The Engadin Ski Marathon is one of the most iconic cross-country skiing events in the world, attracting thousands of participants annually to the stunning Upper Engadin valley in Switzerland. This year, I had the opportunity to join approximately 12,400 skiers in this legendary race, as part of an organized group from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences.
My Cross-Country Skiing Journey
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that I stood on cross-country skis for the very first time just two months earlier, in January 2025. I participated in a four-day cross-country skiing event organized by the university, where I learned the basics of this challenging sport. Following that initial introduction, I went skiing only twice more on my own before attempting the full marathon. The university provided sports teachers who guided us through the preparation process and organized all logistical aspects of the trip.
Day 1: The Journey Begins (Saturday, March 8, 2025)
My adventure began early Saturday morning when I caught the 7:30 AM bus from Edlibach to Baar. I then traveled to Thalwil where I boarded a train. I transferred to another train headed for Landquart, where I met up with fellow participants from the university group.
We continued our journey to Samedan, a picturesque town in the Upper Engadin valley known for its small airport and historic buildings. Our accommodations were humble but practical – we stayed in a gymnasium, a common arrangement for many marathon participants.
After lunch around 1:00 PM, our group took a bus to Pontresina, one of the most charming villages in the Engadin region. Pontresina is famous for its beautiful Belle Époque hotels and stunning mountain views. At the event village, we collected our race numbers amid the pre-race festivities that filled the streets with excitement and anticipation.
Taking advantage of the magnificent weather, we decided to test the cross-country trails, covering about 10 kilometers that afternoon. This gave us a feel for the snow conditions and a taste of what was to come the next day. The Upper Engadin is known for its reliable snow conditions and meticulously maintained trails, which lived up to their reputation.
Back at our temporary lodging, we prepared our skis by applying the appropriate wax based on the snow conditions – a crucial ritual for any cross-country skier. I managed to get to sleep around 11:00 PM, earlier than expected considering the excitement and unfamiliar surroundings.
Race Day: The Main Event (Sunday, March 9, 2025)
Despite the anticipation, I was up by 6:00 AM and had breakfast with my fellow racers by 7:00 AM. The Engadin Ski Marathon has a wave start system to manage the large number of participants, and with my bib number 26290, I was assigned to the third-to-last wave with a start time of 9:37 AM.
The race begins in Maloja, at the southwestern end of the Upper Engadin valley, and traverses 42 kilometers of stunning Alpine landscape to the finish in S-chanf. The course takes participants across frozen lakes and through picturesque villages, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
My start was relatively comfortable despite the crowds. In the first 10 kilometers, I managed to overtake numerous skiers. Before the first significant climb, there was a bottleneck that resulted in about a half-hour wait – not uncommon in such a massive event.
After the wait, we continued toward Pontresina, winding through the heart of the Engadin valley. This first section went surprisingly well; I felt strong, handled the downhill sections with confidence, and managed to stay upright without a single fall – a personal victory for a beginner!
The route then led us toward St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s most famous and exclusive resort towns. Known for hosting two Winter Olympics and numerous World Championships, St. Moritz adds a touch of glamour to the marathon route. From there, the course continues past the frozen lakes of Staz and St. Moritz before heading to Pontresina, Samedan, and finally S-chanf.
The Final Push and Finish
In Pontresina, I made what turned out to be a rookie mistake – I consumed too many chocolates and sweets at the refreshment station. By the time I reached Samedan, I was nearly sick to my stomach and came dangerously close to vomiting, adding an unexpected challenge to an already demanding day.
The Golan heights (hills in the final section) proved much stronger than I had anticipated. I had actually skied the Pontresina to S-chanf section before during the cross-country camp in January, but with 21 kilometers already in my legs, it felt dramatically more difficult. The last 5 kilometers were particularly challenging as I could literally feel the energy draining from my body with each stride.
Nevertheless, through sheer determination, I made it to the finish line with a time of 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 31 seconds. Upon finishing, I was presented with the medal that all marathon finishers receive – a moment of triumph quickly followed by an unexpected physical response. Almost immediately, cramps seized nearly every part of my body. What was particularly new and surprising was experiencing cramps in my stomach muscles. I had to remain completely still for about 15 minutes until the cramping began to subside.
After recovering sufficiently, I waited for my comrades to finish their races. Around 3:00 PM, we boarded the train for our journey home, tired but satisfied with our accomplishment.
About the Engadin Ski Marathon
First held in 1969, the Engadin Ski Marathon has grown to become Switzerland’s largest cross-country skiing event and one of the most prestigious in the world. It’s part of the Worldloppet, a series of long-distance cross-country skiing events held on different continents.
The race uses the freestyle (skating) technique and covers 42 kilometers of varied terrain with modest elevation changes – making it accessible to recreational skiers while still challenging for elite athletes. The course’s beauty is unparalleled, taking participants through the high Alpine valley of Engadin with its frozen lakes and spectacular mountain panoramas.
What makes this event special isn’t just the skiing but the culture surrounding it. The marathon brings together a diverse community of skiing enthusiasts from beginners to Olympians, all sharing in this unique sporting tradition against the backdrop of one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions.
For a novice skier like myself, completing the Engadin Ski Marathon just two months after my first cross-country skiing experience represents not just a significant athletic achievement but a testament to effective instruction and personal determination.
[Note: This blog post includes my personal experience from the 2025 Engadin Ski Marathon on March 8-9, 2025, with bib number 26290.]
