell phone coverage, please move to a hill or clearing if possible. If you see an injured skier on the trail, provide what aid you can. Have someone stay with the injured skier and try to keep them warm. Send a skier to the nearest food station and/or locate a Birkie Ski Patroller, who have cell phones. Controllers/Patrollers are stationed along the course and are authorized to pull you from the event if they deem it is unsafe for you to continue. Please use care on downhill sections. Please do not ski on closedoff sections; doing so could result in disqualification. If you cannot continue, stop at any Food/Aid Station to get a lift to the Finish Area. Give them your bib and timing chip information and let them know that you wish to withdraw.
MEDICAL AID If you experience a medical concern, seek assistance. Food/Aid Stations and Finish Line have First Aid personnel and Course Patrollers have cell phones. First Aid personnel will have white bibs with a blue Star of Life on them or on the uniform of their respective ambulance service. Evacuation skidoos or vehicles are available and we have quick access to ambulance. Please note any health conditions or medications in the space provided on the back side of your bib so it is accessible to Medical Staff if needed.
ski like vikings
The Canadian Birkebeiner is proud to partner with the MS Society:
Birkie Day Volunteers! There are approximately 500 volunteers helping you enjoy your Birkie!
is proud to support Canada’s Premier Ski Event!
Please thank the volunteers during the day – We couldn't run the Birkie without them.
@GoEastofEdmonton
4
canadianbirkie.com
Thank you Volunteers!
BIRKIE PROGRAM, FEBRUARY 12-15, 2021 The Canadian Birkie Ski Festival is a four-day celebration of cross country skiing and Nordic legends. It is one of Western Canada's Premier Nordic Ski Events and one of only three Birkebeiner Loppets in the world. Norway and the USA host the other two. Dates Check the date of your ski event: 55 km on February 12, 13 and 14, 2021 31 km on February 12, 13 and 14, 2021 13 km on February 15, 2021 only Location Drive to the correct staging area: 55 km starts and finishes at Islet Lake Staging Area in Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area 31 km starts and finishes at Waskahegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area 13 km starts and finishes at Waskahegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Bibs Bring the Tyvek bib, Birkie cloth mask, Covid Protocol sheet, Health Screening questionnaire and four safety pins that you received in the mail. The bib and filled-in questionnaire are your entrance ticket for the ski event. They must be presented at entrance to gain access to staging area. No exceptions. The bib indicates your Event Name and Participant Number. If you did not receive this package in the mail, please phone the Birkie office at 780-430-7153. Use the four safety pins to attach the Tyvek bib to the front of your body. Ensure you write your name, timing chip number and any health conditions or medications with permanent marker in the space provided on the reverse (back) side of your bib. To reduce, reuse and recycle, we ask that if you have a red, blue or purple cloth bib from previous years that you re-use it. A red bib represents a person who has skied every year in a 55 km event since 1985. A blue bib means the person has skied at least 20 years in a 55 km event. A purple bib means you have skied at least 10 years in a 55 km event. Please drop off any extras you may have at the staging area entrance. Rental Timing Chip Instructions All 55, 31 & 13 km event participants will receive a GoChip timing chip with ankle strap from the entrance of the staging area. You need to show your bib in order to receive this timing anklet. It will record the actual time you cross the start line, not your wave start time. Timing units will be placed at some Food/Aid Stations on the Long Courses to provide livestreamed interim results so your friends and family can see where you are on the route. Refer to the Results page of the Birkie website for the link to live results at canadianbirkie.com/results. Please return your rental timing chip at the finish line.
