Theme documentation Cross-country skiing, ice sports, fun in the snow Winter 2010/11

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Contents

1 Engadin St. Moritz – swinging into action ...... 3 2 Cross-country skiing ...... 4 2.1 Trails: on the right track ...... 4 2.2 Practical: pins, passes and pizoccheri ...... 5 2.3 Events: marathon, multitudes & more ...... 6 2.4 Special offers: courses and package arrangements ...... 7 3 Winter activities ...... 8 3.1 Hiking & Nordic Walking – trekking silently through Paradise ...... 8 3.2 Adrenaline in the ice and snow ...... 9 3.3 Sporting fun on runners and blades ...... 11 3.4 Sled rides: tradition meets tempo ...... 13 4 Your contact for media enquiries ...... 14

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1 Engadin St. Moritz – swinging into action

Snow, sun and nature in great abundance: where the ingredients are available in such profusion, the winter menu cannot help but be a success – whether on the cross-country ski trails, the snowshoe trekking routes or the natural-ice bob run. When insiders talk about the ”Engadiner”, they are not necessarily referring to a native of the region, but rather to the largest cross-country ski race of the winter season – the legendary Engadin Ski Marathon. However, the spectacular scenery and perfect infrastructure do not just attract cross- country aficionados to the Engadin St. Moritz region on the second weekend in March; already from the beginning of December, Nordic fans can glide into pure bliss. And the whole winter long along 200 km (124 miles) of snow-sure cross-country trails, across frozen lakes and wide open plains, past picturesque villages and through snow-laden forests, far into the ruggedly romantic valleys. And all around, the mountain peaks form a worthy, yet never oppressive, backdrop. Of course, this winter wonderland is not only attractive for cross-country skiers; snowshoe trekking routes through the snow-covered landscape, winter hiking paths as far as your feet will carry you, and exhilarating experiences from curling and ice-skating to snowkiting and tobogganing right through to an awesome taxi ride down the legendary Olympia Bob Run all transform Engadin St. Moritz into one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the Alps. As well as one of the most exceptional.

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2 Cross-country skiing 2.1 Trails: on the right track The network of cross-country trails extends for 200 stunningly beautiful kilometres (124 miles) through the Engadin St. Moritz region. Forty-two of these kilometres are the most famous in – the Marathon track between Maloja and S-chanf. Switzerland’s silver trail paradise offers spectacular cross-country skiing possibilities in every respect: the scenic diversity is unique, the quality of the trails excellent, the guarantee of snow indisputable. Those who prefer to take things easy should opt for the Direttissima route across the three lakes or delight in one of the Engadin’s longest gliding zones in Zuoz. Ambitious Nordic fans train along the legendary Marathon route, explore the picturesque side valleys, or practise on the race track by St. Moritz, where they can perfect their technique on the night trail until late in the evening. Meanwhile, summit chasers make their way from the Diavolezza valley station in the direction of the Bernina Pass, following the tracks of the slowest express train in the world, the . Higher up, on the Bondo Alp, even in the spring, indefatigable sports enthusiasts are rewarded for their efforts – from the middle of March, the glacier cross-country ski trail is carved out on the Bernina Pass. Coverage tips For two- and four-legged snow fans. Nordic skiers who want to take their dogs along can do so on the specially marked dog trails. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05, [email protected]) A look inside the ice. The Morteratsch glacier trail is a very special experience: over a distance of 2.5 km (1.6 miles), cross-country skiers can gain a unique insight into the perpetual ice of the Bernina region. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05, [email protected]) The sky’s the limit. Skiers wishing to enjoy the strong, high-alpine spring sun should try out the Alp Bondo high-lying alpine trail on the Bernina Pass. This trail, extending over a distance of 7−10 km (4.3−6.2 miles), is prepared from around mid- March and leads over a variety of terrain starting from the Diavolezza valley station. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05, loipen@engadin- skimarathon.ch) Far and wide. The route extending across the Sils, Silvaplana and Champfer lakes between Maloja and St. Moritz is a good 12 km (7.5 miles) long. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05 [email protected]) Statistics 200 km (124 miles) of cross-country ski trails suitable for both classic (188 km/117 miles) and skating (190km/118 miles) styles make the Engadin St. Moritz cross- country ski network one of the most attractive in Switzerland. 13 trail-grooming vehicles prepare the cross-country trails early in the morning and late at night to ensure that they remain in impeccable condition. 2 ski trails are reserved exclusively for “classic” fans – the 6 km (3.7 mile) long stretch to the Fex Valley and the 9 km (5.6 mile) long trail into the Roseg Valley, as far as the Roseg Glacier. Links www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/crosscountry

