As one of the highlights of the Ski Classics World Championship, the event combines world-class racing, breathtaking Alpine scenery, and a unique atmosphere that attracts elite athletes and recreational skiers alike. With five races across four days, Engadin La Diagonela has become Switzerland’s premier event for classic long-distance skiing and one of the most scenic races on the international calendar. 

 From an emergency replacement to an international classic 

The story of Engadin La Diagonela is one of passion and determination. In January 2014, a Ski Classics event in the Czech Republic had to be cancelled due to a lack of snow. Within just a few days, a newly established organising committee in the Engadin seized the opportunity to organise a replacement race. 

What began as an ambitious challenge has grown into one of the most respected long-distance skiing events in Europe. Today, around 1,800 athletes from dozens of nations travel to the Engadin every January to experience perfectly prepared trails, outstanding organisation and the incomparable scenery of Switzerland’s famous high valley.  

Also Read: Strong performances and sprint finishes define Engadin La Diagonela

Five races – one weekend full of experiences 

Whether competing for Ski Classics points, chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a memorable skiing holiday, Engadin La Diagonela offers the perfect race for every ambition. 

• Thursday, January 14, 2027 

La Saireda – 9km (Classic Technique) 

The weekend begins with La Saireda, an atmospheric evening race that starts directly in Pontresina and leads into the wild and romantic Val Roseg, one of the most beautiful side valleys in the Engadin.

Surrounded by snow-covered forests and impressive mountain scenery, participants ski towards the finish at the Hotel Roseg Gletscher, where a warm meal and a unique winter atmosphere await. As part of the Ski Classics Challengers series, La Saireda offers the perfect opening to an unforgettable race weekend. 

• Saturday, January 16, 2027 

La Diagonela – 55km (Classic Technique | Ski Classics Pro Event) 

The flagship race remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Starting in Pontresina, athletes pass through the legendary Stazer Forest, glide across the frozen lakes surrounding St. Moritz, and ski into the spectacular Val Roseg before continuing through picturesque Engadin villages towards the finish in the historic centre of Zuoz. 

The varied terrain, the unique combination of forests, frozen lakes and open alpine landscapes, together with enthusiastic spectators, create an unforgettable long-distance skiing experience. As an official Vasaloppet qualifier, La Diagonela attracts many of the world’s strongest marathon skiers every winter. 

La Pachifica – 25km (Classic Technique) 

Ideal for ambitious recreational skiers, La Pachifica follows part of the famous La Diagonela course before finishing in Zuoz. It offers all the excitement of race day on a more accessible distance. 

La Cuorta – 6km (Classic Technique) 

La Cuorta is the ideal race for beginners, families and anyone looking to experience the excitement of Engadin La Diagonela over a shorter distance. The welcoming atmosphere and compact course make it the perfect introduction to cross-country ski racing. 

To encourage the next generation of skiers, young athletes born in 2007 or later can participate free of charge in all races throughout the Engadin La Diagonela weekend.  

• Sunday, January 17, 2027 

New in 2027 – La Sfida finishes in Pontresina 

One of the major innovations for 2027 concerns La Sfida, the freestyle race taking place on Sunday. 

The redesigned 23km course now finishes in Pontresina, creating an attractive point-to-point route from Zuoz through the Upper Engadin. Skiers can enjoy wide-open landscapes, perfectly prepared skating tracks and stunning mountain panoramas while experiencing one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cross-country regions from a completely new perspective. 

For athletes looking for an even greater challenge, La Pachifica on Saturday and La Sfida on Sunday can be combined for a unique two-day skiing experience. 

• Brand-new elite TV race on Sunday 

The 2027 edition introduces another exciting highlight to the programme. 

Following La Sfida, the world’s best long-distance skiers will compete in a brand-new televised elite race. Starting in Zuoz, the race heads through the Engadin towards Celerina, home to the finish area of the world-famous St. Moritz–Celerina Olympia Bob Run, the world’s oldest natural ice bobsleigh track still in operation.

Set against the spectacular Engadin mountain scenery, the event will showcase elite cross-country skiing to spectators along the course and to an international television audience, further strengthening Engadin La Diagonela’s position on the Ski Classics calendar. 

More than a race 

Engadin La Diagonela has become much more than a sporting competition.

Participants return year after year because of the combination of perfectly groomed trails, reliable snow conditions, charming Engadin villages and genuine Swiss hospitality. 

The event brings together elite athletes, ambitious amateurs, newcomers and families in a relaxed atmosphere where everyone shares the same passion for cross-country skiing. Whether skiing through the snow-covered forests, crossing the famous frozen lakes around St. Moritz or enjoying the spectacular Alpine panorama, every kilometer offers unforgettable impressions. 

Register now at the best entry price 

Registration for the 14th Engadin La Diagonela is already open

REGISTER HERE

Athletes registering now benefit from attractive entry fees before the next price increase while securing their place at one of Europe’s most attractive long-distance skiing events.

With four days of racing, five different competitions and exciting new highlights for 2027, there has never been a better time to discover the Engadin in winter.  Further information, accommodation offers and online registration are available at www.ladiagonela.ch.