My First Birkie
If you love XC Classic skiing, I highly recommend the Canadian Birkebeiner in Edmonton, Alberta. Winding trails, tons of sunshine, amazing feed stations and enthusiastic volunteers make this event a must do for those looking to try out new events and have a great adventure! I signed up for the 31km event and I feel this is a great distance. Challenging but not too taxing.
Bib pick-up is on Friday at the Woodvale Facility Clubhouse which is 10 minutes from the host hotel, the Radisson (Good price, clean and great hospitality). There is an expo and specialists to help you decide on the proper wax for the next day and showcase local businesses.
A few details about the logistic so you can properly plan:
There is a free shuttle from the host hotel to the start of the 31 and 55km event. The start is at Ukrainian Village. Around 50minute drive from Edmonton.
There is plenty of room indoors to get prepared and you are also able to pick up your bib then as well. You have the chance to have a drop to be there for you at the finish.
The 31km route is twisty, fun and enjoyable! You will cross paths with the 55km’ers.
The finish is at Waskahegan Staging Area with a tent setup for the athletes meal, places to change into dry clothes and a fire pit to keep warm.
Gear:
Atomic race skis, skins. Given the warm weather I went with what I thought would be easiest to manage.
Merino wool t-shirt and Swix jacket. It was pretty warm!
Nuun Hydration (Endurance) as I was going to be out there for almost 3 hours.
Drop bag for all warm clothes for the post race cozies.
For next year I’ll have an empty pack to store some of the amazing treats at the feed stations!
Before you head out be sure to check out the post race meal. There was a lineup waiting for the hot food and given I was driving back to Canmore I didn’t stay. It looked yummy and I was able to grap some treats that were already out.
Once you are completed the event you can take a shuttle to Bethal Transit station. This is the only logistic that I wish they could accommodate. You will have to have a car there or take a cab/uber back to your car. Personally, I’d prefer the pick up to be there as well. I took an Uber back to the hotel.
The feed stations are amazing and in hindsight, I didn’t need to bring food or much drink at all. They have Gatorade, water and snacks. Anything that you need they have!
The atmosphere of the event is extremely friendly, and the volunteers were always full of energy and excited to see people!
Canadian Brikie, Edmonton 31km
