February 2, 2006 ─ On February 11 and 12, 2006 the Canadian Ski Marathon will hold its 40th annual edition and everyone who wants to celebrate the Canadian winter is invited to come! Turning 40 is a milestone and some choose to celebrate quietly among family while others open their doors and throw an unforgettable party. Over 2000 cross-country skiers from across Canada and the US have already registered to ski the event and it is still possible to sign up. ‘‘We hope to break our 20 year record of 2250 skiers. The trail is looking great and cold nights and fresh snow is what we dream about at this time of year,’’ said Guylaine Despatis, CSM Director General.

Olympic cross-country skier, Pierre Harvey, has been named the Honourary President for the 2006 CSM and he will be starting the event with the pop of a paper bag, a tradition that continues since the first CSM in 1967. I am honoured to be part of this skiing tradition that welcomes skiers of all ages and abilities to enjoy winter,’’ said Mr. Harvey. ‘‘I encourage young people to challenge themselves at this historic winter event.’’

The CSM is attracting more youth to the event with two new initiatives for its 40th anniversary. New for 2006 is a Free Mini-CSM for youth under 18. This allows younger skiers to ski one section of the trail (approximately 15km) over the weekend. It is a great way to introduce new skiers to the event and an opportunity for families to enjoy the trail together. ‘‘This initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Quebec Ministry of Education, Sport and Leisure and the City of Lachute who want to help encourage youth to be active,’’ said Guylaine Despatis.

Also new is the first annual CSM Family Fun Day geared to have young kids experience the spirit of the event. On Saturday February 11, a 3 km ski trail will be set-up on the grounds of the Fairmont Chateau Montebello for families and then they will be able to step inside the hotel for lunch and a swim in the pool.

The CSM is North America’s longest cross-country ski tour stretching 160 km from Gatineau to Lachute, Quebec with an overnight stop in Montebello. The trail used is unique as it relies on 150 landowners to open up their gates one weekend per year to allow skiers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the picturesque Quebec countryside. It is a great Canadian winter experience as skiers from beginners to expert ski side by side achieving their own personal goal for the weekend. Some ski as little as 15 km while the hard-core Coureurs des Bois skiers ski the full 160 km and 250 Coureurs des Bois Gold skiers sleep outside overnight having carried their supplies on their backs.