Frohes neues Jahr! Happy New Year! Gott nytt år! 2024 arrived with a little snowstorm, and we think that’s a pretty good sign for things to come!
The new snow came in with quite a bit of wind, giving the surface a substantial layer of what we like to call ‘surfy’ snow. A little snowfall goes a long way here in Engelberg, especially after a dry spell. The past week we’ve been brushing up on our ski technique so when the next big storm comes this weekend, we’re hitting all the right angles.
Alpelenhörnli – Our little New Years gift to you
If you are looking for a quiet day away from the crowds, we highly recommend this beautiful ski tour. Protected from most of the harsh effects of wind and sun, this little haven stays quite good between storms.
From the valley station, you can start the climb straight up the Talabfahrt downhill run. You’ll head to Untertrübsee and curve right on the road past the Älplerseil cable car. This road will wind you around and then you’ll start heading up into the forest. Here you will see the destination: Alpelenhörnli (2,024 m). The nice thing about this tour is that the skin track follows the down run for the most part, so you have a chance to scope out your line on the way up. Note: This is a backcountry ski area that is very prone to avalanches. Please be discerning in your decision making process. We highly recommend going with one of our friends at Engelberg Mountain Guides.
Hard Facts
Snow depth Mountain (slope, 3020m): 242 cm
Latest snowfall: Mon, 01.01
Avalanche alert level: (from WhiteRisk avalanche bulletin): Moderate.
Wind slab
As a consequence of new snow and a strong westerly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed. Avalanches can in some places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase with altitude.
Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for careful route selection.
Gliding snow
Individual medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large gliding avalanches are possible below approximately 2200 m. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.
Snow pack (from WhiteRisk avalanche bulletin):
Fresh snow and a strong westerly wind are leading at many high-altitude locations to the formation of snowdrift accumulations, or wind slabs, that are prone to triggering. These may become substantial in the west. Apart from these layers, the snowpack structure is generally favourable. Hardly any fractures deeper in the snowpack are to be expected.
The precipitation may result in individual cases of medium-sized and occasionally large gliding avalanches, in particular at the northern flank of the Alps, especially at altitudes of between 2000 and 2500 m.
Weather and Conditions in Engelberg
http://www.bergfex.com/engelberg/schneebericht/
https://www.meteoblue.com/de/wetter/vorhersage/woche/engelberg_schweiz_2660902
https://whiterisk.ch/en/conditions/bulletin
http://www.titlis.ch/de/titlis-gebiet/wetter
// Snowy Regards from Your Friends at Ski Lodge Engelberg
