The 2024 Canadian Birkie Ski Festival was truly one for the books.  The El Niño weather phenomenon may have posed a challenge for Birkie Saturday, but it failed to deter the enthusiasm of over 190 individuals who eagerly embraced the winter spirit by participating in this year’s Virtual Canadian Birkie!  We are thrilled to announce … The post Celebrating the Winners of the Virtual Birkie Photo Contest appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

Cathy Schreiner has been a driving force behind the Canadian Birkie since its inception. She’s supported various roles, from General Manager to Info Girl, and all inbetween. And has always been a loyal supporter of the Birkie’s growth. Cathy’s devotion to the event is marked by her immense passion. “It went from a grassroots loppet … The post Celebrating Cathy Schreiner: The Queen of Birkie appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

  Matthew Wilton is a true romantic. And a true champ.   This winter, he is taking on a Birkie ski twice, and the reason why is enough to make your heart melt. It’s his fiancée Kristi’s first time at a loppet, and he is determined to cheer her on and support her. So, he’s … The post A ROMANTIC’S SKIER WINTER ADVENTURE appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

For more than 25 years, east central Alberta and its distinct Ukrainian heritage has served as the start of the long races of the Canadian Birkebeiner at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. The spirit of Ukrainian hospitality has provided a place to get ready for the race – the Silska Domiwka Friends Hospitality Centre – … The post Canadian BirkieWhy a Birkie Fundraiser for Ukraine? appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

The  Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is performing at the Vikings’ Feast this year on February 11th. Now in its 33nd year, Vohon is praised for its colourful diversity of talent, its amazing ability to transcend the traditional into new cultural landscapes, and its power to ignite the stage from the moment the curtain opens to the final Hopak!  The ensemble from Edmonton, Alberta, … The post Vikings’ FeastUkrainian Dance Ensemble  appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

For more than 25 years, east central Alberta and its distinct Ukrainian heritage has served as the start of the long races of the Canadian Birkebeiner at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. The spirit of Ukrainian hospitality has provided a place to get ready for the race – the Silska Domiwka Friends Hospitality Centre – … The post Canadian BirkieWhy a Birkie Fundraiser for the Ukraine? appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

The post Global Edmonton launches Canadian Birkie Spotlight appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

In 2022 Nathan Smith participated in the 55 km Madshus Birkie Lite. He finished in an amazing 2 hours and 29 minutes and winning the first place in the Madshus Birkie Lite. His accomplishments attracted our attention. Roberta Hyland, volunteer on the marketing team, had the honour to ask Nathan a few questions. What age did … The post 2022 Birkie winner and Olympian Biathlete Nathan Smith lists five tips for 2023 participants appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

A message by Dan Leskiw, Chief of Course of the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival 2023. Dan explains more about the course and the volunteers working at the Birkie. The post A message by Dan Leskiw, Chief of Course 2023 Birkie appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more

Each year more than 500 volunteers contribute their time and expertise to make the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival happen for over 1500 cross country skiers. In Behind the Birkie Scene you can read a bit more about our volunteers and the work that is involved with organising the festival.   Ross and Grant: Chiefs of … The post Behind the Birkie SceneChief of Food Stations appeared first on ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ..read more