It all begins with the Women’s Run a week before the big event: on the first weekend in March, around 1,000 women compete on a 17km (11 mile) course between Samedan and S-chanf. For the Engadin Ski Marathon itself, over 12,000 skiers race along the 42 most famous kilometres of cross-country trail (26 miles) in Switzerland, between Maloja and S-chanf.

Especially spectacular is the boisterous section in the Staz forest, where a lively crowd enjoys the antics of the less experienced racers. Around 4 per cent of participants “kiss” the snow here – which makes for about 500 falls.

The marathon trail is prepared daily from late January onwards and can be used by all and sundry. All that’s required is sufficient snow and frozen lakes. To complete this trail just once, even in stages, is almost a must for any keen cross-country skier venturing out in the Engadin. The views of the wide-open valley and the Engadin mountains are unique. And if the sun happens to be shining and the Maloja wind is helping you along, those 42 km will simply fly by.