Download the 2008 trail map: CSM Map 2008

THE CSM TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Saturday February 9th, 2008
Gatineau to Montebello

Section 10 - Gatineau
(12.1 km) Intermediate Level

From the start at the Buckingham golf course the trail enters the network of the “Renards Blancs” cross-country ski club. Winding its way through a rugged forest this section offers very nice skiing with lots of ups and downs. A good downhill a kilometer before the checkpoint will test your skills before the trail levels out.

Section 9 - LeDroit
(15.3 km) Easy Level

The trail goes through an area of woodlots and old farm fields. There are many nice views of the rolling hills. With lots of fun twists and turns over undulating terrain the trail eventually crosses the La Blanche River and continues through rolling farmland and some woodlots to finish at a checkpoint at the Mayo ball park.

Section 8 - Lauzon
(16.0 km) Intermediate Level

The section offers some of the most aesthetically pleasing scenery of the CSM with its hardwood forests and its typical “Canadian Shield” terrain. The trail passes through some farmland and then follows forestry roads owned by Lauzon Hardwood Flooring (one of our sponsors) and gradually descends from a plateau to the village of St-Sixte.

Section 7- Ski Trax
(20.6 km) Easy Level

This section begins with a new section of trail for the first 4 kms. that, like in the past, follows gently rolling terrain across fields and small woodlots and right through the yards of several farms. It continues through open fields to a height of land and wonderful views. There is a 1 km section of trail that is only a single track just like the old days. Prudence please. The second half of the section is more rolling as the trail crosses several small ridges and follows the edge of the waterway.

Section 6 - Fairmont Chateau Montebello
(13.1 km) Easy Level (14.4 km including Montebello bit)

Starting at the crossing of highway 321 north of Papineauville, the trail continues across fields and woodlots over rolling terrain. The scenery near the valley of the Petite Nation River is particularly striking as the trail winds its way amongst steep forest covered hills. After the river the trail gradually climbs to a height of land before the descent to Montebello and the finish line at the Château.

IMPORTANT: Gold Coureurs des Bois are to watch for the Gold Camp signs after 4 km into this section. Their trail forks off to the left. All other skiers are to continue to Montebello. 

Total Day 1 Distance = 77.1km

Sunday February 10th, 2008
Montebello to Lachute

Montebello (1.3 km)

Section 5 - The Ottawa Citizen
(15.5 km) Intermediate Level

Day 2 begins at the northern edge of the village of Montebello at a new start point and soon starts to climb over a series of short but steep hills. About half way through the trail enters the cross-country ski network of Sedbergh School where it rejoins the Gold Camp trail. Flattening out the trail goes over open farmland before entering the Kenauk Reserve and arriving at the checkpoint.

Section 4 - Lauzon
(19.6 km) Intermediate Level

This is the longest section of the CSM and offers both a challenge and opportunities for solitude. The first few kilometers cross several small, forested valleys before arriving at a long downhill to the Kinonge River. Following the river for four kilometers on an old railway, the trail then crosses on a narrow bridge and follows a logging road. There is a long climb to the height of land before descending quickly into a farmer’s field. The trail continues through forests and a cottage road and fields to the Rouge River

Section 3 - Géo Plein Air
(16.2 km) - Difficult Level

Beginning at the bottom of a long hill leading out of the Rouge River valley and ending at Carling Lake, this section has contributed to the widespread renown of the CSM. Seemingly endless ups and downs, waxing problems and equipment damage have lead to every participant having a story to tell. After reaching the top of the hill, the trail crosses a plateau and several ponds before beginning the long and sometimes difficult descent to the Kilmar Road. The second half of the section is less exacting, following logging roads over rolling terrain until Carling Lake.

Section 2 - MELS
(13.1 km) Intermediate Level

The first kilometer crosses the Golf course at Carling Lake before heading into the forest. The trail goes over undulating terrain with short climbs and descents through cottage enclaves and over small lakes before arriving at the checkpoint at the Pruuli farm.

Section 1 - National
(16.1 km) Intermediate Level

Section 1 starts by crossing the Dalesville River and ascending a steady climb to reach the high point of the section. Afterwards the trail goes through gently rolling forest before joining the trail network of the municipality of Brownsburg-Chatham and crossing the Oasis Golf course. Heading back into the woods, the trail follows old logging roads for the final kilometers before the descent to Lachute and the finish line at City Hall.

Total Day 2 Distance= 80.5km

Total Trail Distance= 157.6km