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2.2 Practical: pins, passes and pizoccheri Perfectly groomed ski trails, clearly marked routes and a broad range of catering facilities – the infrastructure offers everything a cross-country skier could wish for. They are out and about in the early hours of the morning when the entire valley is still slumbering, or late in the evening when guests are having their weary bodies massaged at the wellness oases; day after day throughout the season, the trail-grooming workers prepare the 200 km (124 mile) long network of cross-country ski trails. And throughout the season, an army of helpers take care of the signs and safety precautions. A costly business – but despite this, cross-country skiers can benefit from the entire Engadin St Moritz infrastructure for just a few francs with a day or week pass, the “Engadiner Schneekristall” pass valid for a given number of days, or the Swiss Cross-Country Ski Pass as a national yearly card for Nordic skiers. Ski trail passes can be purchased at points of sale along the route, at tourist offices and at cross-country ski schools. Incidentally, a cross-country ski map is also available showing all the various routes at a glance. And the gastronomic facilities, too – culinary establishments ranging from pizzerias to gourmet restaurants are also marked on the map. Coverage tips Under the cover of darkness. The lonely lives of the Engadin St. Moritz trail groomers. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05, [email protected]) Feasting along the trails. A culinary “tour d’horizon” between Maloja and Zernez. (Contact: Loipen Engadin St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 850 04 05, loipen@engadin- skimarathon.ch) 13 trail groomers, 11 sales persons (checkpoints), 2 office staff, and one facility manager in each village ensure that Engadin St. Moritz can provide cross-country ski enthusiasts with a perfect infrastructure. During the 2009/10 winter season, the following number of ski passes were sold: 529 Swiss ski trail passes, 6,260 pin badges, 5,656 week passes, and 9,519 day passes. While in 1985 there were no skating trails, nowadays 93% of the network also caters for skaters. Links www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/crosscountry

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2.3 Events: marathon, multitudes & more With 11,000 participants, the Engadin Ski Marathon is one of the world’s largest cross-country skiing events (ranks third in the world). But it is not the only attraction In the Upper Engadin by far… It all begins with the Ladies’ Race one week before the main event: on the first weekend in March, around 1,000 female cross-country skiers compete over a 17 km (10.6 mile) route between Samedan and S-chanf. At the 3rd half-marathon in 2010, 1,078 skiers were registered. And at the Marathon itself, well over 11,000 cross-country skiers brave the 42 km (26.1 mile) long trail from Maloja to S-chanf. Particularly spectacular is the challenging passage in the Staz forest, where the highly-amused onlookers revel in the mishaps suffered by the less proficient skiers. Out-and-out and up-and-coming cross-country fans already convene to kick off the season at the end of November or at Swiss Nordic Day in January, where they also have the opportunity to try out the latest equipment.

Coverage tips High-tech in the Engadin. One milestone in the history of the Engadin Ski Marathon is the introduction of electronic chip timing in 2006. (Contact: Engadin Ski Marathon, tel. +41 (0)81 850 55 55, [email protected]; www.engadin- skimarathon.ch) Spectacular sights in the Staz forest. This area of forest is – quite literally – the downfall of many participants. (Contact: Engadin Ski Marathon, Ivo Damaso, tel. +41 (0)81 850 55 55; www.engadin-skimarathon.ch) Statistics At the Engadin Ski Marathon, over 11,000 persons need to be transported to the start in Maloja and back again from the finishing line in S-chanf – a masterpiece of logistical organisation! More than 150 press representatives travel to the Engadin for the Engadin Ski Marathon. Refreshments are provided by some 50 employees of the sponsor, Rivella, aided by around 500 volunteers. The food and drink distributed at the seven refreshment stations comprise: 19,000 portions of Rivella rot, 41,000 portions of Rivi Marathon, 14,000 portions of Coop Ice

