Event Info
Ötillö Engadin

Updated September 2024

Full event info Otillo Engadin. This takes place in the beautiful Engadin valley in southern Switzerland, near the famous resort of St. Moritz in the Swiss canton of Graubünden (Grisons in French). Uniquely, the altitude is 1,800 metres above sea level, (that's 6,000 feet), which presents its own challenges!

This event was the first Ötillö race to be held outside of Sweden, in 2014, making it the first 'international' Ötillö event.

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Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch

Otillo Engadin Swimmers in an emerald lake

Engadin. Image courtesy Ötillö

Event Info Ötillö Engadin

Location

Switzerland, in the centre of Europe. The Engadin valley runs diagonally from North-east to South-west. The actual village that hosts the event is Silvaplana, in the canton of Graubünden. This sits in a stunning location, with two perfect flat lakes well-suited to kite-surfing - Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana.

There are also a LOT of hiking trails, and a cable car up to the top of Piz Corvatsch at 3,451 metres (11,322 feet). At the top there is a restaurant and bar with incredible views out over the valley and the Alps.

There is also a really nice restaurant/bar just below the cable car station in Surlej. We ate there on BOTH evenings we were there.

How to get there

The nearest airports are Zurich (Switzerland), or Milan or Bergamo (Italy).

The advantage of Zurich is that you can get the spectacular train journey (3 1/2 hours) direct to St. Moritz, and then take the Swiss precision-clockwork bus service to Silvaplana.

We hired a car from Zurich airport, but it wasn't the most relaxing drive!

If you fly into Milan or Bergamo, you will have to hire a car to get to Silvaplana.

Where to stay

There are quite a few options for accommodation in and around Silvaplana and Surlej. This area is popular in summer for walkers, hikers and wind surfers. We recommend you try to book early!

Ötillö has negotiated some deals with local hotels, as detailed below. Otherwise, check out AirBnB, Booking.com and Trivago.

Accommodation options in Silvaplana/Surlej

Race distances

There are 3 race distances, the Experience, the Sprint, and the World Series.

Experience is a short intro event, with a total distance of 7.1 km. Of that, 1.4 km is swimming, and 5.7 km is running. Total elevation is just 128 metres.
Sprint is a medium-distance event, with a total distance of 15.2 km. Of that, 2.2 km is swimming, and 13 km is running. Elevation gain is 377 metres.
The World Series event is the big one - covering 43.3 km, made up of 5.75 km swimming and 37.6 km of running. Total elevation is 1,280 metres.

Ötillö Engadin Courtesy Jean-Marie Gueye

Race routes

All distances have the same Start, at the Mulets Sports centre in Silvaplana. There are changing rooms, toilets and showers in the sports centre. There is also a bag drop area inside the Ötillö marquee tent, although it is not guarded.

The routes go around and across Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana.

Experience route map

Sprint route map

World Series route map

Event Info Ötillö Engadin

Energy stations

There are several energy stations around each course; be aware that there are no paper cups, you have to bring your own collapsible cup of soft water bottle.

Energy products are provided by Umara; U Sport energy drinks, U Bar energy bars (gluten-free), and U Gels in assorted flavours.

Cut-off times

The cut-off stations are;

Experience - NO cut-offs
Sprint - NO cut-offs
World Series - TWO cut-offs, at Time 4 (13:10H) and Time 7 (16:30H).

Weather

Held at the end of June, the weather in the Engadin valley is usually mild. The air temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is between 10 degrees and 14 degrees celcius, which is a bit nippy!

Consider a neoprene hat under your swim hat to help reduce heat loss through your head. A cashmere vest under your wetsuit can also help.

Remember that you will be high in the Swiss Alps, and weather can change quickly - bring clothing suitable for wet and windy conditions.

Summary of event info Otillo Engadin

The Ötillö Engadin swimrun event is unique, held at 1,800 metres above sea level. The level of oxygen in the air is reduced compared to sea level, so be prepared to puff a bit! The trails are also hilly, with several hundred metres of vertical gain, depending on your race distance.

Overall, a stunning location for an amazing swimrun event!

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