This is an excerpt from Ski Lodge Bulletin, our annual hotel magazine at Ski Lodge Engelberg. You can read the full issue online here, or come by our bar and pick up a printed issue. Happy reading!
ON EVERY MOUNTAIN and in every valley there are secrets. Some may be next to the slopes, others will be further away, but all of them will make you smile if you find them.
THE SECRET LIFT
On snowy days when visibility is low or the highest lifts on the Titlis side are closed, ‘The Secret Lift’ is your best option. Its real name is A?lplerseil, and the charming old gondola is almost as good an experience as the skiing. Make sure you respect the wild life areas.
GAFF
Steinberg is far from being a secret, but the far side of skiers right can often stay untouched longer than the more central lines. Gaff is also a great spot in flat light due to the huge cliff wall on your right side which gives you reference and visibility. The drop in is a bit gnarly, but you can scope it from the Titlis Rotair.
GRüNENWALD
At one time this was a more popular run, but for no apparent reason it has almost been forgotten. It’s a beautiful run through forests and farms on the Brunni side of the valley, perfect on a snowy day when visibility is difficult in the high alpine areas. To avoid getting lost we recommend you have a mountain guide or someone that knows
the run. You end up at the Gasthaus Grünenwald a few kilometres down the valley. Share a cab to get back.
Every year ski touring is becoming increasingly popular. Those who have discovered this ideal combination of exercise, skiing and adventure often spend more time in the backcountry and less in the resort. The best thing is that with modern equipment you no longer have to choose. You can ski half a day using the lifts, and then go touring in the afternoon.
There are several different tours connected to the resort. WENDELüCKE is the most popular, but don’t let this fool you – it’s not crowded, and the possibilities are endless. Depending on the avalanche situation and your skills, you can do everything from ten minutes boot packing to heavy two-hour tours.
Almost right off the Titlis Rotair, you can put on your skins and start the tour to the GROSS TITLIS peak. About an hour later, and a little more than 200 vertical meters, you’re at 3238 meters taking in one of the areas most stunning views. Take it easy on the way down as the run involves glacier skiing.
Autumn 2015 Dani Perret will release his guide book to the valley and its surroundings. Get it from www.prime-engelberg.ch
Photo: fredriknordheim.com
