Every March, the Engadin Skimarathon invites skiers and adventure seekers alike to trace 42 kilometers of frost-bitten alpine trails through the heart of the Swiss Engadin valley. The Engadin Skimarathon is an annual cross-country skiing race (ski marathon) held on the second Sunday of March in the upper Engadine valley (Switzerland), between Maloja and S-chanf. It debuted in 1969 and has been a part of Worldloppet as long as Worldloppet has existed. It is one of the major cross-country skiing events in the Alps.
Start of the Engadin Ski Marathon. Source: Wikipedia
The Marathon Trail
The marathon trail is prepared daily from late January onwards and can be used by all and sundry. All that’s required is sufficient snow and frozen lakes. To complete this trail just once, even in stages, is almost a must for any keen cross-country skier venturing out in the Engadin. The views of the wide-open valley and the Engadin mountains are unique.
The route threads through a varied terrain that tests physical endurance and technical skill. Covering roughly 650 meters of elevation gain, the course pushes steadily upward into open meadows where the biting cold sharpens the senses, before descending alongside rivers that dare you to keep pace with their rushing currents. Evergreen forests frame much of the journey, their branches heavy with snow, casting fleeting shadows over the track. Pontresina serves as one of the key waypoints-a village where mountains hold silent conversation with the sky. This spot offers both practical respite and a moment to rehydrate, refocus, and respect the majestic yet demanding terrain.
The start of the race takes place at the Maloja Palace Hotel with an elevation of 1,820 metres (5,970 ft). The track then leads over both Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana (which are frozen at this time of year). After passing St. Moritz there is a forested climb in the Stazerwald. The proceeding descent to Pontresina is regarded by many as the most spectacular part of the race for spectators, due to the high number of falls and crashes by skiers.
Read also: The Story of Jet Ski Marathons
Key Facts and Figures
Between 11,000 and 14,200 skiers participate each year. The total distance covered is 42 km (26 mi), although it is also possible to complete the half-marathon of 21 km (13 mi) (finishing in Pontresina) or the 17 km (11 mi) Women's Race (Samedan to S-chanf). While it is a freestyle race, there are separate tracks for skiers practicing classic style for all but the narrowest parts of the race.
Here's a summary of key information:
| Event | Distance | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Engadin Ski Marathon | 42 km (26 mi) | Maloja to S-chanf |
| Half-Marathon | 21 km (13 mi) | Finishes in Pontresina |
| Women's Race | 17 km (11 mi) | Samedan to S-chanf |
Historical Records
The track record of 1:16:10 was set by Hervé Balland in 1994. In the same year, Silvia Honegger completed the race with the female track record of 1:22:08.
The Spectacle of Staz Forest
Staz Forest section of the Engadin Ski Marathon. Source: engadin.ch
Especially spectacular is the boisterous section in the Staz forest, where a lively crowd enjoys the antics of the less experienced racers. Around 4 per cent of participants “kiss” the snow here - which makes for about 500 falls.
Preparing for the Marathon
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Hydration is paramount here; the thin air and rigorous exertion mean water stops must be planned carefully. Ideal conditions peak mid-March, when the snow remains firm yet forgiving, and daylight extends long enough to avoid hurried finishes. However, mountain weather is famously unpredictable-temps can swing abruptly, posing risks for both hypothermia and dehydration. Skiers of all levels will find something to respect here.
Additional Events
It all begins with the Women’s Run a week before the big event: on the first weekend in March, around 1,000 women compete on a 17km (11 mile) course between Samedan and S-chanf.
Seize the opportunity to glide just once along Switzerland’s most famous 42 km of cross-country skiing trails, without any of the stress of competition and ahead of the major sporting event in March. The Engadin’s marathon trail is prepared daily and ready to use by anyone.