18.01.2026
Reported: January 12th – 18th
Last weekend gave us a much-needed refill and some seriously sweet skiing. Powder turns, smiling faces, and that feeling of winter being fully back on track. This week, though, kicked off on a very different note. Mild temperatures rolled in and a little rain climbed all the way up to Stand (at 2400 m.a.s.l.) In this report, we’ll share how we adapt when the weather changes this fast, what we ski, where we go, and how a sudden shift in conditions can actually turn into an adventure worth remembering if you’re willing to tweak your resort plans a little.
Ski Lodge Engelberg Avalanche Training Days
Every year, we set aside a day for avalanche rescue training together with our team here at Ski Lodge Engelberg. It’s a full day in the mountains, working on transceiver search drills, route selection, decision making, and companion rescue, mixed with some fun stuff like rappelling and, if we’re lucky, a few powder turns along the way.
This year, that day landed on a mild Monday in January, and we were lucky to have mountain guide Linus Archibald with us. Having someone with his expertise guiding us through the day made a huge difference, both in sharpening our skills and in reminding us why taking the time to train together really matters.
A Farmer Lift Backcountry Adventure
We decided to head out of the valley and chase some untouched snow, and maybe even a bit of sunshine. That’s when the idea of Farmer Lift Safari style backcountry mission came up. Never heard of Farmer Lift Safari? Let us explain.
Switzerland is absolutely covered in farmland, and it doesn’t stop down in the lowlands. It’s completely normal to run into herds of cattle or sheep even on high-altitude adventures up here. So how do farmers access their land and move supplies around in places where roads simply don’t exist? Gondolas. And the best part? Many of these gondolas run in winter too, which makes them a pretty amazing tool for powder chasers like us.
Let’s Visit Kurt in Haldigrat
We decided to point the powder express down the valley and head for Haldigrat. It’s a short drive, followed by a gondola ride (Maria Rickenbach) from Dallenwil up to Niederrickenbach, and then a short walk over to the chairlift at Haldigrat. The lift has been run by Kurt Mathis since 2001, and the area is something special. In summer, it’s all about beautiful hikes and quiet alpine terrain. Come winter, it turns into a freeride playground. Couloirs, steep faces, and long, enjoyable descents – whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s all right there.
Here, we enjoyed the ride up Kurt’s chairlift, did a bit of bootpacking, skitouring, and some avalanche training. Lunch was served in a snow sofa, followed by some creamy, fun turns down the slopes. Big thanks to Linus for sharing his experience with us, helping us become better skiers, mountain people, and teammates along the way.
How to Plan a Successful Farmer Lift Backcountry Adventure
Thinking of planning a mission like this? Here are some tips from us:
- Book a guide – We highly recommend Linus Archibald. If he’s already booked, Engelberg Mountain Guides have other awesome guides who know the area just as well.
- Give Kurt a heads up – Check the opening hours of the Haldigrat lift. Sometimes Kurt prefers a quick call before you arrive. Brush up on your German and he’ll gladly let you visit!
- Check the weather – Conditions in the mountains can change fast, so make sure you’re prepared.
- Check the avalanche bulletin – Safety first, especially in the backcountry.
- Bring the right gear – Pack plenty of snacks, ski with people you trust, and, most importantly, have fun!
HARD FACTS
- Snow depth Mountain (slope, 3.020m): 110 cm
- Valley (Piste, 1,050m): 11 cm
- Snow condition: powder
- Latest snowfall: 11.01.2026
- Avalanche alert level: Moderate
- Opening times: 8:30 – 16:30
http://www.bergfex.com/engelberg/schneebericht/
https://www.meteoblue.com/de/wetter/vorhersage/woche/engelberg_schweiz_2660902
https://www.slf.ch/de/lawinenbulletin-und-schneesituation.html#lawinengefahr
https://www.titlis.ch/en/webcams
Hope we see you soon! // Your friends at Ski Lodge
