November 18, 2010 – The Directors of the Canadian Ski Marathon and the Canadian Birkebeiner, together with the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services, proudly announce that Saturday, February 12th is Nordic Ski Day in Canada. All Canadians are encouraged to strap on their cross-country skis and get outdoors to enjoy Canada’s “other” national winter pastime. Cross-country skiing is a fun and social way to stay healthy while enjoying Canada’s beautiful outdoors by traveling through our Winter Wonderland on two planks!

Why Saturday, February 12th? The second weekend in February is traditionally the date of two of Canada’s biggest cross-country ski events: the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) in Gatineau Quebec, and the Canadian Birkebeiner in Edmonton Alberta. In future years we look forward to ski clubs and individuals across Canada joining us in recognizing this annual Nordic Ski Day.

This year both the CSM and the Canadian “Birkie” (as it’s affectionately known) are inviting the men and women who serve so proudly in uniform in the Canadian Forces to come and challenge themselves at either event. Military registrants will pay early-bird pricing and military teams will compete for the “Military Cup.” The Honorable Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence, will once again serve as the Honorary Patron of the CSM in Gatineau.

“We’re delighted to include the CSM as part of Nordic Ski Day in Canada,” says Mr. Greg Koegl, President of the CSM volunteer Board of Directors. “Last year we had more than 2,000 skiers on the trails, and this year we expect the number to grow. Every year we know that many members of our military come out to ski or to support the event, and this year we’re very happy to formally welcome members of the Canadian Forces!”

“One of our objectives at the Canadian Birkebeiner is to promote a healthy lifestyle through family participation in outdoor winter sports,” says Mr. Ken Bagnall, President of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society and organizer of the Birkie. “We’re very happy to welcome all our new and returning competitors, and in particular those military skiers from the Edmonton Garrison and from across Western Canada, to our national Nordic Ski Day!”

Ms. Johanne Thibault of the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services – Personnel Support Programs division notes that with this recognition of the Nordic Ski Day by DND, military skiers will be able to participate on duty status and local commanders will have the option of allocating sports funds to help offset members’ travel and registration costs. “We require all members of the Canadian Forces to stay fit at all times. We encourage our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women to enjoy Nordic Ski Day in Canada” says Ms. Thibault.

Military or civilian, all Canadians are encouraged to grab their skis and poles and get outdoors for some exercise on Nordic Ski Day in Canada. If you can’t make it to the CSM in Gatineau or the Canadian Birkie in Edmonton, consider attending a local event (or “Loppet” to those in the know) or just make some tracks in the snow in your own neighbourhood.