Canadian Birkie News

Registration closes Feb 10, 11.59pm - Click to Register

The 2026 Birkie Program Guide Is Here

The 2026 Birkie Program Guide is now available! Inside, you’ll find everything you need to plan your event weekend, including schedules, course details, venue maps, activities, and key event information.

Whether you’re skiing, cheering, or volunteering, the program guide is your go-to resource for making the most of the 2026 Birkie experience.

View the 2026 Program Guide

Serious grooming will restore the Birkie ski tracks

The recent warm weather has turned our ski trails, in trails that are not always easy to ski This week the trend will continue, but the forecast calls for things to change over the weekend.

Next week temperatures will stay below freezing and allow Alberta Parks staff the chance to groom the Birkie trails in anticipation of a mild but wonderful ski weekend. There will be three machines working to grind the ice and reset the tracks through our entire network of trails.

This could be one of the most pleasant Birkie events ever.

We hope to see you all there on Feb. 14 and 15.

-The Birkie Executive Team

Registration closes Feb 10, 11.59pm - Click to Register

Chief of Course | Course update Canadian Birkie

Meet Our 2026 Birkie Baby: Yonas Itzeck

We’re excited to introduce our newest Birkie baby, Yonas Itzeck! Yonas celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day, making Birkie Saturday extra special this year—making it a truly special occasion for the whole family. A true winter lover, Yonas can often be found digging holes in the snow, heading out on long sled rides, and enjoying ski sled adventures while his parents and Opa train for their 10th Birkie. We can’t wait to have him cheering (and sliding) along as part of the Birkie family tradition. 💙❄️

Registration closes Feb 10, 11.59pm - Click to Register

Registration closes Feb 10, Midnight

& Nordic Fair Pick-Up Information

Registration closes February 10th at midnight, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the event! Register Now

Skier packages, bibs, and timing chips will be available for pick-up at the Nordic Fair on Friday, February 13th, from 12:00–8:00 PM at the Agora, Strathcona Community Centre (401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park).

If you need to downgrade your ski distance, this can be done in person at the Nordic Fair when you pick up your bib, timing chip, and package.

Last Chance to Register

Barnebirkie Returns to Gold Bar Park —

Family Fun on Skis!

The Barnebirkie Family Ski event is coming to Gold Bar Park on February 15th, and registration is open until February 10th at midnight. Ski packages can be picked up in advance at the Nordic Fair on Friday, February 13th from 12:00–8:00 PM. On-site registration and package pick-up will also be available on event day starting at 11:00 AM. We are excited to welcome MLA Janis Irwin for the official opening of the Barnebirkie.

Barnebirkie is a classic-style cross-country ski event designed for kids and parents to ski together. Partnering with the Silver Skate Festival, this family-friendly celebration of winter is where Birkie dreams begin—introducing young skiers to the joy, excitement, and community of cross-country skiing in a fun and welcoming environment.

Join the fun!

Viking’s Feast – February 14, 2026

Following a full day of skiing, the Viking’s Feast brings participants together at the Agora Centre, Strathcona Community Centre for an evening celebrating food, music, and Scandinavian tradition. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the program beginning at 7:00 PM with a traditional toast and an opening performance by the Valhalla Junior Scandinavian Folk Dancers.

Guests will enjoy live Scandinavian music by Janina Carlstad and John Fletcher, dinner, a visual recap of the day, interactive activities, and awards presentations throughout the evening. Programming concludes before 9:30 PM, with the Bent Stick Brewing–hosted bar open until 10:00 PM.

Tickets available until February 10, Midnight

Children aged 0-3 : Eat free
Children aged 3-10 : Half-price tickets at $40
Ages 11 and up : $80

Celebrate the Birkie!

Hot Chocolate Sunday

Cancelled

To help preserve the snow and protect the trails in Birkieland, grooming has been paused until next week. Please note that for this reason Hot Chocolate Sunday on February 8 has been cancelled.