Thousands gather for 43rd annual Canadian Ski Marathon

By Tara Kirkpatrick

LACHUTE – More than 2,000 skiers and 600 volunteers gathered in Lachute on February 7 and 8 to celebrate the 43rd annual Canadian Ski Marathon. 

Gliding through the Laurentians, the skiers joined a festival of brightly dressed friends and fellow travelers who spent two days skiing 160 kilometres from Lachute to Gatineau along the banks of the Ottawa River.
The finish line was at Buckingham Golf Course in Gatineau. 

Mid-way through the first day, a cold rain began to fall on the skiers, which turned ideal ski conditions into wet and chilly ones. For participants aiming to complete the Coureur des Bois gold level, this meant sleeping outside in the cold and rain. 

Open to skiers of all ages and abilities, the Canadian Ski Marathon presents the opportunity for skiers to challenge themselves to a test of endurance and old-fashioned grit. 

“The weather is always the greatest challenge” said 14-year-old Jessie Kryjcik, who broke CSM records in 2005 when she became the youngest girl ever to complete the 160-kilometer Coureur des Bois.  

Elizabeth Bell, 86, skied in the Canadian Ski Marathon for the 15th time this year. 

“I think it’s terrific to ski in the marathon and we are very fortunate to have it,” said Bell.  An enthusiastic supporter of the marathon, Bell skied 15 kilometres on the first day and said she would be returning on day two for a second round. Bell attributes her good health to long hours spent in her garden and skiing during winter.   

The Canadian Ski Marathon was created to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Canada and is able to return to its original route each year due to the participation of local landowners who donate the use of their land and to the hundreds of volunteers, local fire departments, police, ambulance, and municipalities who donate their time and resources.

Watch a video of interviews The Review's Tara Kirkpatrick conducted with participants in the Canadian Ski Marathon.