A big thank you to the 20+ Ottawa-area radio operators who volunteered for the 2026 Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM). Thanks as well to those who were on standby as replacement operators. This was the Diamond Anniversary 60th edition of the CSM.
Most of the ski trail used for CSM is in semi-remote areas that have little or no cell coverage. Even radio coverage is a challenge in some areas.
As in previous years, radio operators brought their skills and knowledge to run a controlled net on the commercial rigs (the CSM uses commercial digital radios for health, safety, and logistics traffic). Net control was located in Notre Dame de Bonsecours near Montebello and operators were posted in checkpoints spread along the route that ran from near Mont Tremblant to Montebello with a large part of the trail on the private Kenauk Reserve. Throughout the day, operators passed traffic between net control or other checkpoints and checkpoint leaders about things like requests for more food, water, propane or other supplies. They logged the messages to track when they were sent and if there was any follow up needed. After the sweep following the last inbound skier arrived, the checkpoints were torn down and radios were packed up.
There were a number of important changes made to the Marathon itself due to the severe cold (see below for more details on those changes). Hams mainly operated from inside their cars due to the cold (both days averaged –15 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of –21). In nicer weather, they can operate outside, as long as they can hear and have quick access to their radios. Operators are deployed in teams of 2 and many used FRS radios or handi-talkies on 147.57MHz so that one operator could walk around the checkpoint while the other stayed in the car with the commercial rig.
A volunteer thank-you banquet will be held in Gatineau on March 11, 2026. The banquet features presentation of service pins and awards. A separate banquet will be held later for the large contingent of volunteers in Montreal.
Get in on the fun and volunteer for the 2027 CSM which will be held 1 week earlier than usual on February 6 & 7, 2027. Volunteer registration will open in November 2026.
Background on the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM)
Founded in 1966, the CSM is North America’s oldest cross-country ski event. Held the 2nd weekend in February since 1967, it takes place in the beautiful Outaouais region, centred on Montebello. It is a two-day, family-friendly event. It is not a race. Skiers can ski on one to five sections each day. Each section averages 16 km, but there are longer and shorter sections. Checkpoints are set up at the start and end of each section.
Changes made due to the severe cold, reproduced from a message to volunteers sent out by Chris Teron, President of the CSM Board of Directors
Of course, the weekend had some very big challenges. First, we had the severely cold weather forecast that caused us to delay the start on Sunday by 3 hours, shorten the trail by 25km, eliminate a checkpoint and re-arrange the buses. Second, we had the severe wind on Saturday that caused us to cancel the gold camp, and transport all the gold skiers to the Papineauville Dorm and back again. Gold Camp has never been cancelled during the same day in the 60-year history of the Marathon.
For most skiers, the cold temperatures did not turn out to be a problem. Once you are moving and in the protection of the woods without wind, it was really quite pleasant. It was a factor for them when crossing open fields or lakes with wind and at checkpoints when you stop moving. But the decisions to alter the event were made as much to protect you as volunteers as well as the skiers. Most skiers don’t think of this. You and your teams were outside all day without the benefit of hard exercise to keep you warm. And you did it so well. You guys are incredible.’
We have had lots of feedback from skiers about the changes. While a few don’t understand them and boast of their ability to handle any conditions, the vast majority were extremely thankful. While the Gold skiers were disappointed not to sleep outside at gold camp, they skied the last section in fear of the bitterly cold night ahead and were grateful that we made the decision for them.
Last Updated on 2026-02-18 by Joannadanna