Welcome to The Birkie Training Group

Winter Session 2024 - 2025

• You can attend one of two training sessions: Wednesday Evening (wed) and Saturday (sat) - or attend both for twice the training!
• Dryland is pre-snow and runs October to November 2024.
• Winter may involve some dryland (while waiting for snow) or on snow.
• While sessions are 90 minutes, the winter training sessions cumulates in a one, 4-hour extended training session.
• Buy a combined Dryland and Winter training package and save $50.
• Lessons are NOT cancelled due to winter weather (e.g. snow, cold) but may be re-scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.
• Apres-lesson coffee, etc. are optional and highly encouraged!

Full details are on our web site here .

Purpose of the Training : The Birkie Training Group is aimed at those with at least two years of ski experience, and of average to advanced fitness, who are planning to ski a 13 km, 31 km or 55 km event.

Not a How to ski Program . This is not an introduction to cross country skiing. Such training is offered by local clubs. If you don’t live close enough to Edmonton to participate in a Birkie Training Group, check out your local ski club for their classes.

• Dryland Training : focuses on activities such as ski walking with proper classic ski technique, ski bounding, strength, core work, balance and stretching. Dryland training continues until there is sufficient snow or if the snow cover is lost.
• Winter Training : on snow technique development in preparation for the 2025 Canadian Birkebeiner.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Dryland Training (pre-Snow) Wednesday Evening and Saturday Day

• October 5 to November 2
• No class for Thanksgiving, Saturday, October 12

Winter Training (Dryland and Snow) Wednesday Evening and Saturday Day

• November 16 to January 29
• No classes December 22 to January 3
• Extended Classes (4-hours): February 1 and 5
• Wrap up party, TBD

Registration Close Dates for Wednesday Evening and Saturday Day

• September 30: Combined Dryland and winter training (savings of $50).
• October 30: Dryland training (no reductions for missed lessons).
• January 31: Winter Training (no reductions for missed lessons).

Location of Training

Instructors have the discretion of moving training to where conditions are best. Typically they will email the group the day before with the exact location. The following locations are commonly used. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to these sites.

• Strathcona Wilderness Centre
• Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area
• Lower Gold Bar Pavilion shelter (10955 50 Street)

Notes - About the Sessions:

• You should have average to excellent fitness to take the courses.
• Must have 2 years minimum skiing experience.
• Lessons are NOT cancelled due to winter weather (e.g. snow, cold)
• Minimum of 6 participants are required to run the course.
• The instructor will supply a list of equipment for first and subsequent classes.
• Wear footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain).

Notes - About Registering:

• No refunds if the course is run, including in case of illness.
• A processing fee for registration will be added at the payment stage (currently, a $1.50 Zone4 fee and a 4% processing fee).
• GST is not Charged.
• Registration closes December 2024.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The Birkie Training program is weather and snow dependent. Lessons are subject to change and are at the discretion of the instructor. Refer to the cancellation and refund policy before registering.

Other Ski Programs :

• Edmonton Nordic Ski Club .
• Find an Alberta Ski Club .
• Find Ski Clubs across Canada .

Who is the Canadian Birkebeiner?

Since 1985, the Canadian Birkebeiner has been continuing the Birkie traditions. One of three such events (the other two are in Norway and Wisconsin), training adds to the safety and enjoyability of the Birkie participants.

Volunteer

If you are unable to ski the Birkie, have you considered volunteering ?

Safety and Birkie

Safety is a top priority for the Birkie including being a supported of Nordiq Canada's SafeSport initiative .