FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, AB — February 9, 2026 —
Due to rainfall on Sunday, followed by continued sunshine and temperatures rising well above zero degrees Celsius today, the Canadian Birkebeiner Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the Canadian Birkie Classic Ski (Feb 14, 2026) and Skate Ski events (Feb 15, 2026) in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.The Nordic Fair on Friday, February 13, is also cancelled. Alternative ski options have been researched by the Canadian Birkebeiner Society and these were not feasible for the number of attending skiers.
President, Charles World states: “This decision was difficult for us to make, especially since we had every reason to believe there would be enough snow. Just last week, the outlook was positive. Temperatures were forecast to drop this week, there was plenty of snow on the ground, and groomers can work wonders—as other organizations demonstrated this weekend. Even early this morning, there were no signs of concern. However, during our trail visit later this afternoon, it became clear that we could no longer offer an enjoyable ski experience. The photos from the Chief of Course and Chief of Loppet show how dramatically the conditions have changed in less than seven days.”
Barnebirkie Family Ski and Viking Feast Go Ahead
The Barnebirkie Family Ski on Sunday February 15 is going ahead as the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club has snowmaking facilities in the park. The Viking Feast in the Agora, Strathcona Community Centre, on Saturday February 14 will also continue.
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About the Canadian Birkebeiner Society:
The Canadian Birkebeiner Society
In 1985 the Canadian Birkebeiner Society held its first Birkie. Now over 40 years later our participants can enjoy a three-day celebration of cross-country skiing and Nordic Legends which takes place the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February every year.. It is Western Canada’s Premier Nordic Classic Ski Event and one of only three Birkebeiner Loppets in the world – Norway and the USA host the other two. Started in 1985, the Birkie continues the tradition of honouring perseverance, courage and fortitude…as well as lots of Nordic Fun for the whole family!
The Birkebeiner Legend
In the year 1206 a civil war raged in Norway. The infant prince and direct heir to the throne, Haakon Haakonsson, was in danger and in hiding near Lillehammer. Two brave Birkebeinerwarriors rescued the prince and carried him by skis in the dead of winter to safety. They travelled 55 kilometres from Gudbrandsdal valley over two mountain ranges to Rena in Osterdal valley. The young prince, later crowned King of Norway, ended the civil war. The Birkebeiners (Birchbarkleggers) got their name from wrapping and tying birchbark around their legs from the knees down, like gaiters. This kept the snow out and protected their legs in battle. In the longest race of the Canadian Birkie, skiers still carry a 5.5- kilogram weight that symbolizes the Crown Prince Haakon Haakonsson
