February 15, 2011 (Edmonton, AB) – Nearly 2,000 participants took to the snow on the weekend for the 2011 edition of the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival near Edmonton, AB. Skiers were greeted by 600 friendly volunteers, sunny skies, and warm conditions, with temperatures reaching 5C.

Organizers offered five events to suit all levels of participants – the legendary 55km Birkie with pack, 55km Birkie Lite, 31km Tour, 13km Mini Birkie, and an un-timed 2.5 or 4km Ole’s Tour for kids and novices.

Over 500 skiers kicked off the day with the 55km events, while the other Canadian Birkie offerings were equally well-attended. The Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival is a premier, affordable, family-oriented, friendly cross-country ski loppet honouring the spirit of the Norwegian Birkebeiner legend.

In the overall standings, Kirk Howell of Calgary won the 55km Birkebeiner with Pack in a time of 3:03:07, while the fastest woman, Wietske Eikelenboom from St. Albert, finished in a time of 3:45:42.

Top honours in the Birkie Lite went to Andrew Pohl from Camrose, who cruised through the 55km distance in 2:49:56. The women’s Birkie Lite winner was Karen Messenger, also of Camrose, with a time of 2:15:58.

Camrose’s Andrew Brisbin won the men’s overall 31km Journal Tour in 1:31:22 and neighbour Amanda Ammar took home the women’s title in 1:43:12.

The 13km Mini Birkie saw Fort McMurray’s Micah Killick snag the men’s victory in 42:42. Camrose’s Kathryn Stone won the women’s race in a time of 47:27.

Results
55K Birkiebeiner Overall HERE. Age Groups HERE.
55K Birkie Lite Overall HERE. Age Groups HERE.
31K Tour Overall HERE. Age Groups HERE.
13K Mini Birkie Overall HERE.