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Tea Instant, 8,500 portions of Valser Classic and Valser Naturelle,15,000 rice cakes, 12,000 portions of Knorr Bouillon beef tea, 7,000 Max Havelaar bananas and 24,000 portions of Swiss Choco-Bits (Bio Familia). For the preparation of the beverages, 18,000 litres of hot water needs to be transported to the refreshment stations. The Engadin Ski Marathon organisation committee comprises around 80 persons, who in turn recruit helpers to assist them – making a total of some 1,500 helpers at the event. Links www.engadin-skimarathon.ch www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/offers

2.4 Special offers: courses and package arrangements Whether you wish to improve your skills, learn something new or simply enjoy the sport, Engadin St. Moritz offers a range of cross-country ski activities to suit each and every taste. A Marathon preparation week in Silvaplana, a cross-country skiing package offer in Pontresina, three days of cross-country skiing fun in Zuoz, a skating course in Samedan or the Special Nordic Hit anywhere in the Upper Engadin – here cross-country ski enthusiasts are guaranteed to find something suitable to get them in the swing of things. For the special arrangements, which are mostly offered outside the high season, frequently include a number of attractive extras, such as free travel on the local public transport, cross-country skiing tuition, equipment rental and, of course, the Upper Engadin pin badge valid for the appropriate number of days. The region’s cross-country ski schools ensure that guests can improve their technique on the trails, 162 hotels supply the appropriate facilities to recover from all the exertion – and the Engadin climate provides a natural environment in which they can relax and recharge their batteries. Coverage tips Train with the champion. Albert Giger is Olympic medallist, Swiss National Champion and five-time winner of the Engadin Ski Marathon. He runs a cross- country ski school in St. Moritz. (Contact: Schweizer Langlaufschule St. Moritz, Albert Giger, tel. +41 (0)81 833 62 33) Private tuition at special prices. The new Nordic Special & Private Training offer, valid for two or five days, has everything it takes to make progress quickly and efficiently. Accommodation and private cross-country instructor included. (Contact: Engadin St. Moritz, Sara Roloff, [email protected], +41 (0)81 830 08 03) Statistics For those who cannot get enough of cross-country skiing, there are also a total of 8 km (5 miles) of flood-lit night trails in St. Moritz, Pontresina and Zernez to choose from. 14 cross-country ski schools offer special package arrangements. The Nordic Special on a backpacker basis, for example, costs just a little over CHF 100. This package includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast, the Upper Engadin cross-country trail pin badge and unlimited use of the local public transport. Links www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/crosscountry www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/nordicspecial_en

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3 Winter activities 3.1 Hiking & Nordic Walking – trekking silently through Paradise Winter hikers will find almost as many kilometres of well-prepared walking trails as cross-country skiers. And snowshoe trekking fun begins where the trails end – practically everywhere. The network of hiking trails is most dense between St. Moritz and Bever. Here, winter hikers can explore everything from buggy-friendly walking paths to easy woodland trails. And they often find themselves in the best of company. Lake St Moritz, in particular, is generally buzzing with action. But there are also other alternatives to this winter promenade across the snow and ice. There are beautiful paths through the Roseg or Bever valleys, and seemingly never-ending plains in the lower valley that are particularly well suited to Nordic Walking. Those who prefer to strike out on their own are best advised to explore the winter wonderland on snow shoes. Around Maloja alone, there are no fewer than seven clearly marked routes. After all, amidst this magnificent scenery, visitors should lose their hearts, not their way … Coverage tips On the trail of Socrates and Sartre. The Philosophers’ Trail on Muottas Muragl offers food for both the body and the mind. Not to mention the best panoramic views of the Upper Engadin. (Contact: Bergbahnen ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool, Dieter Bogner, tel. +41 (0)81 830 09 71; www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/winterwandern) Moonlight magic. In Engadin St. Moritz, the full moon is celebrated in a variety of ways. On snowshoes, for example. Those joining the special guided tour are treated to an unforgettably magical full-moon experience − an idyllic snowshoe trek followed by a tasty fondue in a cosy Alpine hut. (Contact: Schneeschuh-Wanderleiter BWL/BAW, Silvio Manzoni, tel. +41 79 353 53 94; www.silviotouren.ch) Trekking through the snow. The snowshoe trail on Muottas Muragl is perfect for beginners who want to try out this sport of deep-snow hiking. In the course of the 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long circular tour, they can also enjoy spectacular views. (Contact: Bergbahnen ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool, Dieter Bogner, tel. +41 (0)81 830 09 71; www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/winterwandern) Statistics Engadin St Moritz offers 150 km (93 miles) of perfectly groomed winter hiking paths. Links www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/winterhiking

