The Dates
January 13-16, Vermont Ice Marathon, Lake Morey, Vermont. Amateur events from 1 to 50 kilometers. www.nordicskating.org/marathon

January 27-February 5, Marathon Skating Week at Weissensee Lake, Techendorf, Austria. The biggest event of its kind in the world. 50-K, 100-K, and 200-K events. members.valley.net/~ice/namsa/austria

February 4-5, Lac Beauport Marathon, Quebec City, Canada. Events include a 5-K, 10-K, 25-K and 50-K. www.nordicskating.org/beauport

Early February, Siljan Skrinnet, Mora, Sweden. Offers 30-K, 60-K, and 90-K events. http://www.vasaloppet.se

Mid-February, Vikingarannet, Sweden. Race the 80-K on Lake Malaren between Uppsala and Stockholm. http://www.vikingarannet.com/

The Lifesavers
Never skate alone or on untested ice. At marathon skating events, experts check ice thickness with special equipment. And even though the ice is groomed, it still contains bumps and cracks that can upend you. This is especially true of skating in a pack, because your forward view is obscured. Knees take the most impact in falls, so wear lightweight pads. Sport glasses with high-impact lenses are necessary to protect eyes from the wind and ice chips. To prevent frostbite, cover exposed skin.