BY : MARK COHEN  • Ski • 16.02.2023

In four weeks, 14,200 people will line up at the start of the 53rd Engadin Skimarathon – the second biggest mass-participation cross-country ski event in the world. The question on their lips? To taper or not to taper as race day nears.

Tapering – as most distance runners know – means easing off intensity sessions three to five weeks before race day. With the hay already in the barn, as the saying goes, that time is better spent resting and recovering so that you’re ready on race day. But does the same hold true for a ski marathon? And if so, what’s the best way to do it?

Ahead of the next Engadiner, we ask some of the everyday athletes travelling from Switzerland, France and elsewhere for their training tips for the home stretch.

Bjørn Buras – Norway | @buraas1

“I’m Bjørn — a sports science teacher and cross-country and biathlon coach. I’m based in Trysil, Norway. The Engadin has been on my wish list for decades.

“I do most of my training at home here in Trysil, where I have several hundred kilometres of XC tracks from late October to mid-May every season. I’m now in the volume phase of my training, where I’m trying to build the foundation simply with hours on skis. I’ll gradually decrease the volume and increase speed towards the race, adding in a few other races before Engadin. The last month will be racing on weekends and short speed sessions during the week. Can’t wait!” 

Pascal Inauen – Switzerland | @pi_pictures

“My name is Pascal. I'm the CEO of a startup based in Appenzell, Switzerland. It’s my third crack at the Engadiner.

“I'm excited for this year’s event because I’m starting in one of the front waves. I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be another great experience. As for tapering? I’ll continue training as usual with running and stability training. As the event gets closer, I will try to increase the snow days and training on the cross-country skis.”

Chloé Vuillomenet – Switzerland | @chloevllmnt

“Hi! I’m Chloé. And I’m an outdoor lover based in Sierre in the heart of Valais in Switzerland. I am excited about the event, but even more about the training sessions leading up to it. With a month to go, I am not adjusting my training much. I love to vary my sports and adapt according to the conditions: ski touring when there is snow, cross-country skiing in good weather, running when the skies are variable, strengthening when the days are too short for a good outing and finally some good rest days, too. And I always do it with a smile; it's the best way to get ready for event day.”

Gala Lukman – Slovenia | @galalukman

“Hello! My name is Gala, I am a kinesiologist based in Bled, Slovenia. I enjoy all kinds of outdoor sports, especially cross-country and ski touring. In summer, I spend my days in the mountains, climbing, hiking and riding my bike. With a month to go till the Engadiner, I will keep doing what I’m doing. Eating well, sleeping a lot and, most of all, listening to my body. Also, I will try not to skip rest days and recovery training like stretching, easy running and weight training.”

Sophie Bernaille – France | @sophie_yoga_chamonix

“Hi! My name is Sophie Bernaille. I am a yoga teacher living in Chamonix, France. This is my first time competing in Engadin, my first time in a Skimarathon and my first time skiing in Switzerland! I‘ve never skied this distance before. I feel a little nervous about the distance and time I'm going to spend on my skis, but I feel confident about my mental strength. In the coming month, I plan one or two bigger sessions of about 30 km to get an idea for endurance, shorter sessions in between and rest so I don't get too tired for the big day.”

ODLO @ the Engadiner

To celebrate one of ODLO’s proudest partnerships, we’ve created ODLO at the Engadiner – an experience where participants win performance apparel and represent ODLO as they train, race the Engadiner and more. Get more details about ODLO at the Engadiner here. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for some XC kit, we have a full range of base layers, jackets, pants and accessories. Start your journey here.