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3.2 Adrenaline in the ice and snow Sometimes, guests want a little bit more. More thrills, for example. Engadin St. Moritz has several “spine-chilling” adventures to get the adrenaline going. Speed: 135 km (84 mph) per hour. Centrifugal force: 4.5 G. Fun factor: maximum. As far as adrenalin rushes are concerned, a taxi ride down the bob run is hardly to be topped. All those who dare to thunder down the only natural-ice bob run in the world are rewarded with a diploma and also take home memories of an experience of a lifetime. The same also applies to those who soar across and above the ice on skis or snowboard. Yet snowkiting on Lake Silvaplana is not an adventure just for extreme sports enthusiasts, but a heavenly experience for anyone who feels at home on “boards”. Which in turn also applies to anyone who ventures beyond the marked ski pistes to enjoy some fun in the powder snow. The conditions in Engadin St. Moritz for ski touring are perfect; experienced tour operators know the very best places to go. A veritable “devilish" experience – albeit only for experienced climbers – can be had on the artificially-created ice climbing wall, the Corn da Diavolezza (Devil’s Horn). Alone the view from a gondola of the sheer 100 m (329 ft) high ice wall will set your pulse racing!

Coverage tips For high fliers. Snowkiting is the air-borne version of skiing and snowboarding. And a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone who feels at home on their “boards”. Contact: Swiss Kitesurf GmbH, Stefan Popprath, tel. +41 (0)81 828 97 67; www.kitesailing.ch) For speed freaks. 75 seconds of pure adrenalin in a four-man bobsled, accompanied by an expert driver and a brakeman. (Contact: Olympia Bob Run, Roberto Triulzi, tel. +41 (0)81 830 02 00; www.olympia-bobrun.ch) Scaling the blue vertical. By the fourth mast of the gondola is the Corn da Diavolezza, a spectacular 100 m (329 ft) high ice wall, which daring climbers with strong legs push their way up. (Contact: Bergbahnen ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool, Dieter Bogner, tel. +41 (0)81 830 09 71; www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/icesports)

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Statistics The taxi ride down the 1,772 m (5814 ft) long Olympia Bob Run lasts 75 seconds. Fifteen modified four-man racing bobs are available for guest taxi rides. The level of difficulty of the Corn da Diavolezza ice climbing wall varies between W3 and W7. In winter, three kiting instructors teach snowkiting beginners how to fly through the air at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Links www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/activities www.kitesailing.ch www.olympia-bobrun.ch

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3.3 Sporting fun on runners and blades In winter, every village in the Upper Engadin has its own natural ice rink, and every second resort also has ice hockey and curling fields. So there’s really nothing to stop you from venturing onto the ice. If there were such a thing as an Engadin national sport it would be – if not skiing – curling. This originally Scottish sport of “chess on ice” has been played in and around St Moritz since 1880. In the course of a few trial lessons, guests and beginners, too, can immerse themselves in the renowned “spirit of curling”. Open-air rinks can be found practically everywhere. And wherever curling is played, it is almost always possible to ice-skate, too. Whether you want to practise your ice skating technique, glide around for a bit of fun, or give your all during a game of ice hockey, wherever you are in the Upper Engadin you will find at least one opportunity to venture onto the ice. What's more, it often doesn’t cost a thing. Coverage tips Very British 1: Curling. As well as Cricket on Ice, the English brought curling to the Engadin. This sport of “chess on ice” has retained its British touch to this day. (Contact: Curling Club St. Moritz, tel. +41 (0)81 833 45 88; www.stmoritz-curling.ch) www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/icesports) Very British 2: Cresta Run. The Cresta Run, which was first built for the 1884/85 winter season, is a private club that at one time was open exclusively to Englishmen. Similarly to bob-skeleton, riders hurtle headfirst down an ice channel. Anyone who starts Cresta riding very soon gets hooked. (Contact: Cresta Run, Harriet Brabazon, [email protected]; www.cresta-run.com) Very British 3: Cricket on Ice. What in winter 1988 was considered to be the crazy idea of a group of Englishmen and pupils of the Swiss international boarding school, the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, has over the years firmly established itself on the St. Moritz calendar of events. Since then, St. Moritz has hosted what is arguably the most unusual game of cricket in the world – on ice. (Contact: Cricket on Ice, Daniel Haering (Chairman), tel. +41 (0)79 703 61 65; www.cricket-on-ice.com) Winter magic: Art on Ice is a large-scale event for a small gathering of guests. The ambience is absolutely magical – with a setting of the wintry Engadin Alpine landscape, world-class figure skaters on the ice and a top international music star on the stage. (Contact: Art on Ice Production AG, Marc Lindegger, tel. +41 (0)44 315 40 24; www.artonice.com)

