Engadin Ski Marathon 2026

On the second Sunday of each March, the Engadin valley transforms into Switzerland's most celebrated cross-country skiing arena. Since 1969, the Engadin Ski Marathon has drawn recreational skiers and competitive athletes from over 60 nations to tackle a 42 km course that crosses frozen lakes, passes through traditional villages, and climbs gradually through one of Europe's most spectacular alpine landscapes. This is the country's largest mass participation sporting event and the second-biggest cross-country race worldwide.

Sils Maria sits at the heart of the action. Around 8:25 AM on race day, thousands of skiers glide through the village, with road closures creating a front-row view of this living sporting tradition. The frozen Lake Sils becomes a natural ski highway, connecting the start at Maloja to the mountain communities beyond.

The 2026 race promises to continue this legacy. Marathon Week runs from February 28 to March 8, culminating in the main marathon on March 8. Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria serves as an ideal basecamp, positioned directly on the race route with ski-out access and facilities tailored to cross-country athletes.

Dates & Schedule

The 2026 Engadin Ski Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This follows the event's longstanding tradition of being held on the second Sunday in March, a date that typically offers optimal snow conditions and longer daylight hours.

Marathon Week spans February 28 to March 8, 2026, featuring multiple races:

The main marathon starts from Maloja around 8:15 AM, with skiers passing through Sils Maria approximately 10 minutes later. Average completion time is 5.5 hours, though elite participants finish in under three hours.

Registration typically closes in late February. Spots fill rapidly given the event's international popularity, so early registration is essential.

What to Expect

The 42 km course from Maloja to S-chanf gains just 124 meters of elevation, making it technically accessible to recreational skiers with proper training. Don't confuse "accessible" with "easy." The distance, altitude (over 1,800 meters), and variable snow conditions demand respect and preparation.

Both skating and classic cross-country techniques are permitted. Skaters dominate the field numerically, but classic-style purists maintain their own proud contingent. The route crosses frozen Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana, sections where you ski over ice that's solid underfoot while surrounded by peaks rising 3,000 meters above.

Through Sils Maria, the course follows the valley floor past sgraffito-decorated Engadin houses. The village becomes a natural grandstand, with spectators lining the route and locals setting up impromptu cheering stations. Road closures from early morning until late morning create a car-free corridor dedicated entirely to skiers.

Beyond Sils, the route continues through Silvaplana, St. Moritz, and Pontresina before finishing at S-chanf. The latter half features more gradual climbing and exposed valley sections where wind can become a factor. The final kilometers test fatigued muscles, but the finish-line atmosphere in S-chanf delivers sufficient adrenaline to push through.

For those not attempting the full marathon, the Marathon Village in Pontresina offers entertainment, food stalls, and a festival atmosphere throughout the week. Multiple experiences in Sils Maria allow non-participants to enjoy the valley's winter landscape without strapping on racing skis.

Getting There from Hotel Schweizerhof

The race route passes directly in front of Hotel Schweizerhof Sils Maria. For spectators, step outside the hotel entrance around 8:20 AM to watch the procession of skiers heading toward St. Moritz. The main wave typically flows past between 8:25 and 10:00 AM.

For participants, the start at Maloja is 7 km west along the valley floor. Organizers provide shuttle buses from Sils Maria to the start, with departure times coordinated to arrival windows. The hotel concierge can arrange transportation and advise on optimal departure times based on your anticipated start group.

Return transportation from the S-chanf finish line to Sils Maria operates throughout the afternoon. Buses run frequently, though expect queues and potential delays as 13,000+ finishers funnel through the return system. Many participants use the post-race hours to socialize in S-chanf before heading back to their accommodations.

Road closures in Sils Maria begin around 7:30 AM on race day and typically lift by 11:00 AM, once the majority of participants have passed. Plan accordingly if you need vehicle access during this window.

Practical Tips

Registration Strategy: Don't wait. The 2015 event recorded over 13,300 participants, one of the highest totals in the race's history. International interest continues to grow. Register as soon as the window opens (typically late autumn for the following March) to secure your spot.

Choosing Your Race: The full 42 km marathon isn't the only option. The 21 km half marathon offers the same spectacular scenery with half the distance. The Women's Race (17 km) on March 1 provides a less crowded, more intimate atmosphere. The Night Run might be the most memorable: skiing 17 km from Sils to Pontresina by moonlight and floodlights creates an otherworldly experience you won't find elsewhere.

Technique Selection: Skating requires more cardiovascular fitness but can be faster on favorable snow. Classic technique conserves energy through rhythm and glide but demands technical precision. Choose based on your training background, not what seems trendy. Both styles finish successfully; technique mismatches with conditions cause suffering.

Training Reality: Medium difficulty doesn't mean moderate effort. Train at altitude if possible. Include long-distance workouts of 25-30 km to prepare for the sustained duration. Practice nutrition and hydration strategies during training runs, since you'll need both during the race.

Timing and Viewing: For spectators staying at the hotel, plant yourself along the lakeshore promenade around 8:15 AM with hot coffee. The leading skaters come through fast and fluid. The main pack arrives 10-15 minutes later. Watching 13,000 people flow past on skis creates a kinetic energy that still photos can't capture.

Post-Race Recovery: Book a massage at the wellness & spa in advance. Every participant will have the same idea. The sauna and steam facilities help flush lactic acid and ease muscle tension. Evening restaurant reservations should also be secured early; March 8 sees heavy dining demand across the valley.

Weather Variables: March in the Engadin means late-winter conditions. Temperatures can range from -10°C at dawn to +5°C by midday. Layer appropriately. Sudden weather shifts occur at altitude. Check the forecast but pack for variability.

Spectator Strategy: If you're not racing, consider watching at multiple points. Catch the start atmosphere in Maloja, drive or ski to Sils Maria for the mid-race flow, then head to S-chanf for finish-line energy. The different locations showcase different aspects of the event's character.

Official Information

The official Engadin Ski Marathon website provides registration details, detailed course maps, historical records, and real-time race updates: www.engadin-skimarathon.ch

The race is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Trophy, a series connecting four Swiss cross-country marathons. Completing all four races in a season earns special recognition, though each event stands alone as a worthy challenge.

Live tracking during the race allows friends and family to follow participants in real-time. Download the official app for detailed split times and position updates throughout the course.

After the 2026 event, return to Hotel Schweizerhof for recovery and reflection. The hotel's position on the race route means you're steps from a hot shower, professional massage, and multi-course dinner. Sils Maria offers quiet evenings after the day's intensity: a walk along the frozen lake shore, a sauna session overlooking the mountains, or simply a comfortable chair in the lounge with a view of the landscape you just conquered on skis.