Nordic Skiing, Trail, Road & XC Running
ftrs.ca info@ftrs.ca 780-469-9292
6
Track Skiers are asked to be courteous; if you hear Track, you need to move out of the way safely and quickly. If you need to pass someone, please respect skiers by indicating your presence in advance. Then move to the opposite lane if possible and return to your lane when you are at least three metres past. In fairness to skiers passing through, skiers are asked to not stop in the tracks at food stations. Please step out of the tracks and stand well to the side. Start Times Give yourself plenty of time to get to the start area. You will be driving to and parking at your designated staging area at Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Please note there is NO start at Ukrainian Village and there are NO bus shuttles this year.
canadianbirkie.com
BIRKIE PROGRAM, FEBRUARY 12-15, 2021 13 km Global Edmonton Mini Birkie Waskahegan Staging Area, Monday, February 15, 2021 Morning 13 km Ski Event 9:00 am Start of Wave 1 9:20 am Start of Wave 2 9:40 am Start of Wave 3 10:10 am Start closed. No skiers to start after 10:10 am for safety and sweeping reasons. Afternoon 13 km Ski Event 1:00 pm Start of Wave 1 1:20 pm Start of Wave 2 1:40 pm Start of Wave 3 2:10 pm Start closed. No skiers to start after 2:10 pm for safety and sweeping reasons. 31 km Imperial Oil Birkie Tour Waskahegan Staging Area Friday, Saturday, Sunday, February 12-14, 2021 8:30 am Start of Wave 1 8:50 am Start of Wave 2 9:10 am Start of Wave 3 9:40 am Start closed No skiers to start after 9:40 am for safety and sweeping reasons. 55 km Birkie Lite Islet Lake Staging Area Friday, Saturday, Sunday, February 12-14, 2021 9:00 am Start of Wave 1 9:15 am Start of Wave 2 9:30 am Start of Wave 3 9:40 am Start closed No skiers to start after 9:40 am for safety and sweeping reasons. 55 km with pack Torskeklubben Birkebeiner Islet Lake Staging Area Friday, Saturday, Sunday, February 12-14, 2021 9:00 am Start of Wave 1 9:15 am Start of Wave 2 9:30 am Start of Wave 3 9:40 am Start closed No skiers to start after 9:40 am for safety and sweeping reasons. Tune into Birkie radio station When you arrive at the appropriate staging area you will see a sign with a radio station frequency. Tune into this channel while in the area to receive Birkie announcements.
Parking After you get your timing anklet, proceed to the parking area and stay by your vehicle. Volunteers will direct you to your parking location. Please put your bib on the front, timing chip on your ankle and ski wax touch up before you leave your vehicle. Dress Dress appropriately in layers; ski with extra clothing and wax for changing weather. Pack Weigh-In 55 km skiers with pack need to weigh their pack at home before they leave. There is no pack weigh in at start or finish line. Packs must weigh a minimum of 5.5 kilograms at both the start and finish of the event. Pick an the over-the-shoulder type pack or weight vest; please know that fanny packs do not qualify. Anything can be used for weight. Sleds No pulks/sleds allowed in any ski event. Clothes There is no clothing drop off or clothing tent this year. Bring a duffle bag or backpack to keep your warm clothing and other items in for use after the race. Keep this bag in your vehicle. Waves There are three waves for each event, please note your start time. Starts will be continuous throughout the waves, allowing for two skiers to start at 30 second intervals. Finish Line All ski events are loop courses so they finish where they start. Please be sure to give your timing chip to a Finish Line Volunteer when you arrive. There is a $60 fee for chips not returned. Clear the area quickly to make room for other skiers. Blankets and medical aid are available. Results All results will be finalized by 6 pm. Refer to the Results page of the Birkie website for the link to the Zone4.ca live and final results: www.canadianbirkie.com/results. If you have any questions regarding posted results, please speak to a volunteer who will refer you to the Results Official.
Entrance At the entrance drop off your filled-in health questionnaire; then show your bib to receive your Rental Timing Chip Anklet. You do not need to get out of your car; upon your arrival stay in your car and volunteers will assist you.
8
canadianbirkie.com
The Canadian Birkebeiner Society Safety and Environmental Management Plan strictly follows the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 guidelines. These guidelines may change at any time prior and during the Birkie ski events. The main priority is the health and safety of Birkie volunteers, staff and skiers. This plan mitigates health risks.
8. Weigh your pack at home only There will be no weigh scale at the start or finish area. The 55 km skiers will have to weigh their 5.5 kg backpack or weight vest at home. The accuracy of the weight will be based on an honor system for the 55 km with pack Torskeklubben Birkebeiner.
