Racers crossing the lake. You can't imagine how gruelling this is, and yet somehow, how much fun...

If you are looking for something a bit mad but enormously fun to do in March 2008, please join us!

• The race will be on Sunday 9 March 2008.
• Try to get out there on the evening of Wednesday 5th of March. To enjoy the event you need at least two days training and a day off.
• It is possible to come out on Friday night and still compete and do very well, particularly if you've done some cross-country in the past. But you'll miss a lot of the fun.
• It is possible to depart immediately after you finish on Sunday 9th and be back at work for Monday morning, but you will be absolutely knackered. It's far better to stay for dinner on the 9th and fly back to the UK mid/late morning on Monday 102th.
• The finish will be open until 4pm - that's 6 hours and 40 minutes after the last start. They are, however very strict about getting competitors off the course who are not on track to finish in this time. They will take away your bib and try to get you to accept a lift in a bus to the finish. You must give them your bib, but you can try continue to ski as long as it's not getting dark. Having said that, in past years they have been ferocious about stopping people at the various checkpoints who are not skiing fast enough.
• In 2008, as for 2007, competitors will be issued with chips so that their true course time can be measured. This should adjust for the time it takes those in the later groups, who start further back, to cross the line.

Race Entry

• Once again I am making it unbelievably easy for you: you can send me all your registration information right now using this online form.
• Then you have a choice of three different registration packages, which you can pay for online:
  • A: Standard. The package for most people: race entry, plus two mornings of training. I also help you to reserve ski gear.
  • B: Racer For an extra £30 I'll get you a WorldLoppet pass, which gets you upgraded one start group (and a smart red bib). You'll need to post me a passport photo, and it all has to be done at the time of registration, not later.
  • C: Minimal. If you just want met to handle race entry, choose this option for £60.
• You need to complete your form and pay me by 31 January 2008, because once I send in our group application, I'm not handling stragglers.
• Even after the deadline, you can still register yourself online at the official website of the Engadin Ski Marathon, and of the WorldLoppet.

Click here for more information on the packages and to pay me for your registration etc online.

Gear

• If you complete my online registration form, I can reserve gear for you in Pontresina.
• We get a 10% discount from Faehndrich Sport, one of the best cross-country stores in Switzerland, which is is about 200 yards from the Hotel Sport. A couple of years ago I ran into Bjorn Daehlie (8-times Olympic X-C gold medalist) doing his shopping - I think that means it's a good shop.
• Faehndrich has loads of top quality kit, but it helps them to prepare everything if you book in advance. I'll need to know your height, weight and planned technique (skating or classic).
• If you really want to book ahead yourself, or just to have a chat with the experts, call them on +41 81 842 7155.

Coaching

Those who buy the Standard or Racer packages will get two technique & race preparation coaching sessions from elite coaches at the Langlaufschule in Pontresina, Friday and Saturday morning at 10.00 am.

I am arranging to have plenty of coaches on hand during these sessions to cope with both skating and classic techniques and skill levels from beginner to more advanced.

I may organise a masterclass for "experts" (i.e. those hoping to complete the course in under 3hrs 30 minutes) with a former Swiss Ski Team coach on the Thusday, let me know if you want to join me.

Parties etc.

This year we will kick off with pre-dinner drinks and a briefing in the bar of the Sport Hotel at 7.00 on Thursday 6 March 2008. See you there!

On Saturday after the morning race preparation session, anyone who wants to can take horse-drawn sleighs up the fabulous Roseg Valley National Park to the restaurant there. It takes about an hour to get there, so dress warmly. You can walk or even ski back, it's downhill. If you want to do this, let me know and I'll tell you how to book the sleigh. Alternatively, a bunch of us sometimes lunch at the mountain restaurant at the top of the Muottas Muragls. It's going to be a logistical nightmare, so there is an element of self-help required here...

Flights & transfers from Zurich

• Everyone needs to organise their own flights to/from Zurich. DO NOT FLY TO/FROM GENEVA - IT'S MILES AWAY.
• From Zurich it's around 3 hours by car to Pontresina as long as the Julierpass is open, a bit longer by train. Trains are very reliable (Swiss style), though you'll find it all a bit easier in Pontresina if you have access to a rental car.
• Transport within the Engadin Valley by bus is easy >li>On race day there are plenty of free buses & trains to get to/from the start.
• Let me know if you have spare space or need a lift and I'll try to sort you out.
• For flights from London try Easyjet, British Airways, Swiss (see my Engadin links page).

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK FLIGHTS YOURSELF, AND GET YOURSELF FROM ZURICH TO PONTRESINA

Click here for more information on the airlines flying to Zurich.

Click here for more information on the car rental and/or trains from Zurich to Pontresina.

Accommodation

Once again this year we will have four recommended hotels. Hotel Sport***. For those new to Pontresina, the Sport is in a fabulous location, smart, spacious, good food (5-course dinners), great sauna/fitness area, plenty of parking, wonderful views over the mountains. The Hotel Rosatch*** is right next door, the Hotel Collina**** is along the main street and up a short hill - even greater views than the other hotels. The Hotel Saratz***** is one of the best hotels in Pontresina, a kind of alpine hip hotel, definitely worth the extra if you can afford it.

Pontresina is the ideal location from which to prepare for the race: it's right in the middle so you can train towards the start or the finish.

Prices tend to start at SF 165 (£72, $133) per person per night based on a double room, including a substantial dinner, fitness centre etc. All these hotels offer better rooms too, for prices starting at SF 190 (£83, $153) per night half board. Alternatively, if you are on a budget, the Sport offers places in their "Marathon dorms" for around 105 SF half board.

The marathon week is a busy time in Pontresina, so don't hang around, book as soon as you decide you are going to join us.

Click here for more information on the various hotel options.

Fitness

You don't have to be monster-fit to complete the race, but the fitter you are the more you'll feel you've got out of the experience (allegedly). See also the training page

Child Care

Please let me know if you are planning to bring kids along and would be interested in sharing childcare. No, I won't babysit for you, but I'll put you all in contact with anyone else planning to bring kids - you can hook up to find or import nannies.

Other Activities

There's an unbelievable amount to do in the Engadin Valley even for those who aren't competing: alpine skiing, toboganning, horse sleigh riding, skating, walking etc etc. I can assure you, you'll have no time to get bored. For anyone who is used to skiing in prefabricated resorts like La Plagne, Les Arcs or Flaine, spending some time in the Engadin is an absolute eye-opener.

Sadly the second week in March is too late in the season to try the St Moritz World Cup Bobsleigh or Cresta runs.

Racing for charity

Over the last seven years the Engadin Marathonistas have raised over £100,000 for various charities. If you're going to do it, why not do it for charity? It makes the pain more bearable.

Click here for more information on skiing for charity.

What to do next

If you would like to join us, click here to start the process!