Engadin Ski Marathon - Winter Activity Switzerland

Essential Information

Trip Profile

5 days cross-country skiing; Grade 2+ (Classic style), Level 2 (Skate style): intermediates - unsuitable for beginners.

Price Includes

Return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck; airport transfers (for group flight only)
7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and 6 dinners
5 days instruction/guiding
Ski pass
Race entry (if booked by 17 December, supplement payable thereafter)
Cross-country ski leader throughout

Not Included:
Cross-country ski hire, available locally aprrox €70 per week

Optional Activities:
Downhill skiing
Snowshoeing
Sledding

Accommodation

HOTEL CRUSCH ALBA SWISS LODGE

In a convenient, central location near to the local train station in Zernez, the Swiss Lodge promises a warm welcome. All rooms have en suite facilities with a TV, telephone and Wi-Fi access. There is a comfortable reading room with wood burning stove to warm ourselves and relax at the end of each day. Zernez itself stands at 1474m and is tucked away in the south eastern corner of Switzerland close to both Italy and Austria. It lies at the lower end of the Engadin Valley and is renowned for its excellent snow record and outstanding scenery of peaks and glaciers.

Food

7 breakfasts and 6 evening meals included.

Reality Check

Cross-country skiing or Nordic Skiing is becoming one of the most popular winter sports. Using longer, thinner and lighter skis than downhill with bindings that let you lift your heel, we explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine pistes. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (løipe) and exhilarating days are spent skiing quickly over flat ground and up and down hills.

Grade 2+ Intermediates or Level 2 Depending on ski style, Classic or Skate (unsuitable for beginners): On these holidays there is not enough flat terrain for us to accept beginners. Suitable for clients who have done a couple of weeks with us, have developed their snow plough and can cope fairly confidently with undulating tracks.

Your Safety On the first few days of a beginner's cross-country skiing course your instructor will choose the trails and terrain carefully, and will avoid steep slopes. However, even on the flat you should expect to fall over. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, and cause no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury; in the worst cases this may include broken bones. Overall, cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, if properly instructed. All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we canto minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

Please ensure that your winter travel insurance covers you for ski racing. If you are unsure if your current policy includes this please call your insurance provider.

Normal group size and age

Normally 5 to 18 yrs. Minimum age 18.

Misc

Engadin Marathon
An annual event with over 13,000 participants the Engadine marathon is not to be missed! If you would like to take place it is important that you book your place as early as possible. This event takes place on the 10th March 2013 - entry prices are included for those who book before the 17th December*. After this date a supplement will be applicable. If you would rather not race, or would prefer entry to the half marathon please let our sales team know at the time of booking. Further information can be found on the relevant trip notes.
* Race entry place subject to availability.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Cross-country skiing: will involve intensive instruction, and our groups are carefully graded to ensure participants have similar levels of experience.
Cross-country ski grades: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates (suitable for confident beginners) | 2+ Intermediates (not suitable for beginners) | 3 Advanced | 4 Strenuous | and for Cross-country Skating levels: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates - For full explanations of Cross-Country Grading and Levels please see below or check here to view the full Winter Grades page.

Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.

Grade 2+Intermediates (unsuitable for beginners). On these holidays we will be skiing on some steeper terrain. Suitable for clients who have done a couple of weeks with us, have developed their snowplough and can cope fairly confidently with undulating tracks. Also suitable for those wishing to progress onto a skating week.

Level 2 Intermediates Covering more challenging terrain, this level is for those who have already mastered the basics of the skating style and wish to improve their skating technique. Terrain covered will be slightly more challenging and you should expect to cover 15-20km per day. You will be taught techniques to help you increase your speed, perfect for those wishing to take on the challenge of a ski race.