1. Complete health questionnaire to enter All skiers must complete a mandatory questionnaire the morning of their race to determine their health and exposure. Skiers will be asked to present their completed health questionnaire to enter the staging area. No exceptions.
9. Read the program guide and tune into the Birkie FM station Birkie Program Guide and maps are at www.canadianbirkie.com/program-guide. A sign at the staging area entrance will display the Birkie FM radio station frequency. Skiers can tune into this station to hear announcements while in the area.
2. Stay two metres apart Skiers must always stay two metres apart from others. 3. Wear a mask Skiers must be seen wearing a mask in their vehicles to gain access to the staging area. They must also wear their mask walking to and from their vehicle, to and from the start/finish line, and while waiting to start the race. Participants are encouraged to wear masks while skiing and at aid stations, but it is not mandatory. Drivers dropping off and picking up skiers must also wear a mask in their vehicles to enter staging area. People not wearing a mask in the staging area will be asked to leave immediately. No exceptions. 4. Do not congregate Volunteers set up the start/finish areas to decrease touch points and discourage people congregating. Please note there are no festival tents, change trailers, clothing tents, warm up facilities, fire pits, podiums, awards ceremonies, medals, spectators, bus shuttles, skiing warm up areas, or ski waxing areas. Skiers will only be able to apply a kick wax touch up at their vehicle. Skiers should come ready to ski. 5. Don't arrive early Skiers are encouraged to time their arrival no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your wave start time. You will then be asked to park only where directed, and then proceed as quickly as possible to the start zone. Skiers in later waves will not be permitted to park or start early. 6. Check for your start location The 55 km ski events start/finish at Islet Lake Staging area. The 31 km and 13 km ski events start/finish at Waskahegan Staging Area. 7. Bring food and drink Food stations on the course will offer prepackaged water and snacks. Skiers are encouraged to pack their own food and refreshments for during and/or after they finish. There is no food service at the finish area. Fueling ideas include energy gels, energy bars, fruits, and nuts. A post-race hydration suggestion is a thermos of warm liquid in your car, which contains electrolytes.
Cancellation - Given the current world situation, there is a possibility that the 13, 31, and 55 km ski events could be cancelled due to the pandemic. If this happens skiers' registrations will be carried forward to the same distance in the 2022 Canadian Birkie. In addition, registrants will be emailed a code to register for free in the Virtual Canadian Birkie, February 12-21, 2021. If the event is cancelled due to bad weather, severe cold or lack of snow, all participants will be notified immediately by email. The information will also be posted on the canadianbirkie.com and the Birkie social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In this case skiers who purchased Secure Your Spot Insurance at time of purchase will have their registration carried-forward to the same event in 2022. See Birkie website for details.
VIRTUAL BIRKIE, FEBRUARY 12-21, 2021
Go at your own pace, at your own place!
Your Virtual Birkie includes the opportunity to:
You are invited to join thousands of people around the world completing the Canadian Birkie virtually. This ten-day event takes place from February 12 to 21, 2021. You can classic ski, skate ski, roller-ski, skijor, cycle, run, ice skate, snowshoe, or walk in a 4, 8, 13, 31 or 55 kilometre event.
• Win over $1,000 in prizes in the Virtual Birkie Photo Contest. GRAND PRIZE: a Cross Country Ski Weekend in the Canadian Rockies. You get two nights at the Castle Mountain Chalets in Banff National Park valued at $459. Upload your results and see your ranking on Zone4. • Compete with people around the world • Download a commemorative bib
Go to www.canadianbirkie.com/virtual-birkie for more details.
• Print an official participant certificate and hang it on your wall • Access our special Virtual Canadian Birkie Facebook Group • 25% off code for Canadian Maple Syrup Altitude Energy Drink • Contribute to our non-profit's effort to promote cross country skiing • Have a great excuse to go outside and enjoy winter! Price Option One: All the above listed benefits for $20 per skier.
