2 March, 2012

Dear Skiers,

Now that I have come up for air and think back to the 2012 version of the Canadian Ski Marathon, all I can think of is the smiling faces of old and new friends and the wonderful trail conditions. From the buzz at the dorm, the Chateau, in the buses and at the banquet, I have the strong feeling that the traditional CSM is back! Along the trail from Buckingham to Lachute, you achieved your goals and are now thinking about returning in 2013. How could you not?

I am returning as President for 2013 and the Board is rolling up its sleeves, digesting your feedback and preparing to make some innovative decisions for the future. The future of the CSM depends entirely on converting new generations of skiers to become CSM loyalists. We MUST do a better job of attracting junior skiers to our event so that it enters their bloodstream. It's up to parents and grandparents to make that happen.

For our American friends, it really hit home this year how many of you come back every year. You never complain. You enjoy our great French-Canadian hospitality and you always find a way to make the weekend one to remember. The CSM is going to initiate an Ambassador Program so that we can have representation in all of the US States that typically attend our event. I have already started recruiting and trying to figure out how it is going to work. If you're interested, please send me an email.

Although we keep looking, we believe that it is highly unlikely that any sponsor is going to give us a large sum of money; so our focus is on persuading sponsors to help us where we need it the most: in-kind. Swix provides wax, Lixar provides technology, Enervit provided energy drink, McDonalds provided meals for volunteers, PSION/Viascan provides scanners at every checkpoint, Duoson provided AV for our whole event. The list goes on. This works if we can show them a return on their investment. I plan to list a number of items that we need in order to run a great CSM. I hope that you, the skier, can help to connect us with suppliers that can provide items on that list.

Finally, to the Coureurs des Bois - you continue to be the leading lights of our event. This does not go unnoticed. I have some ideas for how we can provide more value to you and make sure you continue to fulfill your personal challenges, whether you are at Gold Camp, at the Chateau or on the floor of the Papineauville dorm. You are the idols to our young skiers, so I sincerely appreciate how many of you offer up kind words of encouragement when you meet them on the trail.

I'd like to thank our 500 plus volunteers, National Defense personnel, operations, trails, safety and logistics organizations for doing such a great job. They too need new recruits, so if you know of a group or individuals that can help us out, feel free to pass their names along to the CSM.

We will be following up a survey so that we can have as much feedback as possible before our plans for 2013 start getting baked. By the way, we heard your complaints about the buses (time to get to checkpoints) and we are already working on addressing that matter.

See you in 2013!

Bill Syrros
President, CSM

The 46th CSM (Feb 11 - 12, 2012): Celebrate CSM's "Point-to-Point" Adventure & Jackrabbit's Spirit

Montebello, Quebec - For immediate release: Celebrate Jackrabbit Johannsen by skiing the traditional 160km point-to-point trail from Gatineau to Montebello to Lachute.

Experiencing the best conditions in years, the Canadian Ski Marathon can proudly proclaim the original point to point trail as ready, challenging and full of adventure. It will flow from Gatineau to Montebello, and from Montebello to Lachute; 10 Sections, 2 Days, 160 Kms in total. Over 100 landowners open their gates for this prestigious event and let over 2000 skiers discover western Quebec's beautiful countryside.

"In 1967, when I skied the first Canadian Ski Marathon, we wanted an adventure and we didn't let anything stand in our way of making it to the last check point", said Malcolm Hunter, CSM board member.

To celebrate the commitment of our new and returning CSM skiers, we are thrilled to host a "WELCOME BACK to the CSM Party & Jackrabbit Tribute" on Friday evening, Feb 10 at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello. The CSM is thrilled to announce that Ana Miura, Ottawa Folk singer and song writer will perform during this special evening.

We will take the time to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the passing of cross country ski icon - Jackrabbit Johannsen - throughout the entire 46th CSM weekend. Because of Jackrabbit and the legacy he left behind, we all continue to be inspired to enjoy cross-country skiing, winter, nature, health and fitness. His truly was the essence of "can-do" spirit and accomplishment. "As CSM skiers journey from point to point, I hope they are able to feel Jackrabbit's spirit and hear his words echo in their minds: 'see what lies on the other side of the hill, reap the benefit from the experience. Climb your mountains slowly and know that you'll have the opportunity to stand on the summit and look beyond to the farthest horizon!.' " said Bill Syrros, President of the Canadian Ski Marathon.

For more information about the 46th CSM, please visit www.csm-mcs.com, facebook/csmmcs and twitter@csmmcs.

For more information:

Shelley Fraser
skier@csm-mcs.com
613-720-9498

John Hardie
ski@csm-mcs.com
819-459-2976

Not registered? It's time to get off the Fence and here's why:

I am very proud to report that despite recent freezing rain and warm weather, the traditional trail - Gatineau-Montebello-Lachute - is in excellent condition. The full trail has been groomed creating a hard base with some parts of the trail boasting 45cms of snow.

... With plenty of snow expected in the forecast, groomers will do another pass next week to further pack down the trail for optimal conditions during the marathon. Other updates to the trail include;

- Section 7: Thanks to the generosity of the land owners east of St. Sixte, the trail is back in the fields, thereby avoiding the 2 km of skiing the sandy, salty snow bank along highway 317.

