The Engadin Skimarathon: 42 Kilometers of Passion on Narrow Skis

When more than 14,000 people glide across the frozen lakes of the Upper Engadin on the second Sunday in March, it is far more than a mass-participation race. It is a living legend in the high valley — and a logistical masterpiece behind the scenes. Looking ahead to 2026, both its myth and its challenges remain as compelling as ever.

From Maloja to S‑chanf, the route forms the beating heart of Swiss cross-country skiing. What began in 1969 with 945 pioneers led by St. Moritz sports retailer Albert Scheuing has grown into the second-largest cross-country skiing event in the world. For many Swiss amateur athletes, ​“the Engadiner” is a fixed point in the winter calendar — a prestigious goal that demands months of preparation.

The Start: Gliding Across the Lakes

The setting in Maloja at 1,820 meters above sea level is unique. The first 15 kilometers take skiers across the frozen lakes of Sils, Silvaplana and Champfèr. This opening stretch demands psychological discipline. The vast landscape and the thin, dry air can deceive even experienced athletes. Those who fail to find their rhythm here often pay the price later in the race. With a bit of luck, however, the infamous Maloja wind provides a welcome tailwind toward St. Moritz.

The Bottleneck in the Stazer Forest

The rhythm changes abruptly after St. Moritz Bad. Here the Stazer Forest awaits — the technical bottleneck of the marathon. The steep descents toward Lake Staz are legendary, and notorious for spectacular pile-ups within the dense field of recreational skiers. It is the only section of the 42 kilometers where organizers officially allow participants to remove their skis and walk downhill to reduce the risk of injury.

Logistics as a Benchmark

Behind the sporting spectacle lies a level of logistical precision that sets international standards. On race day, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) operates around 150 special trains starting as early as 4 a.m. to transport participants into the valley. Since start and finish are far apart, approximately 37 trucks carry the numbered gear bags over the mountain pass. The catering figures are equally impressive: around one metric ton of bananas and some 7,500 liters of Isostar sports drink are distributed to exhausted finishers.

Tradition and Climate Change

The soul of the race lies with the ​“Giubilers” — skiers who have taken part for at least 40 years. One icon is Françoise Stahel, now over 85 years old, who has missed hardly an edition since the premiere in 1969 and stands as an ambassador for the health benefits of endurance sports.

Yet even in the high-altitude Engadin, milder winters leave their mark. Snow reliability remains comparatively strong, but organizers must still adapt. In low-snow years, special grooming machines scrape the top layer of clear lake ice to create the necessary snow base for the tracks.

Marathon Week 2026

The event has long evolved from a single race into a full marathon week. In 2026, the program runs from February 25 to March 8. Anyone planning to participate should register early: the number of entries is capped at approximately 14,200 to maintain safety and quality on the course.

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