I was wondering, if a person is not going to participate in this skimarathon, should you avoid the area completely? I was planning to overnight in Samedan on March 12th and do some sightseeing/ tobogganing/sleighriding the next day, without realizing this event was taking place the same weekend. I have a hotel reservation so that's not a problem... but I'm beginning to wonder if I should change plans.

I just got a hotel offer from the Hotel Garni Chesa-Mulin in Pontresina as they had a cancelation, for almost exactly the same rate I'll be paying at the Hotel Bernina in Samedan... should I take it?

Thanks for your time.

I have been to the area on that special day a couple of years ago. No problem at all. Everything was well organised. The skiing areas and cable cars were almost deserted because all the folks visited the skimarathon.

I don't think you should change your hotel plans. The Bernina in Samedan has more "old world charm" IMO and is located much closer to the railway station. Samedan itself is also nice and restaurant prices are a bit cheaper than in Pontresina.

Thanks again, Ingo, for putting my mind more at ease. I've been asking a lot of last minute questions this week... my nervous energy and anticipation is building up! Thanks for being patient with me, Fodorites.

From pictures I've seen, the Hotel Bernina looks really nice. I can't believe I got a room there, and for a reasonable price, after researching this skimarathon event. I viewed some photo galleries from years past this morning, and there are A LOT of people skiing!

It was also making me nervous about being able to get on specific trains, but I found out today that you can't get seat reservations in advance for the Tirano-Pontresina route anyway, so there's nothing further I can do about that.

Good night, everyone!

Oh, I also noticed today on the Hotel Bernina's website that they have a free shuttle service from the train station. I thought it was supposed to be very close and you could just walk to it, but if they're willing to pick me up, I'll take it!

You are welcome! Yes, there is nothing more to do than relax and enjoy.

Did you know the link to the webcams in the Engadin? Just in case ... here it is:
http://www.bergbahnenengadin.ch/021stm_0502_en.htm

I like the pic of Lake Sils in particular.

You can really walk to the hotel, it is just 200 m or so. But like you said ... if they are willing to pick you up, you can take it!