Januar 18, 2006 (Edmonton, Alta.) – The 2006 Canadian Birkebeiner scheduled for February 11th, including the Nordic Fair and The Vikings’ Feast has been cancelled.  The decision was made by the board of directors and the Loppet Committee based on the lack of snow to work with, an unfavourable long range weather forecast, and climate averages for late January of minimal snow accumulations.

“We lost to Mother Nature this year, but the Birkie will be back next year February 10th, 2007 bigger and better that ever”, said Brian Lucas, Birkebeiner Marketing Director. “In the meantime get out and enjoy this autumn weather hiking the trails of Cooking Lake / Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.”

All registered skiers will be given a credit by mail, valid for entry into the 2007 Canadian Birkebeiner Ski event.

We invite you to attend a “Winter Celebration” on the scheduled Birkie day of February 11th. Come out and enjoy a winter activity of your choice at the Cooking Lake/Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area -Waskehegan Staging Area.  Refreshments will be supplied. Complete details will be posted soon.

www.canadianbirkie.com