It's Time to Clean Up the Trails!
November 15th, 2026
Bill Gardener Canadian Masters Championship
February 11-14, 2027
We're excited to welcome cross-country skiers from across Canada to Hiawatha Highlands for the 2027 Bill Gairdner Canadian Masters Cross Country Ski Championships!
Hosted by the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, this four-day event will bring together Masters athletes aged 30 and older for an exciting celebration of cross-country skiing, community, and a shared love of winter sport.
A Celebration of Lifelong Skiing
The Canadian Masters Championships are about more than just competition. They celebrate the idea that cross-country skiing is a lifelong sport, bringing together athletes of different ages, abilities, and experiences.
Named in honour of Bill Gairdner, a founding figure of the Canadian Masters Cross Country Ski Association, the championships promote fitness, friendship, and sportsmanship while encouraging continued participation in Nordic skiing.
This year's event will also serve as the 2027 Ontario Masters Cross Country Ski Championships, making it an exciting opportunity to showcase our local trails and skiing community on both a provincial and national stage.
What to Expect
The championships will feature a variety of races for both classic and skate skiing enthusiasts, with individual and team events throughout the weekend.
The preliminary event schedule includes:
Thursday, February 11:
Training day and participant information meeting.
Friday, February 12:
5 km classic and 5 km free technique races, followed by an evening welcome social.
Saturday, February 13:
10 km and 20 km classic races, a mixed relay event, and the championship banquet.
Sunday, February 14:
10 km and 20 km free technique races.
Whether you're competing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, the championships promise a wonderful weekend of Nordic skiing and community spirit.
Showcasing Hiawatha Highlands
With our extensive trail network, beautiful winter scenery, and dedicated Nordic skiing community, Hiawatha Highlands is proud to be the setting for this national event.
The Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club has a long history of supporting cross-country skiing in Sault Ste. Marie, and hosting the Canadian Masters Championships is another exciting opportunity to share our trails with athletes and visitors from across the country.
Events like these are also made possible by the incredible dedication of volunteers, organizers, and community supporters who help make our local ski events a success.
Registration and Event Information
Registration for the 2027 Canadian Masters Championships opens November 13, 2026, with early bird pricing available until January 17, 2027.
For complete event details, registration information, schedules, and updates, visit the official event page:
2027 Canadian Masters Championships – Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club
We look forward to welcoming athletes, families, and spectators to Hiawatha Highlands for four fantastic days of cross-country skiing. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating this exciting event!
