50 years of Passlung

On the occasion of its birthday, which incidentally also marks the 30th anniversary of the «KIDS CROSS», it's time to take a look back at the beginnings. We offer five interviews with people who have had a decisive influence on cross-country skiing culture in the Lower Engadine.

Giovanni Mathis (JG 1941):
Founder of the word «PASSLUNG»

Giovanni how did the word «Passlung» come about?
Cross-country skiing was already somewhat established in the Lower Engadine. We tracked our own trails in the forest. Initially, it was more like walking in the snow with skis on our feet.

And then?
We became more technically adept. Faster and more enduring. At the time when the Engadin Ski Marathon was founded, the time was ripe for a competition. I remember the first advertisement for our race in the newspaper. The Romansh word for cross-country skiing was missing. Without further ado, I put the word «Passlung» (long stride) on paper. This was accepted and so the term was born.

What were the biggest hurdles back then?
On the one hand, the race was publicized via the Engadiner Post. We made a lot of phone calls to spread the information. Word-of-mouth propaganda was another means of drawing attention to the event. This required a lot of time and commitment. The figures proved us right. At the beginning of the 80s, we had up to 500 people at the start.

So everything went like clockwork?
Well. If there wasn't enough snow, we had to find alternatives. Because the Vereina tunnel did not yet exist, too much snow was also unfavorable. A closure of the Flüela Pass meant that participants from the lowlands had to travel forever and also led to cancellations. We therefore had a lot of variance.

Who joined the beginnings around you?
The event was made possible because we formed an association of all the Lower Engadin ski clubs. Back then, every village still had its own club. And on race day, the members were responsible for the section of the course that lay on their local terrain. We could count on the commitment of many volunteers. Sometimes the commitment was so great that the task of "cutting back bushes for a wider cross-country trail" turned into entire tree-felling campaigns. I was then allowed to speak to the forest warden again and smooth things over (wink).

Otto Friedt (JG 1936):
Man with vision «Loipe Martina – Scuol»

Otto, you were instrumental in connecting Martina with Scuol by cross-country ski trail.
Yes, we needed a trail to be able to organize a race at all. Initially, we only had the trail on the paths in the forest. Due to the dense treetops, we sometimes didn't have a thick enough snow cover on the ground.

How can you imagine that?
There was still no road between the EKW and Sur En, for example. There was only an uneven forest path along the Inn through the dense forest. Try preparing a track suitable for racing there!

So you had to lend a hand?
And we did it properly. We needed the consent of the forest and the municipalities. Not an easy game even then.

In Sur En there was a change of bank.
As there was no way through on the right side of the Inn, we had to opt for the left side of the river. Blasting work was even necessary between Panas-ch and Ramosch. That's when we set off with more rugged equipment.

Was this also supported regionally?
We were given the opportunity because the project idea was anchored in a "Pro Engiadina Bassa" concept. This was to promote the region and its potential. Peder Rauch, who was working in administration at PEB at the time, invested a lot of time and also made exchange financing possible.

So, in addition to the voluntary hours worked, financial resources were needed?
It didn't fail because of the former. I'm still proud of that today. However, larger steps were only possible thanks to loans. But who would be liable for that? In the end, we found ways to realize our vision. Of course, we also had to play tricks. Later, we were able to buy a skidoo and even pay a man (Hans Vonmoos) to prepare the cross-country ski trails. The trail grew to such an extent that today you can roll out a veritable carpet of trails on it.

Ursina Rauch (JG 1946):
Cross-country trainer for the youngest

What are your first memories of cross-country skiing?
I remember my mother's wooden skis. They were three times bigger than me. I gained my first sliding experience with this pair of skis on the Hönggerberg in Zurich.

What was the mood like at the beginning of the Passlung?
Just like we are sitting here today! We were already friends back then and had the same fascination for the sport. But there was already competition on the cross-country ski trail (laughs).

In other words, the ambitions were pronounced?
For some, definitely! But I always had the perspective of "joyful cross-country skiing". I was at the start myself a few times. But much more often I was at the edge of the course and in the finish area, cheering people on.

They say you deliver the best doping?
Really? I can't believe that my homemade hot syrup would have such an effect at the start and in the finish area. But perhaps it was more my commitment as a coach for the youngest children.

Can you give us an insight?
We always started our training with the first snow in October or November. Then all the children were first called up with their alpine skis to tramp the trail on the ground in San Jon. Afterwards, we would set off together on cross-country skis. My children were there too. Initially still in the pulka. Later they were also at the start of the pass. And who knows, maybe the grandchildren will get into it too?

Armon Nuotclà (JG 1948):
At the finish. Always!

Armon, is it a matter of course to have attended all the previous events?
Of course not. Above all, it takes luck to have such a constant.

Happiness and reason?
My participations were not always sensible either. I once broke my ribs shortly before a race. So I ran with just one arm. I wore the other one, on the side of the rib fracture, in a sling. Sometimes I was half sick at the start...but what's sensible?

The race always shines with a high-quality and international field of participants. How were you able to hold your own?
I always knew that I was always one step behind because of the material. When the cracks already had skis with sintered bases, I was still skiing on wooden skis. When the Siitonen step became popular, I still skied purely classically. My current skis aren't the newest either. But it's enough for a performance I'm happy with.

What motivates you to take on the challenge of "passing" again and again?
For me, it's about the joy of sport and exercise. Then as now.

We are quickly dissatisfied with the condition of the trail today. What do you think?
I see it relatively. There were times when we were running on the ground, so to speak. Once, around the time the Siitonen step was introduced, the entire race track was covered in ice. We could have skated on ice skates. Studs on the skis were also not uncommon. We should be happy with what we have today.

Michel Rauch (JG 1943):
Gymnastics teacher with ambitions.

Michel, you don't just live and breathe sport in your job?
Exactly. As a gymnastics teacher, I tried to pass on my passion. The success is debatable. But I devoted a lot of time to my own ambitions.

You could say: Extensive and successful!
I took part in the "Passlung" 45 times, then unfortunately age got in the way. I managed to win the race a few times. That's nice, but it's not everything.

Like this? Then what?
I was always fascinated by the extremely varied route. It leads across open meadows, through forests and along the icy Inn. The race is still considered challenging today because it is always uphill, downhill and sometimes winding. In addition, it is often icy cold. All in all, beautiful. I have fond memories of the whole package.

The «Passlung» was also a family affair for you.
Those were great years! Playing together with my family and seeing my children win.

Are you talking about racing intelligence here?
Everything has to be right to win. A complex issue! On the one hand, you need personal form. Knowledge of material preparation is also crucial. I think we also had a good racing instinct.

What is your tip for future generations of cross-country skiers?
Don't just train your body and keep a certain slyness as part of fair play.

Text: Xaver Frieser - OK President Passlung
Pictures: Dominik Täuber