Montebello (QC), Canada – An inspirational group of skiers ages 60 and over will participate in a two-day, 160km cross country ski tour this weekend on the trail of the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM).nParticipants will strap on their skis to go after their gold bar. To achieve gold bar, skiers must first earn their bronze, awarded to those who complete the 160 km tour without sleeping overnight and without carrying a backpack. To earn silver, you must carry a 10 lb. bag but you don’t have to sleep overnight. To qualify for gold, you must carry a backpack containing all of your sleeping gear, cooking gear, food, and change of clothes, and sleep outside overnight at the Gold Camp.

Overall, Gold Coureurs des Bois registration is up 15 percent this year, and 10 percent of the 330 skiers are 60 years old or older. Two impressive Canadians who will be attempting this year’s Gold CdB are Sharon Crawford, who is 66 years old, and Herve LeBlanc, who is 71 years old.

The CSM isn’t just a physical challenge; it is also a personal and mental one. This perhaps is where the 60-plus crowd has an advantage. They know how to focus their minds, enjoy the benefit of each glide, and the support and camaraderie of each other. With years of ski technique under their belts, they seem to conserve energy and find their balance on their skis.

This veteran group carries more than their big backpacks. They carry warm hearts, smiles and encouraging words.