Course Content:

The focus of this class will be on improving ski specific technique and developing efficiency on skis. To help you ski your best Birkie yet, training sessions provide practical information on: 

Equipment, Clothing, Hydration, Waxing, Stretching, Nutrition & Race Strategies 

Dryland training will be taught until the snow arrives. Find more information about Dryland Training here.

Skiers must have at least an average or better level of fitness. As for experience, this program is NOT for the beginner skier. A minimum of 2 years skiing experience is required to participate. For those new to the sport, less than a year of experience, or novices, local ski clubs offer how to ski programs.

Dryland classes will be held at Goldbar /Capilano Park in Edmonton. On-snow classes may be held in various locations including: Strathcona Wilderness Centre, Goldbar /Capilano Park and/or Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Training location will be based on current snow conditions and grooming, as determined by the instructor. An email prior to the training session will communicate the exact location.

Long ski training may be held at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area with date and location by mutual agreement between skiers and instructor, based on weather and snow conditions.

Please bring a pair of hiking poles or old classic ski poles preferably ski walking length (about 10 cm shorter than your regular classic length) and a yoga mat.  Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather. The first class will meet at Goldbar Park Pavillion.

Registration:

Dryland Training and Winter Training are available as separate registrations.
However, if you register for both Fall Dryland & Winter Training sessions, you’ll receive a $50 credit toward this year’s Birkie registration.
We’ll email you a discount code after both registrations are complete.

Registration via Zone 4

Winter training

Class Dates & Time: November 7th to February 6th (excluding two weeks over the holidays, December 26th & January 2nd)

Saturdays from 9:30AM to 11:00AM.

There are twelve weeks total of winter training sessions. Eleven classes with a duration of 1.5 hours and one session with a duration of approximately 3 – 4 hours for a total of 20.5 hours of instruction.

• November 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
• December 5th, 12th & 19th
• January 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th
• February 6th
• Wrap-up party following the Birkie weekend

*Please note that our instructors reserve the right to modify training dates, if required. For instance, in the event of illness without an available instructor substitute or to attend CANSI recertification classes. Class locations will be dependant on snow/grooming conditions.

Cost:

• $250 registration fees (+ 5% tax, 4% credit card fees and $1.50 Zone4 fee added at check out)
• Minimum of 6 registrants to run the course, with a maximum of 25 registrants.
• No refunds if the course is run, including for illness/COVID

Location:

Dryland portion – Goldbar Park; on-snow portion – Strathcona Wilderness Centre and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.

Instructors:

Jared Reichert – Jared is a CANSI Level 3 instructor and is looking forward to returning for another year of ski instruction with the Birkie Society. He got his first ski instructor certification 10 years ago. Over that time he has instructed the Learn to Loppet Program and Birkie Training Group with the Canadian Birkie Society and has provided lessons to beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers through the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club.

Rob Chevalier – Rob is a CANSI Level 1 and has been training for the past several years.

All Instructors have First Aid Certifications and meet Nordic Alberta instruction requirements.

CANSI = Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors.