Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival |
Updated: Jan. 15, 2010 |
Take part in the Birkebeiner legend by coming out to Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area to cross country ski or volunteer, February 12 & 13, 2010.
The Birkebeiner Legend
It was the year 1206... civil war raged in Norway. An infant prince and heir to the throne, Haakon Haakonsson, was in danger and in hiding near Lillehammer. Two brave Birkebeiner warriors rescued the prince, carrying him on ski from the Gudbrandsdal valley over two mountain ranges to Rena in the Osterdal valley. The young prince was later crowned King of Norway and the civil war ended.
The English translation of Birkebeiner is birch leggings which described the warriors' birch bark footwear. Today Birkebeiner has come to mean a person strong in adversity and never daunted by trial and hardships. The dramatic flight of the Birkebeiner warriors is now commemorated every year in Norway, the United States, Japan and Canada.
Today the Norwegian Birkebeiner still parallels this historic route over the mountains between Lillehammer and Rena. In 1985, the Canadian Birkebeiner started with only 100 skiers. Now thousands of skiers replicate the legend of King Haakon Haakonson here in Canada, skiing a 55 kilometre distance with a 5.5 kg pack representing the weight of the infant prince. This event is currently held at one of Canada's largest cross country ski trail systems at Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, 35 kilometres east of Edmonton, Alberta.
What is the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival?
- Remembrance of the historic legend of the original Birkebeiners over 800 years ago on their quest to save the heir to the Norwegian throne. Fun for the entire family!
- Canada's premiere Cross Country Ski Festival.
- The largest Classical Cross Country Ski Festival in North America.
- An adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
- A celebration of events beginning with the Opening Ceremonies and ending with the Vikings' Feast after the Birkebeiner ski events.
The Events:
- 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 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.
