However, it is a ski tour, not a race: participants challenge not each other, but themselves by choosing a level of difficulty and trying to accomplish that goal.
In 2021 and 2022 the Canadian ski marathon (CSM) was held virtually, with anyone recording two consecutive cross country gps trails of 50 and 60 km earning an award.
A new feature of the marathon is the "mini-CSM" or "Taster" which allows participants to ski two sections of the trail over the weekend, one per day.
The marathon has hundreds of volunteers who brave the cold to help skiers the entire weekend at checkpoints, providing safety + sweeps, waxing services, trail work, awards, and administration.
These volunteers include members of local service organizations such as Scouting and Guiding, community groups, and cadets.