Where Alpine elegance meets world-class Nordic skiing
Few places combine spectacular mountain scenery, beautifully prepared ski trails and timeless alpine elegance quite like Switzerland's Engadine Valley. Stretching from Maloja through Sils Maria, St Moritz and Pontresina, the valley has become one of Europe's most celebrated destinations for cross-country skiing, welcoming everyone from first-time skiers to elite athletes.
Here, skiing unfolds beneath soaring peaks, across frozen lakes and through picturesque alpine villages where grand hotels, traditional Engadine houses and centuries of mountain heritage sit comfortably alongside one another. Every day offers a new perspective on one of the Alps' most remarkable winter landscapes.
The Engadine is not simply somewhere to ski. It is somewhere to slow down, breathe deeply and immerse yourself in a place where exceptional skiing, refined hospitality and breathtaking scenery exist in perfect harmony.
The Engadine Valley is recognised as one of the world’s great cross-country skiing destinations. More than 220 kilometres of meticulously prepared trails link villages, frozen lakes and open valley floors, creating an extensive network that is equally suited to leisurely touring, technical coaching and world-class competition.
The valley’s reliable snow conditions, exceptional winter sunshine and spectacular alpine setting have attracted skiers for generations. At its heart is the internationally renowned Engadin Skimarathon, the centrepiece of a week-long festival of cross-country skiing that also includes the atmospheric Engadin Night Race and the women-only Engadin Frauenlauf. For several unforgettable days, the valley fills with skiers, spectators, music and celebration, creating a genuine party atmosphere both on and away from the trails. Nearby St Moritz has twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games and continues to welcome major international sporting events.
Whether gliding across frozen lakes beneath snow-covered peaks or exploring peaceful woodland trails, visitors quickly discover why the Engadine has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s finest Nordic skiing destinations.
At the quieter western end of the Engadine Valley lies Sils Maria, a village that perfectly captures the elegance and tranquillity of the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by forests, frozen lakes and dramatic mountain scenery, it provides direct access to some of the valley's most beautiful skiing while maintaining a relaxed pace.
Wildtrack Nordic has chosen the historic Schweizerhof as its home in Switzerland. Combining classic Swiss hospitality with contemporary comfort, it offers immediate access to the extensive trail network while providing the perfect setting in which to relax after rewarding days on snow.
Step outside each morning and beautifully groomed trails lead across frozen lakes, through peaceful forests and onwards towards neighbouring villages.
Learn classic cross-country skiing in Switzerland's Engadine Valley with expert coaching, small groups, premium accommodation and beginner-friendly trails.
Next trip: 28 Feb 2027
From
£2650
Join the Engadin Ski Marathon in Switzerland with race preparation, expert support, premium accommodation and a full week of cross-country skiing.
Next trip: 8 Mar 2027
From
£2900
Learn to skate ski in Switzerland's Engadine Valley with expert beginner coaching, small groups, premium accommodation and scenic Nordic trails.
Next trip: 8 Mar 2027
From
£2650
The Engadine is one of Europe’s great Nordic skiing destinations, with more than 220 kilometres of beautifully prepared trails extending throughout its spectacular high-altitude landscape. The network crosses frozen lakes, follows open valley floors and winds through peaceful forests, connecting historic villages and offering terrain for every level of skier.
Reliable winter conditions, exceptional alpine sunshine and the sheer variety of the skiing have drawn generations of recreational skiers, elite athletes and international competitors to the valley. The legendary Engadin Skimarathon has added to that heritage, but it is the combination of immaculate trails, extraordinary scenery and an enduring culture of cross-country skiing that makes the Engadine truly exceptional
Wildtrack Nordic’s Engadine holidays are based at the Schweizerhof in Sils Maria, a peaceful and beautifully preserved village between Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. Surrounded by mountains, forests and the wide-open landscapes of the Upper Engadine, the hotel provides a warm and welcoming Alpine base from which to explore the valley.
Comfortable rooms, convivial dining and a relaxed atmosphere make it an inviting place to return to after a day on the trails. The Sils Cross-Country Skiing Centre and the surrounding trail network are close at hand, giving guests convenient access to both local coaching terrain and longer skiing journeys through the valley.
Wildtrack Nordic chose Sils Maria because it combines world-class skiing with a sense of peace that is increasingly difficult to find in major winter resorts. The village provides access to trails leading in several directions, from the open lake country towards Maloja and Silvaplana to the stillness and seclusion of the Fex Valley.
Sils itself is largely traffic-free and has retained its traditional Engadine architecture, cultural character and unhurried atmosphere. St Moritz remains within easy reach, yet Sils feels altogether calmer and more intimate. It offers precisely the balance Wildtrack seeks: exceptional skiing, authentic surroundings and a welcoming place in which guests can relax, reconnect and enjoy the rhythm of the week. Official Sils village portrait
Yes. Sils Maria is particularly well suited to beginners, with accessible practice areas, gentle prepared loops and broad valley terrain on which to develop balance, control and confidence. The official Sils Cross-Country Skiing Centre describes the local terrain as suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and provides direct access to classic and skating trails, as well as equipment rental and ski-school facilities.
Nearby routes include the largely flat Sils Baselgia circuit, while the open trails around the lakes provide wonderfully spacious skiing when snow and ice conditions allow. As confidence grows, beginners can progress naturally from short coaching sessions to longer, scenic journeys through the Engadine. Sils Cross-Country Skiing Centre
The Engadin Skimarathon is one of the great mass-participation events in cross-country skiing. First held in 1969, the 42-kilometre race begins in Maloja and travels across the frozen Engadine lakes before continuing through the Staz forest and along the valley to S-chanf. Thousands of skiers take part each March, making it Switzerland’s largest mass-participation sporting event and the second-largest cross-country skiing event in the world.
The marathon is the centrepiece of a week-long festival that also includes the Engadin Half Marathon, the women-only Engadin Frauenlauf and the atmospheric Engadin Night Race. With music, spectators and celebrations throughout the valley, Marathon Week has a genuine party atmosphere that can be enjoyed whether you are racing, supporting or simply sharing in the occasion. Official Engadin Skimarathon
Yes. St Moritz is approximately 11 kilometres from Sils Maria and is connected by a direct Engadin Bus service, with the journey typically taking around 20 minutes. This makes it easy to visit its boutiques, cafés, galleries and celebrated winter-sports landmarks.
St Moritz is regarded as the birthplace of winter tourism and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in both 1928 and 1948. Its international energy provides an enjoyable contrast to the tranquillity of Sils Maria: guests can experience the glamour and sporting heritage of St Moritz before returning to the quieter atmosphere of their lakeside village. Engadin Bus route 605
