2024
Saturday 10th August 2024 — Instruction & a Fun Race (1, 2.5 & 5km). Both classical and skating instruction are catered for. There is no charge for club members or the public. Start at 10:00 am in the Nordic Bowl (600m from Windy Corner).
To Register, click [HERE] — LINK NOT ACTIVE YET
The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club proudly presents Ski de Femme at Falls Creek annually. This community event has been going on since July 1994 and is run by volunteers as a day out on cross-country skis for women.
Ski de Femme offers free cross-country skiing instruction in small groups for novice and intermediate skiers in choosing classical or skating techniques. The clinics are fun and an excellent way for women of all abilities to learn about or improve their cross-country skiing.
Enjoy yummy scones and a cup of tea, and you’ll be in the running for one of the many spot prizes, including a weekend of summer house accommodation at Howman’s Gap from our major sponsor, the YMCA.
Participating in Ski de Femme is free. Before the clinic, equipment can be hired at Windy Corner from YMCA Falls Creek Cross Country.
To read the report on the 2018 event, click [HERE]
2018 Ski de Femme — still a tradition
Girls & Women in the 2011 Ski de Femme races
History
During the winter of 1993, two Swedish girls, Pernilla Grahn – 21 years and Charlotta Palmgren – 20 years (both ranked in the top fifteen in Sweden), and coach Elisabet Lamberg-Nordin (Mora Folk High School) visited Australia to expose our girls and women to elite cross country skiers through clinics, seminars and race participation. Their visit was funded through assistance from the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Australian Sports Commission Towards Gender Equity Program. The program was conducted on and off snow both in Victoria and NSW.
The Swedish girls and their coach made excellent role models, and it was hoped that many of our Australian girls and women would follow their example as dedicated athletes and fine sportswomen.
This visit catalysed the development of annual Ski de Femme Ski Programs in later years.
(From left) Charlotta, Jenny Smith (Birkie junior) & Pernilla (1993)
Birkie’s inaugural Ski de Femme day
This was conducted on Saturday, 23 July 1994, and comprised a 1.5-hour morning coaching session (100 women and girls attended) and an afternoon fun race over distances of 1, 2, and 5 km. Jenny van der Ploeg and Helen L’Huillier organized this event.
Many women & girls first experience in an XC Ski Race
