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40th Anniversary Canadian Birkie Long Training Sessions

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area

Get Ready for the Birkie with Canadian Birkie 2025 Long Ski Training Sessions

  1. Are you determined to ski your best Birkie this year, whether it’s the 31 km or the 55 km course?
  2. Are you feeling a bit reluctant heading out on your own to Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) alone.
  3. Do you typically train solo, but you wouldn't mind some company and reassurance while tackling sections of the Birkie Course?

If replied “Yes” to any of the questions above, read on to discover a new program designed to support your Birkie training.

Canadian Birkie 2025 - Long Ski Training Sessions at Cooking Lake – Blackfoot PRA

Embrace the winter wonderland and take part in our free Long Ski Training Sessions tailored for Birkie registrants! These training sessions are strategically organized to provide you with the opportunity to log those essential kilometres while ensuring that you feel supported and safe.

Training Schedule:

  • Saturday, December 21:
    • Choose between 14 km or 28 km (2 x 14 km loops) on the Waskehegan Loop 1.
    • Waskegan Staging area: Estimated travel time form Edmonton is 45 minutes https://maps.app.goo.gl/1D2dLVHmPE6F3S93A
    • Event times 9.30am - 1pm
  • Saturday, January 11:
    • Choose between 18 km or 36 km (2 x 18 km loops) on the Islet Lake Loop 2.
    • Islet Lake Staging Area: Estimated travel time from Edmonton is 1 hour. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDWnSF69jkJ4e7JP7
    • Event times 9.30am - 2pm
  • Saturday, January 25:


What to expect?

These sessions will allow you to go the distance while having a safety net. Here’s how:

  • Supportive Environment: Ski alongside fellow Birkie participants, or feel free to train solo; either way, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that volunteers are there to assist you.
  • Regular Check-Ins: Before you set out on your adventure, you’ll check in at a designated shelter in Cooking Lake Blackfoot Park. You’ll provide your name, phone number, emergency contact, vehicle license plate, and sign a waiver.
  • Emergency Preparedness: You’ll receive the Birkie Emergency contact number to keep on your phone in case of an emergency.
  • Guided Routes: The ski loops will be groomed, ensuring an enjoyable experience, and maps plus navigation information will be provided.
  • Volunteer Support: Trained volunteers will be present for safety and assistance, along with potential on-course skiing to keep an eye on you while you train.

Why Long Distance training only?

With the 40th Anniversary Birkie approaching, having a support system in place will allow you to focus on your training without the added concern of isolation. Those long-distance ski sessions are crucial, and with a little extra support, you'll feel more prepared and motivated as you conquer your training goals. The program is available to all long-course skiers eager to enhance their performance leading up to the Birkie.

Registration fees

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

Dec 21 | Canadian Birkie Long Training Session 1 Closed

Choose between 14 km or 28 km (2 x 14 km loops) on the Waskehegan Loop 1. Start 9.30 am - Finish 1.00 pm Waskegan Staging area: Estimated travel time form Edmonton is 45 minutes https://maps.app.goo.gl/1D2dLVHmPE6F3S93A

  1. Free
    Nov 25 - Jan 24

Jan 11 | Canadian Birkie Long Training Session 2 Closed

Saturday, January 11: Choose between 18 km or 36 km (2 x 18 km loops) on the Islet Lake Loop 2. Start: 9.30 am - Finish: 2.00 pm Islet Lake Staging Area: Estimated travel time from Edmonton is 1 hour. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDWnSF69jkJ4e7JP7

  1. Free
    Nov 25 - Jan 24

Jan 25 | Canadian Birkie Long Training Session 3 Closed

Saturday, January 25: Tackle 23 km or 46 km (2 x 23 km loops) on the Islet Lake Loop 3. Start: 9.30 am - Finish: 3.00 pm Islet Lake Staging Area: Estimated travel time from Edmonton is 1 hour. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDWnSF69jkJ4e7JP7

  1. Free
    Nov 25 - Jan 24

Register for all three events Closed

• Saturday, December 21: Choose between 14 km or 28 km (2 x 14 km loops) on the Waskehegan Loop 1. Start 9.30 - Finish 2.00 pm Waskegan Staging area: Estimated travel time form Edmonton is 45 minutes https://maps.app.goo.gl/1D2dLVHmPE6F3S93A • Saturday, January 11: Choose between 18 km or 36 km (2 x 18 km loops) on the Islet Lake Loop 2. Start 9.30 am - Finish 2.00 pm Islet Lake Staging Area: Estimated travel time from Edmonton is 1 hour. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDWnSF69jkJ4e7JP7 • Saturday, January 25: Choose between 23 km or 46 km (2 x 23 km loops) on the Islet Lake Loop 3. Start 9.30 am - Finish 3.00 pm Islet Lake Staging Area: Estimated travel time from Edmonton is 1 hour. https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDWnSF69jkJ4e7JP7

  1. Free
    Nov 25 - Jan 24

Contact information

Event contact
Dan Leskiw
Website
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