55 km Birkie Lite

Home » Ski » 55 km Birkie Lite

Birkie Saturday – February 13, 2027
55 km Birkie Lite

Looking for a personal challenge but want to travel lite, without the pack? Try the 55 km distance without the extra weight.

Course Description

This 55 km cross-country ski follows a point-to-point course rolls and winds through the scenic Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, from the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to the Waskehegan Staging Area.

Program Guide

Read the full program guide for all details

Click to View – coming soon!

Click to Download – coming soon!

Registration Fees until 30 Nov 2026 31 Dec 2026 31 Jan 2027 10 Feb 2027
55 km Birkie Lite $130 $150 $160 $185
All-in incl. fees $147.08 $168.92 $179.84 $207.14

What is included in your registration?

  • Up to 55 km classic technique ski tracks in majestic Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, approximately 48 km east of Edmonton
  • Race bib, timing chip, and results/ranking uploaded to Zone4
  • Food and drinks at finish line
  • Water, snacks, and nutrition at 13, 31, and 55 km food stations
  • Bus shuttles between Sherwood Park, Ukrainian Village and Waskahegan
  • Medals for top three M/F in 13, 31 and 55 km events and age category medals description here
  • Pin for 55 km skiers for each year of completion; medal for first time 55 km skiers
  • Ski Patrollers along the course and Sweeps at the end
  • Certified medical personnel at food stations and finish line
  • Love and admiration of dedicated volunteers
  • Free Birkie T-Shirt
    • When registering before December 31st, 2026 Secure Your Spot will be included.

      What is Secure Your Spot? If your ski event is cancelled, your registration will be transferred to the same distance and event in 2028. You get a full carry-forward for your registered ski event and for one year only! The insurance has no monetary value and can not be transferred.

    World Loppet

    Those registering for 31 and 55 km distances will have the option to have their results posted to the World Loppet for a $5 administration fee.

    Details

    Start Line & Finish Area

    The 55 km Madshus Birkie Lite starts at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and finishes at the Waskehegan Staging Area.

      Start Times

      8.45 Official Opening 55 km/ 31 km 
      9.00 Wave 1
      9.10 Wave 2
      9.20 Wave 3
      9.30 Wave 4
      9.40 Start 55 km/ 31 km Closed

      Description of Start Waves

      Cut-Off and Finish Line Times

      Station Name

      Distance 55/31 km

      Blackfoot 

      10:15am

      Outer Lake

      12:15pm

      Roundup

      1:45pm

      Central

      2:15pm

      Elk Push

      2:45pm

      Boundary

      4:15pm

      Booster

      4:45pm

      Last Chance (Meadow)

      Finish Line

      5:15pm

      The Official Course Sweep and Medical Volunteers are authorized to remove slower skiers from the event. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety for all. 

      Registration Package & Bib Pick-up

      Registration package and bib pick up will take place at the Nordic Fair on February 12, 2027 between Noon – 8 pm. Timing chips will also be distributed at this time. There is a $100 charge for non-returned timing chips.

      Age Limits

      • Children 2 – 11 years of age are not allowed.
      • Children 12 – 17 years of age are not recommended. If they register, they must be registered with and accompanied by an adult guardian.

      Parking and Shuttle

      • Parking for the Long Start is available at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.
      • Shuttles will be at the finish line at the Waskahegan Staging Area to take you back to your vehicle.

      Birkie Gear

      Support the Canadian Birkie by buying your own Birkie Gear

      Read More

      Training

      The Birkie offers several xc ski training opportunities to get you ready for the Birkie.

      Read More

      Nordic Fair

      Meet our sponsors for some final tips and pick up your race pack.

      Read More

      Viking Feast

      Celebrate your Birkie Results with fellow skiers after event Saturday Evening.

      Read more

      Results 

      Curious about (past) results, rankings and medals?

      Read More

      Haakon Haakonsson Mug, given to 199 recipients and counting!

      Awards

      Find out more about our yearly awards and awardees.

      Read More