Sponsored by:
Price Option Two: All the above listed benefits PLUS an exclusive red Birkie Thermal Cover for $35 per skier. Keep your phone warm and working while you ski! The $15 Deal Pay only $15 per person when you sign up four people. That is like getting four people for the price of three. You will get a total of $20 off for signing up four people!
10
Most Kilometre Group Award Sign up your friends, office, department or organization for the Most KM Group Award. See details on our website https://canadianbirkie.com/most-km-skied-group-award/
Take it Outside
10148 - 82 Ave, Edmonton, AB Ph: 780-432-1707 (Toll Free: 1-888-432-1707) St. Albert at The Shops of Boudreau Ph: 780-418-1876
shop.trackntrail.ca canadianbirkie.com
11
12
canadianbirkie.com
COURSE DETAILS Food/Aid Station Information The distance between Food/Aid Stations is 6.5 km for the 13 km event and range from 5 to 9.5 km for the 55 and 31 km events. First Aid and evacuation support is available at all stations. Friendly and helpful volunteers will greet you at Food/Aid Stations with bottled water and prepackaged treats. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, please ensure you bring suitable nourishment for yourself.
Cut-Off and Finish Line Times The Official Course Sweep and Medical Volunteers are authorized to remove slower skiers from the event. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of all.
Aid Station Distance Closing Feb 12-14
9:30AM 55 km Elk (1) Meadow Stadium Wanison Elk (2) Wanison2 Elk (3) Islet
5.6 11.5 18.3 27.28 35.5 40.7 49.1 54.3
10:20 11:10 12:00 13:30 14:30 15:50 16:30 17:30
Wanison Elk 1 Meadow Stadium
9.8 18.1 24.9 30.4
10:20 12:10 13:00 14:30
Meadow Stadium
6.5 13
10:45 12:00
Meadow Stadium
6.5 13
14:40 16:00
In fairness to skiers passing through, don't stop in the track; step well to the side. 9:10 AM 31 km Station closing times for the courses are listed here. If you have not reached a Food/Aid Station by the stated cut-off time you will be requested to end your ski and will be transported to the Finish Line. The finish line closes around 5:15 pm. We don't want people 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. 55 km skiers have 8 hours to ski the course. Remember to thank your volunteers.
Feb 15
9:40 AM 13 km
1:40 PM 13 km
COURSE PROFILES
canadianbirkie.com
13
14
canadianbirkie.com
Provincial Park Regulations Courses and Finish Line are staged in a Provincial Recreation Area and all rules and regulations must be followed. No alcohol is allowed in the park except in the licensed Festival Tent area. Dogs are not allowed on the ski trails, and must be leashed in the parking lots and pedestrian areas. Bikes must be kept off the ski trails. Do not litter along the ski trails. Thank you for following the rules and being courteous.
No Smoking, No Vaping & No Cannabis There is no smoking, no vaping, and no cannabis in the Waskahegan or Islet Lake Staging Areas.
Lost and Found Unclaimed items will be taken to the Birkie office for pickup; email or call the office if you're missing something. At the end of April unclaimed articles will be donated to charity.
canadianbirkie.com
15
2020- 2021 Board of Directors and Staff President Dave Cooper Vice President Charles World and Chief of Loppet Treasurer Darcy Randa Secretary George Foxcroft Past President Jim Black Director – Marketing Delia Meenhorst Director – Fund Development Aman Hojanepesov Annie McKitrick Director – Program Services Director at Large, Birkie Sunday Roberta Hyland Director at Large Randy Stebner Director at Large Mike Dickinson Director at Large Peter Kershaw Keith Bocking Director ex officio Marion Hinteregger Birkie Coordinator Birkie Administrator Nicole Brenda
2020 - 2021 Loppet Committee Chief of Loppet Charles World Course George Foxcroft Stadium/Logistics Randy Stebner Ass’t Stadium Steve Lord Food Stations Ross Johnson Ass’t Food Stations Grant Chaney Patrol Dave McCashin Ass’t Patrol Quinn McCashin Signage, Alumni Brian Lucas Transportation Mike Stern Kirsten van der Meer Registration Marcie Mazurenko Long Start Daniel Evoy Short Start Geordon Omand Medical Anna Widomska Ass’t Medical Jillian Meyer Ass’t Medical Monica Wartenberg Volunteer Coordinator Ass’t Volunteer Coordinator Alex Zukowsky Kimberly Currie Clothing Services Victoria Lee Timing/Finish Line Carolene Kuschminder Recording Secretary Ben Featherstone CLBPRA Operations CLBPRA = Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Supporters: •Alberta Emergency Management •Amptec/3D Fire & Safety •Arrkann RV •ATCO •Beaverhill Bird Observatory •Blue Arrow •Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions •Budget Rent-a-Car of Sherwood Park •Campers Village •Carillion •Castle Mountain Chalets •Concept Homes •Earth Friendly •JaN Studios •KDL Audio Productions •Martin Deerline •Minuteman Press, Sherwood Park •St. John Ambulance •Silver Skate •Sons of Norway •Strathcona Emergency Services •The Marketer
16
Friends of the Birkie: •Alberta Environment and Parks, Parks Division Staff •Alberta Environment and Parks, Parks Division Volunteers • Alberta Trail Riders Association (FS) •Garry Atchison, Meteorogist •Blackfoot Grazing Association •Canadian Progress Club of Sherwood Park (FS) •Edmonton Attendance Centre, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General •Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club (FS) •Edmonton Examiner •Edmonton Nordic Ski Club •Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club (FS) •Friends of Blackfoot Society •Grant MacEwan Mountain Club (FS) •Margaret Toonen •Multiple Sclerosis Society – Alberta & NWT Division •Nordiq Alberta •Nordiq Canada •Northlands Volunteer Services •River Valley Revenge (FS) •175th Southwood Scouting Group (FS)
•St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre •Strathcona County Information and Volunteer Centre •Strathcona Wilderness Centre •Survivorfest 24 (FS) •University of Alberta Outdoor Club (FS) •Verner Steinbru, Viking! •Waskahegan Trail Association (FS) •Shirley Yakamitz FS = Food Station Hosts
#CdnBirkie #GotheDistance #XCSki
Donors from February 9, 2020 to January 19, 2021 King Haakon Level ($100+) Phil Dunn Cathy Flood Ben Gready Aman Hojanepesov Nadine Kern Cam McGregor Curtiss McLeod Christopher Power Matthew Prowse Gerald Streefkerk Prince Haakon Level ($50-99) John Addicott William Book Leif-Erik Bredesen John Christensen Cathy Dunn
Peter Deeprose David Fricke Klaus Huckfeldt Laura Jackson Patrick Lamb Curtiss McLeod Carrie Mulholland David Percy Don Stone Remco Van Eeuwijk Einar Viddal Monica Wartenberg Leigh Wincott Inga Fra Varteig ($1-49) Martha Ainslie Heather Archibald Martin Baclig Leslie Beattie Maya Bhatia Steven Brese
Keith Bocking Claude Breau Cynthia Brown Eric Carcoux Jennifer Chapman Jenni Clover Kathleen Davies Kevin Eidick Erik Flakstad Don Forster Patty Glover Cindy Grand Kristjanna Grimmelt Lenz Haderlein Judy Haig Sherry Heschuk Nick Holt Ben Horcica Karla Horcica Tara Jansen Kirk Jensen
Steve Johnsen Miranda Jones Bryn Jonzon Sharid Khan Andrea Lebrecque Rebecca Lee Cal Lenz Gerhard Lotz Bill Macdonald Jessie Macdonald Zachary MacDonald David Mackintosh Laura MacLean Jan McGregor Allan Mcintosh Kimberly McleodIreland Lisa Marr-Laing Tom Marr-Laing Katherine Maxcy
Valerie Neudorf Jeremy Neufeld Arto Ohinmaa Taranjit Purewal Jared Reichert David Ridley Jennifer Riess Paige Rutherford Lisa Sadd Richard Schneider Robert Smadella Tony Smith Suzanne Tank Richard Thompson Steph Untergasser Hector Voyer Scott Wever Shelley Wiebe Stu Williams Jack Yee Carmen Young
Donors from January 18 to February 8, 2020 King Haakon Level ($100+) Dave Mcinnes Christopher Power Zoe Larson Prince Haakon Level ($50-99) Leif-Erik Bredesen Patrick Leonard Nadine Kern Michael Bow
Inga Fra Varteig ($1-49) Klaus Huckfeldt Terry Lemiski David Fricke Douglas Schumacher Rick Hoines Matt Henrie Aden Murphy Deborah Nauman Carmen Young Owen Shackleton Tara Shackleton Ernestina Malheiro Damian Rogers
Red cloth
Skied all 30 previous 55 km Canadian Birkebeiners
Blue cloth
Skied 20 or more 55 km Canadian Birkebeiners
Purple cloth
Skied 10 or more 55 km Canadian Birkebeiners
Light red paper
55 km Torskeklubben Birkebeiner w/pack
Light green paper 55 km Birkie Lite White paper
31 km Birkie Tour
Light blue paper
13 km Global Edmonton Mini Birkie
In an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle, we ask that if you have a Red, Blue or Purple cloth bib from previous years that you re-use it.