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Statistics In 1880, two curling areas, or sheets, were set up for the first time on the frozen Lake St Moritz. The first of the legendary Cresta races, the “Grand National”, was held on 16 February 1885. It is the oldest winter sport competition in the world that is still carried out to this day. The Munt Baselgia toboggan run near Zernez is 4.6 km (2.9 miles) long, while that on Muottas Muragl covers a 4.2 km (2.6 mile) route. Engadin St. Moritz has 13 open-air ice rinks, 6 ice-hockey rinks, 6 curling rinks and 3 rinks for Bavarian curling (Eisstock-Schiessen). Links www.stmoritz-curling.ch www.cresta-run.com www.artonice.com www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/topevents_en

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3.4 Sled rides: tradition meets tempo

Sledding also enjoys a long tradition in the Engadin. While the cracks hurtle down the bob run on their skeleton sleds at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph), there are also rather more leisurely alternatives. Such as cruising leisurely down into the valley along the 4 km (2.5 mile) long toboggan run on Muottas Muragl, with its 20 hair-raising bends. You can find them in the snowy forests and at the top of panoramic mountains, as well as on the car- free, winding pass roads – delightful, exhilarating toboggan runs, on which all manner of colourful sleds can be seen coasting full-speed down the mountainside. Besides shorter descents and toboggan trails, the valley has three official toboggan runs: Muottas-Muragl, La Punt and Zernez. The famous run from Preda to Bergün along the ’s Line (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is also close by. Sleigh rides are also strongly rooted in Engadin tradition. During “Schlitteda”, the traditional annual procession of horse-drawn sleighs, each young man invites his sweetheart to join him, and he collects her from her home. The cavalier sits at the back of the sleigh, holding the reins to steer it, while his young lady is seated in front of him. Coverage tips For the daring: Muottas Muragl. A 4.2 km (2.6 mile) long run descending 705 m (2,213 ft) along a route with 20 bends from Muottas Muragl to Punt Muragl. Toboggans can be hired at the valley station of the Muottas Muragl funicular. (Contact: Bergbahnen ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool, Dieter Bogner, tel. +41 (0)81 830 09 71) For insiders: La Punt. The Albula Pass road, closed to cars in winter, offers a toboggan ride of 2.8 km (1.7 miles) above La Punt. Tobogganists have to earn their fun first: the only way to reach the departure point is on foot. (Contact: Schlittelbahn Albulapass, tel. +41 (0)81 854 24 77) Very special: Zernez, Munt Baselgia. Guests are pulled up the mountain on special sledges, towed by a Jeep. At the top, the host of the La Strietta is waiting to serve them mulled wine, grilled sausages and – if ordered in advance – fondue. (Contact: Schlitteln Munt Baselgia, Tel +41 (0) 81 856 13 00) Very traditional: Schlitteda. This traditional procession of horse-drawn sleighs takes place every year in winter. The horses make their way in a trot to a place where warm mulled wine and typical confectionery from the region await their passengers. (Contact: Engadin St. Moritz, Sara Roloff, tel. +41 (0)81 830 08 03) Links www.swissfolklore.ch/gr/schlitt.htm

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4 Your contact for media enquiries

Engadin St. Moritz Public Relations Via San Gian 30 CH- 7500 St. Moritz T +41 (0)81 830 08 12 F +41 (0)81 830 08 18 [email protected]

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