This cross-country ski festival near Edmonton offers evening glides under starry skies

There’s a cross-country ski festival happening soon near Edmonton, and we can’t wait.

For three days, you can anticipate Canada’s premier classic cross-country ski festival, the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival. Here, you can compete, focus onbuilding strength and endurance, and experience the best way to embrace the winter.

All this is upcoming east of Edmonton this February, so get your skis and get moving.

What to expect

Before the Birkie, there’s a plethora of events the organization is holding in celebration.

There’s Hot Chocolate Sunday on Jan. 25, or, if you miss it, there will be two more Hot Chocolate Sundays on Feb. 1 and 8, which you can find more information on at the festival’s website.

There’s also the Full Moon Birkie you can participate in on Jan. 31.

The Full Moon Birkie is the season’s event where you can embark on an evening cross-country ski adventure at Waskehegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Here, you can glide under the starry sky and enjoy a unique landscape of shadows created by the full moon.

As for the festival itself, it spans from Feb. 13 to 15, with a variety of different ski events.

First, it kicks off with the Nordic Fair at noon on Feb. 13. The Nordic Fair features sponsor booths from the festival and allows you to purchase souvenirs. It’s also the place you will go to pick up your registration package. You can also watch waxing demos and bring your own waxing equipment and supplies to use the complimentary waxing area.

Saturday is when the ski festival truly begins, with several classic ski events taking place. The Viking Feast also takes place on Saturday, a way to remember and celebrate Norwegian and Scandinavian culture.

Finally, Sunday continues with the ski events and closes off with the Barnebirkie Family Ski. More information will come soon, but this family ski will take place in Edmonton, partnered with the Silver Skate Festival.

Registration for events closes at midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to compete.

When: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, to Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies

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