
Snow Report Engelberg 28th of April
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Engelberg, Switzerland, is a paradise for off-piste skiing enthusiasts. With its stunning alpine scenery, challenging terrain, and deep powder, Engelberg attracts skiers from around the world seeking the thrill of untouched snow. Here’s a guide to some of the most famous off-piste ski runs in Engelberg, the “Engelberg Big 5,” including how to get there via train and car.
Important: All riders entering freeride areas in Engelberg is encouraged to wear their avalanche gear, read up on the avalanche bulletin and make sure you’re known with the history in the area. Knowledge is key!
Map photo is taken from the Outdoor Guide book by Engelberg Mountain Guide.
Getting here is simple. From Zurich Airport (ZRH) it is just one hour drive or a 2.5 hour train ride and then you stand on our doorstep. Direct flights from major cities: London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Paris, and more. Our central location ensures an easy and seamless travel experience for your team.
Laub is perhaps the most famous off-piste run in Engelberg. This legendary descent offers a thrilling vertical drop of over 1,200 meters. Starting from the top of the Jochstock chairlift, skiers are greeted with a vast, wide-open slope that gradually narrows into a steeper pitch. The terrain is challenging, with deep powder and variable snow conditions, making it ideal for experienced skiers. The breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the exhilarating ride down the mountain make Laub an unforgettable experience.
Galtiberg is another iconic off-piste run, known for its long and challenging descent. Starting from the top of the Titlis Rotair, the run descends over 2,000 meters to the valley floor. This route is recommended for advanced skiers due to its steep sections and potential for avalanches. The Galtiberg offers an incredible adventure with stunning alpine scenery, deep powder fields, and technical challenges that test even the most seasoned skiers. The run ends near the village of Engelberg, making it easily accessible for a celebratory après-ski.
The Steinberg off-piste route is a favorite among powder hounds. Beginning at the Klein Titlis station, the run descends through the Steinberg glacier, offering an exhilarating ride with spectacular glacier views. The terrain varies from wide-open powder fields to narrow couloirs, providing a diverse and exciting skiing experience. Skiers should be equipped with glacier safety gear and have a good understanding of glacier travel, as crevasses can be present. The descent is long and rewarding, culminating in the scenic Trübsee area.
Three runs – Small, Middle and Big – divide the Sulz area of Engelberg. Start with a warm-up on Small. It’s the only one where you can do laps using only one lift. When you’re almost at the bottom of the run, traverse back toward the lift, and look up on the huge cliff wall on your left. Imagine what it would feel like doing a 72-meter high front flip off the edge. Believe it or not, it’s been done. During apre?s, ask a staff member to show you Oskar Enander’s award winning photography of American mad man Julian Carr, doing just that front flip. Middle offers the best cliff-jumping zone on the mountain. This is where the local rippers earn their bragging rights, as they train for competitions and photo shoots. Don’t feel like cliff jumping? No worries. Middle will also oblige you with splendid terrain for keeping your skis on the ground. Like a gentle giant, Big offers the mellowest terrain of the three runs, but it’s not without its challenges. Like many other runs in Engelberg, Big offers something for every type of skier.
Wendelücke is ideal for freeriders who are up for earning their turns. This is a short ascend with relatively easy effort to get to the top. Access the start of the tour to lookers left off the top of the Jockstock lift. Climb 250m of elevation and ski 950! Easy trade-off if you ask us. Calculate about 1 our for this trip.
If you don’t feel like hiking, you can access the last half of the ski-down by traversing under the Jochstock lift and over into Steintali. Here you can either ski back into the slopes to the Engstlenalp, or you can continue down to picturesque Engstlenalp. Skiers can return to Engelberg via a short hike or by taking the shuttle bus from Engstlenalp. This run is ideal for advanced skiers seeking a mix of steep sections and powder fields.
Photo is from Engelberg Mountain Guide.
Wissmeilen is a lesser-known off-piste gem in Engelberg, offering a quieter and equally thrilling experience. Starting from the top of the Jochstock chairlift, this run takes skiers through varied terrain, including open powder fields, steep pitches, and narrow gullies. The route is known for its deep powder and excellent snow conditions, making it a favorite among locals. Skiers should be prepared for a challenging descent and ensure they have avalanche safety gear. The Wissmeilen route provides an adventurous and rewarding off-piste experience in a more secluded setting.