- Section 6: The Highway 50 underpass west of Montebello has been completed, eliminating the need to cross any autoroute construction sites.

- Section 5: The rocky pieces of trail north of Montebello, especially notorious in the last 2 years, has been completely rebuilt using a hydraulic shovel. The ups and downs are still there, but the rocks are gone and the previous hair raising turns are much safer.

- Section 4: The trail has been relocated to avoid the hill with the hairpin turn going down to the Kinonge River valley. It is still a big hill, but with sweeping turns and a new wide bridge at the bottom.

Plans are already in the works for more trail improvements in 2013 so we can all test our personal limits on a challenging, but safe, trail.

We are also happy to announce that CSM Section 5 (Montebello to Kanauk) is open now for people to try out before the marathon. You can pick up passes at the Hotel Ski Shop.

Finally, please reach out to all unregistered skiers who may be sitting on the fence. Don't let the "It didn't or I didn't(s)" stop them from having an incredible February CSM experience.

Help us fill up the Montebello with sweaty skiers telling amazing CSM stories - don't wait, book your Montebello room today! www.csm-mcs.com

Bill Syrros - President, CSM
27 January, 2012

CSM BLOG: Paul "BOOMER" Throop - CSM AMBASSADOR: http://csmmcs.tumblr.com/

SkiTrax Magazine

Canadian Ski Marathon and SkiTrax Magazine, the largest cross-country ski magazine in North America, have teamed up to bring you great savings. SkiTrax keeps you up to date on all the latest Nordic news, ski gear, adventure and recreational skiing, including race reports from across Canada, the USA, and around the world - check out skitrax.com. CSM participants save 50% off regular subscription prices - try a SkiTrax/Pedal Combo Deal and get Pedal Magazine as well - to order click here http://www.skitrax.com/csm

Holiday Greetings to all Skiers and Friends of the CSM!

Having been an enthusiastic participant for many years, I am very happy to be serving as the Honorary President for the 2012 event.

This will be the 46th consecutive CSM: a huge achievement for a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization. The best way to help to keep it going is to ski it!

Please note, that as a special holiday season offer, the next price deadline has been extended from 16th to 31st December. Please register now and join me on the trail on 11 & 12 February, 2012.

The first three skiers to spot me on the trail and repeat the secret message: "Is it true that you have stopped speaking?", will receive free registration for next year's event.

Note that I may be in disguise.

Peter Milliken
Honorary President
CSM

WELCOME BACK TO THE CSM!

If you are staying at the Chateau Montebello, Lixar invites you to a WELCOME Back to the Canadian Ski Marathon Party!

Pick up your WELCOME PARTY invite (aka drink ticket) with your CSM package on Friday night at the CSM registration desk. Head up to the Canada Room for wine and cheese, a couple of speeches, nibblies, (perhaps live music) and a whole lot of welcome back fun! 7-10 p.m. be there or be square!

Chateau Montebello Experience

2012 expect to:

Dine in the main dining room
Enjoy the vendor bazaar on the main floor
Chat with event sponsors and partners
Swim, hot tub and sauna
Have a cold beer or a hot chocolate after you finish the last section on the first day.
Skate, snowshoe or toboggan
Dogsled
Curl or
Cozy up in front of the rustic Fireplace.

SPA CSM Promotion: The Montebello has offered CSM skiers and registered guests 15% off all spa treatments during the CSM weekend.

Friendly Family reminder:

Children 17 and under stay free. Meal and ski registration charge only.
Children under 3 - free!

Montebello History:

Did you know? The Montebello hexagonal stone fireplace rises more than 20 metres (66 ft) to the roof? The Montebello contains 10,000 logs, 500,000 hand-slit cedar roof shakes and 166 kilometres of wooden moulding. Impressive! http://www.fairmont.com/montebello. "Like" the Chateau if you are on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/FairmontLeChateauMontebello

Lixar/Montebello Draw: Canadian Ski Marathon skiers get ready to answer the following question: Who was the local curé who was dispatched on an all-expenses paid trip to Rome for two months while the Chateau Montebello was being built?

If you know the correct answer, tweet it to @csmmcs or share it via facebook.com/csmmcs. 2 Montebello Brunch Gift Certificates could be yours! Yum-a-yum!

SNOWDANCE ... !

Snow dance people! Mother nature needs a little encouragement so please turn up the tunes and do a little snowdance for the CSM! We'd love to hear your favorite ski song so please tweet & share your tunes! Here's the opening CSM RDIO playlist! We want a playlist for every section! Playlist: http://bit.ly/rJO6Gg

Canadian Ski Marathon goes Social!

Lixar is proud to sponsor the Canadian Ski Marathon for the 6th year.

February 11 and 12 will mark the 46th CSM. There have been many wonderful memories created during this rich history but the one thing that remains the same: XC Skiers love this Canadian Adventure!

The unique trail is only opened once a year for this event & the fortunate participants get to journey through pine forests, open plains, steep climbs and rolling hills. The beauty in this experience is that the journey is individual! There are no winners or losers, only Canadian adventure and personal challenge and personal victories!

