Their story highlights everything Scandinavian skiers love about La Diagonela — a friendly atmosphere, excellent organization, and skiing through one of the most beautiful alpine landscapes in Europe.

A Lucky Ticket That Started It All

Jens Winther, Finance Manager of the Copenhagen Ski Club, remembers exactly how their journey began:

“I first heard about Engadin La Diagonela through the Danish roller-ski championships, Kongevejsløbet. A start bib was raffled off — and I was lucky enough to win it. That gave me the perfect opportunity to take part with a friend. I knew the race a little from the Ski Classics series, but it immediately caught my interest. It just sounded like an exciting and challenging experience.”

That one lucky bib became the beginning of a tradition — and today, the Copenhagen Ski Club calls La Diagonela their “annual winter highlight”.

The Best of All the Great Ski Marathons

As Winther explains, La Diagonela stands out even for skiers with experience across the iconic Scandinavian races:

“La Diagonela combines the best elements of the great ski marathons: tough climbs like Birkebeinerrennet, long double-poling sections like Vasaloppet, and a spectacular finish like Marcialonga.”

“The organization is excellent — the start groups work perfectly, there’s plenty of space on the tracks, and the later starting time makes everything very comfortable. Even shorter distances offer the same great atmosphere and scenery, just with fewer vertical meters.”

More Than a Race – A Shared Alpine Experience

Despite common assumptions, the Copenhagen Ski Club’s group is not made up of students:

“We are mainly older couples who take part for the experience. It’s not primarily about competition — it’s about fun and being together. With different distances, everyone can participate at their own level.”

And the club has a particular soft spot for the Thursday night race:

“The night race with headlamps is fantastic — something truly unique that makes La Diagonela stand out.”

A Perfect Setting in the Engadin Valley

For Winther, the location is part of the magic:

“The Engadin valley offers everything you could want — a fascinating mountain backdrop, perfectly prepared tracks, and cozy mountain huts with good food and friendly atmosphere.”

“The infrastructure is very well organized, so it’s easy to get to the start and finish. This makes the whole experience stress-free and very enjoyable.”

La Diagonela – The Perfect Start to Your Ski Season

Winther sees La Diagonela as the ideal way to enter the winter:

“La Diagonela is full of energy, community, and atmosphere. The January date makes it the perfect start to the ski season — an ideal way to build shape and start positions for Vasaloppet or Birkebeinerrennet.”

And then there’s the unique alpine sunshine:

“The sun is high in the sky and warms your face — it almost feels like spring. La Diagonela is more than a race; it’s an experience that motivates and inspires you.”

Preparation & Travel — Relaxed From the Start

Winther also shares practical advice:

“Good, varied training — roller skis, ski erg, or snow — is the best preparation. And it doesn’t matter where you stay: near the start, the finish, or somewhere in between. Thanks to excellent public transport in the Engadin, you can get around easily.”

And for Scandinavian travelers:

“If you come from Zurich, the train ride through the Alps is a highlight in itself — so beautiful that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the perfect beginning to an unforgettable race weekend.”

Insights from Jens Winther, Finance Manager of the Copenhagen Ski Club

Join the Experience

Whether you are chasing a personal challenge or looking for a memorable winter adventure, Engadin La Diagonela welcomes everyone — from elite skiers to beginners.

Next Engadin La Diagonela: 15-18 January 2026. More information & registration: www.ladiagonela.ch