17
The Canadian Birkebeiner Society is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1985 by five enthusiastic skiers. Their main purpose was to organize the annual Ski Festival and to promote cross-country skiing. Today, the Society is comprised of a volunteer board, committees and two part-time staff members. Committees include Loppet, Marketing, Sustainability and Safety & Environment Management. They all work together to ensure a successful, sustainable and enjoyable Birkie events. Volunteers are integral to the society and the Birkie event. We normally have about 500 volunteers donating over 10,000 “human hours” annually. Visit the Website for more information and to register as a Volunteer: http://canadianbirkie.com/volunteers. This is a great way to contribute, meet new people, and share your passion for this sport and community.
In the year 1206 a civil war raged in Norway. The infant prince and direct heir to the throne, Haakon Haakonsson, was in danger and being hidden near Lillehammer. Two brave Birkebeiner warriors rescued the prince and carried him to safety; skiing 55 kilometres over two mountain ranges in the dead of winter. The young prince, later crowned King of Norway, ended the civil war and brought great peace and prosperity to the land.
www.nordiqalberta.ca
The English translation of Birkebeiner is “Birchlegs”, which described the warriors’ snow gaiters. Their battle leg protection was made of birch bark wrapped around the lower legs and secured with leather straps. Today, a Birkebeiner has come to mean a person strong in adversity; never daunted by trial and hardship. The dramatic flight of the Birchlegs and the Infant Prince is commemorated every year by the Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet ski race which parallels the historic route over the mountains between Lillehammer and Rena. In 1985, some 127 hardy participants skied the first “Canadian Birkebeiner” in very cold conditions, reminiscent of the brutal winter in the original Norwegian Birchlegs saga. Since 1985, tens of thousands of skiers have relived the legend here, many skiing the premier event - 55 kilometres with a 5.5 kg pack. The Canadian Birkebeiner, with distances for all ages and abilities, has grown to become the largest and friendliest classic-style only cross-country ski festival in Canada. It is one of only three of its kind in the world.
Canadian Birkebeiner Society Address: 7240 - 82 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6B 0G1 Phone 780-430-7153 Email: ski@canadianbirkie.com 18
www.canadianbirkie.com
Connect with us!
Do you wonder where our sponsor level names come from? According to legend, King Haakon was in great danger during a Norwegian civil war so he entrusted his infant son, Prince Haakon, to two brave Birkebeiner Warriors who skied over mountain ranges to get him to safety. According to legend, that same infant, Prince Haakon later became a long-serving king, put an end to the civil war and under his rule, medieval Norway is considered to have reached its golden age. According to legend, Inga Fra Varteig (Ingrid from Varteig), who was the mother of Prince Haakon, fled with the group of Birkebeiner loyalists to ensure her son's safety and later helped him rule until he reached the age of majority. Since 1985, thousands of skiers have relived the legend here at the Canadian Birkie, skiing the historic 55 kilometre distance with a 5.5 kg (12 lbs.) pack, as a symbol of the child who was brought to safety by those Birkebeiner Warriors.