January 31, 2009 (Gatineau, Quebec) – The word recession may be hitting the economic pages but it is not holding back skiers from celebrating Canada’s winter and challenging themselves by participating in the 43rd Canadian Ski Marathon on February 7 and 8, 2009.

The CSM offers many budget options to make this cross-country skiing event affordable for the whole family as well as the more serious Courier-de-Bois. This year, the 160km double tracked trail will start in Lachute, and end in Buckingham, Quebec. Many skiers will complete one or two of the 10 sections while others will attempt to ski the whole 160km with an overnight at the gold camp in Montebello, Quebec.

“We have 50 family-fun day and 110 mini-CSM participants signed up. This is an affordable way to have a healthy and fun family adventure together.” said CSM President Greg Koegl. “The family fun day and mini CSM fees range from $10.00 to $45.00. The events are also terrific spring-boards for school aged kids (between 9 and 12) who want to participate in the CSM’s first Annual Jackrabbit CSM Ski Challenge which will be held on February 12, 2010.”

Understanding the importance of recreation and sport, the CSM is pleased to announce that this year’s Honorary President of the Canadian Ski Marathon is Quebec Provincial Minister Michelle Courchesne. “Skiing is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors. The Canadian Ski Marathon truly is a unique event which solely calls on its participants to challenge only themselves and to do their best.” said Minister Courchesne.

The CSM has seen a 30% increase in Courier-de-Bois registrants. The Gold Courier-de-bois pack everything in their back packs, sleep out side on straw bales and ski the full 160km over two days.

For the first time, the CSM has introduced a skier saving plan. If you recruit a new skier to the CSM, you save 25%, if you recruit 2 new skiers, you save 50%, and if you recruit 3 new skiers, you ski free.

The savings is truly a “win-win” when you want to challenge yourself and celebrate Canada’s winter in the warm company of good friends and family.