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Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week

Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week

  • Enter Engadin's iconic 42km Ski Marathon

  • 4 days' advance race training 

  • Explore the stunning Engadin Valley

  • Network of over 280km of groomed trails

  • Ideal for your first cross country ski race

Why Choose Cloud 9 Adventure

  • BASI qualified and expert race coach

  • Carefully selected 4* hotel near the marathon route

  • Ski the whole marathon route in preparation

  • Complete a famous ski race in style

AT A GLANCE

 

7 nights

5 days' skiing

Group size 4-8

 

Join: Zuoz

End: Zuoz

Nearest Airport: Zurich 

ACCOMMODATION

7 nights in 4* hotel

 

DIFFICULTY GRADING

7

Challenging

Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week: Dates and Prices

Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week: Overview

The 42km Engadin Ski Marathon is one of Europe’s most famous cross-country ski races. On this marathon-specific training week, you’ll improve your skate or classic technique with race training from a BASI qualified race coach. We'll recce as many sections of the route as possible before the event. A rest day will leave you in tip-top condition for the race itself. Pick up your race bib, visit the spa, explore local highlights like Pontresina and St Moritz or browse the quaint souvenir shops.

 

What to expect

Engadin is cross-country skiing Nirvana. It has enviable conditions and 220km of groomed tracks, some illuminated at night. We’ll tailor this trip on the ground to suit group requirements and track conditions but the main goals are to recce the route from Maloja to the finish at S-Chanf and to improve everyone’s technique ready to race. We will learn about how to glide on the flat, how to control our descents and techniques to power up the hills. You will definitely improve over the course of the trip.

 

This expert coaching week will benefit marathon first-timers and veterans equally and we’ll help you achieve your personal goals whether that be improving your PB or simply getting to the finish!

Our final day is race day and the atmosphere is incredible. The Engadin Ski Marathon is a cross country ski race with 14,500 participants. It covers the marathon distance of 42km and a half-marathon option is available for those who are unsure (you can decide on the day). It's ideal as a first race as a lot of the course is slightly downhill. We can accommodate classic or skate technique; most choose to skate. 

Engadin Ski Traverse

If you don't want to do the race, but simply want to come and explore the Engadin valley, we also offer a five-day Engadin Ski Traverse from Maloja to Zernez, visiting the side valleys of Fex and Roseg, which is more of a journey. Have a look at our Engadin Ski Traverse page.

Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week: Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Arrival in Zuoz or Pontresina, Switzerland

We will meet at the group hotel in the Engadin Valley for a trip briefing at 18:00.  

 

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 2 - Warm-up day on the tracks of Zuoz

Today is warm-up day. Our guide will adopt a flexible approach and keep group preferences, track conditions and the weather in mind to plan a great first day for everyone in this world-class ski region. Those experiencing their first Marathon Week in the Engadin are in for a treat with local anticipation running high. The goal is for everyone to improve their technique and confidence by the time the day draws to a close, ready for your first taste of the trail itself tomorrow. 

 

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 3 - Race training on marathon route from Maloja to Pontresina 

Today we will aim to take a trip by train and bus (included) out to Maloja to ski the first part of the marathon route from Maloja to either St Moritz or Pontresina. It's the harder part of the route (being hillier), but we take in some beautiful scenery across lakes, out in the open, then later through forests, and we pass through the famous resort of St Moritz. From here, we have the notorious hilly section to reach the Pontresina valley and the half-way point of the marathon itself.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 4 - Hill training from Silvaplana to Pontresina

Anyone thinking of entering the Engadin Ski Marathon will be aware of the hilly section between St Moritz and Pontresina, with the notorious descent at 'mattress hill'. Our goal for today is to work on hill technique - both up and down - to help you tackle this section with confidence in your race.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 5 - Ski from St Moritz to S-Chanf

Use this morning’s train ride to St Moritz to psyche yourself up for today’s treat: exploration of the second part of the marathon route. You’ll ski from St Moritz to S-Chanf along well-groomed tracks, remembering key distance markers and starting to plan your race tactics. This means that you'll do the hilly section one more time.....perfect preparation. Those who want to take it easy can meet us in Pontresina. This is your final day of training before participating in the 42km Engadin Ski Marathon itself.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 6 - Rest day 

The final groups of spectators and race entrants descend on the Engadin today. Nerves will be taut, the local excitement palpable and spirits running high so go out, absorb, photograph and enjoy. You might like to visit one of the Engadin's famous spas to relax before the big day. Today is officially a rest day, but we do have to collect our race bibs from the Marathon village in St Moritz (a short train ride away). These can be picked up any time between 10:00hrs and 17:00hrs. We can also prepare our skis for tomorrow - do bring waxing equipment if you have it. We will have one set of brushes and a waxing iron with us. Wax is not provided but can be purchased locally. 

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

 

Day 7 - Race day: The Engadin Ski Marathon 

The Engadin Ski Marathon is, quite simply, one of the most iconic and impressive winter events held in the Alps. It’s a place where fit amateurs rub shoulders with Alpine elites, and where those seeking holiday adventures and lifetime ambitions compete side by side. Up to 14,500 competitors take part in the race, and you’re about to join them. Remember your instructor's advice: pace yourselves and go out there and ski your best race! Enjoy a celebratory team meal in the evening. Our race start time is 09:23, and we need to be at the start area one hour before the race. We'll have an early start and will take a train to St Moritz, then a shuttle bus to the start of the race at Maloja. 

Day 8 - Departure day 

Suitably exhausted, your marathon experience with Cloud 9 Adventure will draw to a close after breakfast today. 

Included

  • 7 nights' accommodation on twin-share basis

  • All breakfasts and evening meals

  • Fully BASI qualified & experienced race coach

  • 5 day rail pass for the Engadin valley

  • 1 week ski pass for the nordic tracks

  • Return rail ticket from Chur (included in race entry) - so you only need to purchase a rail ticket as far as Chur from the airport

  • Race entry

Not Included

  • Flights

  • Airport transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Ski & boot hire

  • Lunches

  • Personal drinks & snacks

  • Tips

Engadin Ski Marathon Training Week: Book Online

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