James & Steve at the Canadian Ski Marathon

On Feb 8 & 9, James & Steve both participated in the Canadian Ski Marathon, a 2-day 160km+ classic skiing tour that began in Gatineau, Qc

and finished in Lachute, QC. With all of the snow we've had this year, the trail conditions were some of the best in the CSM's 48 year history.

Here's James on the trail on Day 1.

James completed his 4th Gold "Coureur de Bois" while Steve was attempting his first Gold, which involves skiing the full 80kms+ of trails both days while carrying all of the gear necessary to camp out overnight Saturday night.  All that is supplied at the Gold Camp is hay to sleep on, a fire to stay warm, and hot water for preparing meals and beverages. Temperatures dropped to around -20C overnight but James & Steve both managed to stay warm in his sleeping bag.

Gold Camp

Overall it was a great weekend of skiing. Despite breaking a ski early in Day 1, Steve managed to make it to the Gold Camp before the cut-off time (on borrowed skis and boots 3 sizes too big!) and complete his first Gold Coureur de Bois. Year after year, no matter what kind of snow and weather conditions we get, the CSM is always very well run and tons of fun for skiers of all levels. 

Steve and James took photos and videos from the weekend, which are posted on the CSM Facebook Page