NEW DATE: - Due to the cold weather forecasted for Jan. 1st in Camrose, we have made the decision to move the event to Jan. 2nd.

On New Year's last year, then eleven year old Ole Heie set out to see just how far he could ski in a day. His family told him “You have until the sun goes down.” Unbeknownst to his parents, Ole had set himself an insane goal - to xc ski 100km.

The plan, inspired by one of Ole’s teammates, was to start at 9am - skiing a 10km loop, switching between classic and skate ski techniques. In true Heie fashion, Ole’s clock started a little late…9:14 am. 7 hours 46 minutes later (6 hours 48 minutes moving time); would you believe Ole met his goal? He actually surpassed it - rolling in at 102.17 km just as the sun was dipping down over the horizon. At just eleven years old, Ole skied an impressive 102.17 km posting ins tagram stories, eating gummies, and joyfully skiing the day away...

How far is 102.17 km?

• That’s like skiing nearly two whole Birkies in one day.
• That’s the distance between Camrose City Hall and Edmonton City Hall, via the Heie Farm at Kingman.
• That’s 1,021.7 lengths of a soccer field
• It’s about 300 times as tall as the Eiffel tower
• It’s about 1/400th of the circumference of the Earth!

Ole’s impressive feat quickly captured the attention & hearts of people across the country. In an interview shortly after, CBC asked Ole what kept him going, and his answer was hilariously concise: gummies. This was no surprise to those who knew and loved Ole! Besides gummies, Ole was fueled by the love and support of his family, including his sister Ava (who skied 45/100 km with him), as well as friends as they caught on to what he was doing through his Insta stories. Gradually throughout the day, Ole received more and more messages of support through his Instagram, people coming to cheer him & his family on in person, and some even brought freshly baked cookies.

Ole’s infectious smile, pure joy & kindness lit up the world around him throughout his entire life. Cross country skiing, biathlon, running, swimming, mountain biking & road cycling, music and writing became important passions and talents that Ole chose to pursue, gaining endless skills and friendships along the way. He absolutely loved his school and trail communities. He was a hard worker with big hopes and dreams. He truly believed in inspiring & encouraging people of all ages and abilities. He believed everyone was capable of amazing things and everyone’s amazing looks different. One of his favorite sayings was “you do you and I’ll do me and in the end the world will be an amazing place”. Ole passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at the age of twelve, leaving shocked and saddened parents, family, friends, teammates and training buddies around the world.

A driven and dedicated athlete, Ole was known for crushing impressive goals. He was comfortable being himself and making a connection with any person, regardless of their age or ability. He had a natural way of creating energy that motivated those around him and a determination to wish others well. Although usually one of the first to finish any race, Ole always excitedly cheered every last racer across the finish line and was often the first to offer kudos & encouraging words on Strava and Instagram to everyone from peers to teachers and coaches and parents to elite athletes and Olympians. Ole’s world was far larger than we ever imagined. He has unknowingly inspired so many people around the world to simply do their best - after all, why are you doing what you are doing? To Ole, sport wasn’t just about racing. Yes, Ole had a fierce competitive streak and he loved to race, but he used sport to become the best version of himself and to encourage others to set goals, celebrate gains, encourage each other and enjoy the moments…EVERY MOMENT.

#SKI LIKE OLE | #SkiLikeOle.

This New Year’s Day, we’d like you to join us for the Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza (in person and virtual). We encourage you - as Ole would - to enjoy the trails with your friends, family and teammates, challenge yourself to do something you’ve never done before, set a goal (no matter how small or insane it may seem), learn the motivating factor of gummies and feel what it’s like to accomplish something amazing.

All registered in person and virtual participants will receive a SKI LIKE OLE decal as well as a chance to win some amazing draw prizes.

Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza!

January 1, 2022

Camrose Ski Club, Stoney Creek Centre or Virtually on your home trails

9:14 AM Start time

Skiers participating in Camrose most show a proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test 72 hrs prior to January 1st.

The goal is to ski as far as you can in 7 hours and 42 minutes

• Official Start Time: 9:14 am, End Time: 5:00 pm
• Skiers in Camrose - each loop you will receive your draw tickets (1 ticket for each km skied).
• Awards will be given furthest distance in the following categories:
• Under 12
• 13 to 18 years old
• 18 and older
• Special award for anyone completing the 102km
• Details on how to submit your distance will be sent closer to January 1st
• In person and virtual draw prizes drawn hourly throughout the day. Stay tuned for more details.

For skiers that come to Camrose to celebrate Ole there will be:

• A 10km, 5km, and 1km marked loops
• Hot beverages, hot dogs, and camp fires
• Access to the Stoney Creek Centre.

For more details watch the Camrose Ski Club website