We’re thrilled to share a special guest blog from none other than Freeride World Tour snowboarder and Ski Lodge Engelberg-friend Michael Mawn! At just 25 years old, Michael has already carved out a name for himself as a top-tier freerider, hailing from the breathtaking mountains of Colorado, USA. This season, Michael has once again chosen Ski Lodge Engelberg as his home base to kick things off in style before heading to the first stop of the Freeride World Tour in Spain. Let’s get a look into his stay here and see the Lodge through Michael’s eyes:
“Hey everyone, it’s Michael! I’m a 25 year old freeride snowboarder from Colorado, USA. I’m currently staying at Ski Lodge Engelberg to kick off the season and get some quality training before competing in the first stop of the Freeride World Tour in Spain.
This is my 5th season coming to Ski Lodge Engelberg and the trip has become a staple – the season just wouldn’t feel complete without it! Ski Lodge, and more importantly everyone who works here, have a special place in my heart. No blog post can explain just how much they mean to me!
There’s a reason all of the Freeride World Tour athletes flock to Engelberg any chance they get… I’ve been lucky to travel all around the world to snowboard and can confidently say that there is not better place in the world to get lift-accessed freeride terrain. Sleep in late and get to the mountain in the afternoon? No worries, you’re guaranteed first tracks. How is this place still a hidden gem?!
Michael’s Tips in Engelberg:
At the end of each season, I reflect on the highlights of the year. An overwhelming number of them come from my time at the Ski Lodge. So, here are a few:
- Laps on Steinberg: Steinberg laps are an Engelberg classic. On any given morning, you can head to the top of Titlis, see some stunning Swiss Alp views, and ride untouched power for thousands of vertical feet (woops… meters). If you choose to venture skiers left, you can ride down some glacier ice (my personal favorite). I’ve had some great memories ripping laps with a crew of 20+ of my best friends 🙂 One person jumps off something, then we all follow and end up laughing ridiculously because it was so fun.
- Trivia Nights: Every Tuesday, everyone comes to the Ski Lodge bar for music trivia. I always see friends from all over the world here. Trivia turns into swapping stories from up on the mountain, which turns into group dinners. All of a sudden you have new friends from all around the world. Next thing you know you’re planning your next trip back to Ski Lodge together!
- Friendliest staff in the world: Ski Lodge Engelberg is the only place I’ve been to where you’ll be on the gondola and see a skier send it off a cliff below you… just to realize it’s the same person who served you breakfast an hour ago! The staff here truly make the Lodge feel like home for any guest. Unsure which slopes/zones to check out on the mountain? Ask anyone who works here and they will give you all the info you need!
- Filip and the kitchen crew make a dang good burger. And that’s coming from an American!
Famous Last Words
I believe that a ski trip is not only about the terrain and snow you ride, but the people you share it with. Fortunately, Engelberg happens to have the best terrain, snow, and people to share it with!
If I was to give one tip it’d be this: Don’t be shy – introduce yourself to others you meet in the lodge!
You’ll find that everyone here shares the same love of skiing/snowboarding. There’s just something special about sharing pow turns on a bluebird day that brings people together!
I’ve now made Ski Lodge Engelberg my home base for the winter as I travel around the world for the Freeride World Tour. I look forward to seeing some of you at the lodge and catching some powder turns up on Titlis!”
Cheers,
Michael Mawn
