01
Race logistics
- Date
- 2026: February 14
- Venue
- Kananaskis Country
- Distances
- 30km, 15km, 7.5km
- Technique
- Classic
- Registration
- Online registration
- Course support
- 3 stations — famous for homemade cookies and hot chocolate
02
Course notes
Rolling terrain through the Kananaskis Country trail system in the Rocky Mountain foothills. The course traverses mixed spruce and aspen forest with views of the Canadian Rockies. Hilly sections with meaningful climbs and descents provide a good workout.
- Famous homemade cookie aid stations — the race's signature tradition
- Rocky Mountain foothill terrain with views of the Continental Divide
- One of the oldest Nordic events in Alberta
- Both classic and skate technique options
- Accessible from Calgary (90-minute drive)
03
Pacing and fueling
Distance is only a proxy for duration. Choose the outline that matches your event, then adjust it to your tested pace, conditions, and organizer support.
Middle-distance effort
30km
Pacing
Hold a controlled opening pace, keep technique efficient through the middle, and commit after the last major course feature.
Fueling outline
Plan intake around your expected duration. Start with familiar fuel and map any organizer feed stations before race day.
Short effort
15km
Pacing
Protect the opening minutes from an over-fast start, then build toward race effort once technique is settled.
Fueling outline
Arrive fed and hydrated. Carry a familiar backup if your expected duration or conditions call for it.
Short effort
7.5km
Pacing
Protect the opening minutes from an over-fast start, then build toward race effort once technique is settled.
Fueling outline
Arrive fed and hydrated. Carry a familiar backup if your expected duration or conditions call for it.
04
Gear and wax day
- □Classic skis, poles, boots, and tested kick system
- □Bib, timing chip, and organizer instructions
- □Race layers plus dry warm clothing for before and after
- □Familiar food and drink matched to your tested duration plan
- □Gloves, eyewear, hat or headband, and cold-weather backups
- □Scraper, brush, cork, cleaning supplies, and ski ties
- □Several tested wax options for the measured conditions
- □Final wax decision made from current snow, air temperature, and organizer guidance
This profile does not contain a race-specific wax prescription. Measure current conditions and make the final wax call with products and processes you have already tested.
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