To spread the CSM word, Lixar has helped the CSM go Social!

You can now spread the word to your friends and "like" the event via facebook, http://www.facebook.com/csmmcs
You can follow the latest news on twitter @CSMMCS...use hashtag #CSM, #MCS, #CSMMCS or @CSMMCS when you send a tweet! PLEASE send us photos via twitter during the event! We'll happily display them on our twitter feed.
You can enjoy a CSM blog on tumblr: http://csmmcs.tumblr.com/
You can join a CSM group on Linkedin.
You can upload your own YouTube video!
You can also follow CSM pictures via the CSM Instagram account. (Photos to start uploading soon).
You can also follow the RDIO CSM play list if you want XC music to train to ... we love nature too but sometime you need to hear a little Led Zeppelin to get up the hill! http://bit.ly/rSuXBw.

If you want to strategise about your social media, please don't hesitate to contact Lixar at info@lixar.com. You can also follow us on twitter at @lixarit, on facebook at http://lixar.com/facebook, and on Linkedin at http://lixar.com/linkedin and on YouTube http://lixar.com/youtube.

CSM RDIO

What's your favorite ski song? We want to know! Send us your favorite tune by facebook, twitter or by e-mail so we can add it to our new CSM RDIO account. You can sign up for 7 days for free and listen to your favorite CSM ski and training songs! Now that's music to glide to! http://bit.ly/rSuXBw.

CSM YOUTH CLUB SPECIAL

Nov 1 – Nov 30 YOUTH Ski Club Special

The CSM wants your Ski Club to participate in the 2012 CSM YOUTH SKI CLUB CHALLENGE.

Get 25% off the early bird rate when you sign up 25 Youth Skiers

Get 50% off the early bird rate when you sign up 50 Youth Skiers

Click on 2012 CSM SKI Club Challenge to learn more!

Calling All Youth

The CSM provides a great venue for all young skiers, whether they are involved with racing programs, non-racing programs, or no formal programs at all, to come together for fun, socializing, and a healthy challenge.

Hello CSM Skiers, Families, Volunteers, Donors and Sponsors:

I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of President for this year's 2012 Canadian Ski Marathon. Having served as Vice President under Greg Koegl for the last 4 years and as a primary corporate sponsor, I'm looking forward to working with a new group of Directors to insure that this year’s event is successful and builds upon the tradition that has seen 45 memorable years of the Marathon .

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Greg Koegl for his full-time commitment over the years. He literally saved this event from financial disaster and poured time and effort into every possible detail, especially costs and operations. He is leaving knowing that the CSM is on solid financial grounds. Thank you also goes out to outgoing Board members: Kerry Donohue, Christian Marcoux, Robert Brunet, Derek Lecours and Geoff Blair.

I'd like to welcome Paul "Boomer" Throop as incoming Vice President, Malcolm Hunter as incoming Treasurer and the always dependable John Hardie as Secretary. Each one of these gentlemen shares the same passion that I have for this event and I feel privileged to work with them. Robert Saunders (new), Bill Nowell and Sylvain Parent round out the rest of the Board and will also play key roles in this year’s events.

The Board aside, the CSM does not happen without the great contributions of Gaëtan Pelletier (our fearless leader in the field), Denis Marcotte (our groomer extraordinaire), logistics, safety, our hundreds of soldiers and reservists, scout troops and volunteers. A big thank you to them and to all skiers and friends of the CSM who have broken trail for all of us. We appreciate your past participation and service, and invite you to play a role as we try to take the event to the next level.

I see my mandate as President as follows:

Improve overall marketing of the CSM - How - Improving the information on the CSM website and taking advantage of traditional and new technologies to get our story out to a broader audience.
Improve communication with our skiers - How - We will utilize our email distribution to keep skiers informed more often while also using social networking to create more collaboration in the skier community.
Keep our finances in check - How - Making sure we continue the search for savings and make sure we get the most use of every dollar we raise and spend.
Increase skier count to 2000 - How - Better marketing and better promotions to clubs, families and skiers from across North America and Europe.
Attract the next generation - How - Establish an outreach program with ski clubs, school teams and health promotion organizations and give them a reason to invest in the CSM.
Fill the Le Chateau Montebello again – How - Outside of the Gold Camp and the Papineauville Dorm, the Chateau represents the historic heart of the CSM. We will be working with the hotel management to design more attractive multiple occupancy packages. Watch this space for further announcements.
DRIVE for 50 - How - We are nearing the CSM's 50th Anniversary in 2016. We want to make this a very special birthday. There are plenty of ideas being tossed around and organization for this historical event starts now. A few lucky sponsors will be given the opportunity to be part of it. The search starts today. Please feel free to send me your ideas.
Get More Snow - How - Develop technology that creates snow on the 160km of trail from Buckingham to Lachute. (kidding). Pray?

As always, we are looking for volunteers and future board members, so if you want to join us for the ride and give back to the CSM, feel free to contact me at anytime.

Bill Syrros
President
Canadian Ski Marathon