Switzerland Engadin Ski Marathon

Upper Engadin, Graubunden, Switzerland · Switzerland

Challenging4 daysEurope~£850 est.

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Overview

Race the Engadin Skimarathon — 42 km of free-technique cross-country skiing from Maloja to S-chanf across the frozen lakes of the Upper Engadin at 1,800 m, with around 13,000 skiers surging away in one of winter sport's great mass starts on the second Sunday of March. The opening kilometres across frozen Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana are unforgettable: a river of skiers a hundred abreast, the Bernina peaks pin-sharp in the March light, the hiss of thousands of skis on lake snow. The course passes St Moritz, climbs into the Stazerwald — whose narrow forest descent punishes hesitant skiers — then runs down the valley floor through Zuoz to the finish at S-chanf. Skating 42 km demands genuine technique: if your background is classic-only, put in skate lessons before you travel, and train at altitude if you can, because 1,800 m taxes flatland lungs. Entries open months ahead and sell out. Arrive early in race week to ski sections of the course and soak up the Malojawind folklore. Around £850 covers entry and four nights in Celerina or La Punt with trail passes; St Moritz prices are another matter entirely.