This weekend, the Ski Classics Pro Tour heads to Switzerland for the third event of Season XVII. Due to challenging weather conditions and not enough snow for the original course, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has announced adjustments to the Engadin La Diagonela.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the spotlight falls on Engadin La Diagonela, a demanding long-distance skiing race set in the breathtaking Engadin Valley. Renowned as Switzerland’s premier classic technique competition, this event marks the third Pro Tour event of Season XVII.
Due to a shortage of snowfall in recent weeks, the LOC has shortened the race from 55km to 47km. The updated course starts in Pontresina and includes two opening laps of 9km each, passing through Celerina and the Traumloipe Pontresina, before returning to Pontresina. Each opening lap features a challenging climb. From there, the race continues along the traditional route to the finish in Zuoz.
The Premium Sprint checkpoint is located after 5.7km and has been moved from the golf course to the San Gian church ruins.
Since the course passes a railroad, the start times will be changed as follows:
- 9:32 CET: Men Pro Teams athletes
- 9:38 CET: Women Pro Team athletes
- 10:55 CET: Recreational skiers
“Through continuous course inspections, flexible planning, and close coordination with Ski Classics, the organizers have ensured that Engadin La Diagonela can take place under fair and safe conditions. Their commitment and professionalism once again underline the strong organizational standards behind one of the Ski Classics Pro Tour’s most iconic events,” says Oskar Svärd, Director of Ski Classics.
New Course Map & Profile
Engadin La Diagonela – Ski Classics Pro Tour
Engadin La Diagonela has been an integral part of the Ski Classics Pro Tour since its inception in Season IV. Organizers highlight three defining features that set the event apart: stunning landscapes, high-altitude racing above 1,800 meters, and a unique atmosphere.
Engadin La Diagonela – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 3
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Location: Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland
- Distance: 47km
- Start Times: 9:32 CET M / 9:38 CET W
- Elevation Gain: 451m
- Last Edition Winners: Silje Øyre Slind (1:58:47.4) & Amund Riege (1:44:35.6)
- Registration: Engadin La Diagonela
- SC Play: Engadin La Diagonela
Engadin La Diagonela program, starts lists, live timing, and live streaming on SC Play can be found HERE
La Saireda Roseg & La Sfida – Ski Classics Challengers
The Ski Classics Challengers events La Saireda Roseg, a night race in classic technique on Thursday, January 15, and La Sfida, the freestyle race of Engadin La Diagonela, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, will also see course adjustments.
For La Saireda Roseg, participants will start and finish at the Pontresina Cross-Country Ski Center. The adjusted race distance is 12km, with the event beginning at 18:00 CET. Wearing a headlamp is mandatory.
For La Sfida, the adjusted 23km freestyle course starts at the Zuoz Cross-Country Ski Center and finishes at the Pontresina Cross-Country Ski Center. The event begins at 10:30 CET.
Engadin Valley
Visitors to the region will discover an extensive network of groomed tracks spanning over 220 kilometers, transforming the valley into an idyllic retreat for pre- and post-event activities. The region’s charm is further enhanced by its impressive glaciers and pristine alpine scenery.
Known for its majestic panoramas, sun-soaked winter days, and picturesque villages, the Engadin Valley offers a unique atmosphere where tradition and modern alpine life blend seamlessly, showcasing Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
Season XVII of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 13 events across 9 event weekends in 6 countries.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
- Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
- Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
- Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 47km
- Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
- Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
- Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
- Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
- Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
- Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
- Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
- Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photo: Sportograf.com
