Engadin Ski Marathon

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Chloe Knott

  ENGADIN SKI MARATHON

  

  Written March 2013

  A fantastic experience! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Waiting on the starting line surrounded by 13,000 competitors and bright blue skies - awesome!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Eric Woolley was fantastic - excellent instruction meant that all the group completed the race in really good times. He made sure the week ran smoothly and everyone had a great holiday.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are looking for a challenge with a difference then this is the trip for you!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotel in Zernez is great. The food served is more like you would find in a four or five star hotel and the bircher museli served and breakfast was amazing!

   
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  Lynda Macdonald

  ENGADIN SKI MARATHON

  

  Written March 2013

  First timer - but possibly not the last... 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I'd never entered a marathon distance of any sport, let alone cross-country skiing (I'd previously done an intro week wth Exodus at Seefeld, Austria) - so the elation of finishing AND well under my expected time was a bit overwhelming and many thousands of people saw me cry like a baby (with joy!) at the finish line.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Eric is a one-off - his leaderships skills, knowledge of the sport and keeness to help others reach their best is inspiring - and the fact it's all rolled up in a package of good fun is a bonus.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't be put off by the daunting word 'marathon' - I know it sounds scary BUT the lead-up days of prep and the group camaraderie takes the stress out of it, and, with the festival atmosphere of the day coupled with the adrenaline, you'll get through it. I'm not saying it's not a challenge - you will need to be fit and you will need grit determination but without the rest of the group I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much.

   

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Take travel wash with you - because this is a week of sweat (but no tears!)

   
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  Kate Parkin

  ENGADIN SKI MARATHON

  

  Written March 2013

  What an amazing even to take part in! It was a great week of excellent tuition culminating in an awesome day at the ski marathon.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The excited masses at the start line, in the sunshine, in a lovely valley, set to dramatic music, about to do something that most people back in the UK think is a bit mental. And they didn't even see the skiers with trailers of beer....

  Being cheered on by spectators calling out your name (it's on your race number).

  The warm congratulations from Eric at the finish line!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Brilliant - as usual. Eric is really patient and relaxed with the group and has a good knack of getting the technique through to people. I've seen a real improvement in my skiing with his assistance.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do it - it is so much fun! 

  But don't forget your suncream...

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't be put off by the fact that it is a marathon - there are all sorts of shapes, sizes, skiing abilities and fancy dress outfits taking part. It's worth it.

   
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  Deborah Fish

  ENGADIN SKI MARATHON

  

  Written March 2012

  Fantastic holiday, leaving me with a real sense of achivement on completing the Engadin ski marathon. The race itself was the pinnacle of a very enjoyable week - good hotel, good crowd of people, and a nice mix of tuition and preparation in skiing the race course over two days. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Finishing the Engadin ski marathon after not having been on cross-country skis in 20 years! And getting down Mattress Alley in one piece...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Eric and Heather Woolley were superb instructors and looked after us brilliantly, whether it be organising transport, ski preparation, or simply the menu for that night's dinner. They planned the week to perfection to give us all the skills and confidence required to complete the race, and made the trip a lot of fun - the 'biathalon' with toy guns and foam pellets certainly brought out the competitive side of our team, with two of us falling in our haste to get around the course as quickly as we could.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you're reasonably fit beforehand - in particular, I found double poling for 13 or so miles to put quite a strain on my back, & was glad that I do a lot of back strengthening exercises in the gym. If I went again I'd seriously consider taking some skate skiing lessons on roller skis with the view to being able to skate, rather than classic ski - skating takes more skill, but is far more efficient.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Switzerland is an expensive country, but very pleasant - the trains were a lovely way to travel along the valley to access different parts of the course. However, if you're looking for a lively nightlife, you've probably picked the wrong holiday...

  Lastly, if you're thinking of booking this trip, have done some skiing, and have reasonable fitness then go for it. All our group completed the course & went home happy! And if you want a taste of what you're letting yourself in for, check out the videos on YouTube.

   
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  Roland Smith

  CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ENGADINE

  

  Written March 2011

  A superb week. Great skiing on lovely tracks, a great crowd, and all culminating in the buzz of completing my first cross-country ski marathon.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Signing on for the ski marathon and exploring the marathon village the day before the race was great. It made me feel I was part of a huge event. The countdown to the start of the marathon was really exciting, knowing that I was about to do this with 13,000 other people. But I'll never forget the thrill of hearing the crowds lining the route shouting out my name as I went up a hill (our race bibs had our name on them), accompanined by a 'hup hup hup' and the sound of Swiss cow bells.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Eric is a hero. His teaching, constant encouragement and great sense of humour are legendary. Everybody's skiing improved as a result of Eric's coaching, which helped no end when it came to the marathon. He covered all aspects of the event in the days leading up to the marathon so we were fully prepared, and the whole whole week ran as smoothly as, well, a Swiss train.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You get a real buzz taking part in a great mass-participation event, and a huge sense of achievement at the end. It's good to take thin layers of clothing as you can get quite hot while skiing. 

   
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  Chloe Knott

  ENGADIN SKI MARATHON

  

  Written March 2010

  What can I say, an amazing experience, fantastic challenge and superb leader. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  This was my first cross-country ski marathon and I now can't wait to do another. In my opinion I think it is physically easier than a running marathon but that is not to underestimate it. You still have to have experience in cross-country skiing and going to the gym beforehand definitely pays off come race day! The whole atmosphere on race day was fantastic and there was a great camaraderie amongst the group. Everyone in the group finished the race and received a medal before having a well deserved beer and hotdog!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Eric really helped to make this week. He ensured everything ran like clockwork and helped us to all be prepared come race day.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go for it!