The alpine town of Engelberg, Switzerland boasts a storied steep-skiing history. Its rocky, awe-inspiring, north-facing slopes accessed from 10,623-foot Mt. Titlis have backcountry skiers throughout Europe salivating. The quaint mountain village is also worth noting, with a landscape reminiscent of The Sound of Music. We’ve outlined 10 attributes about the town and resort that’ll have you hitting the “book trip” button on your laptop before you’re even finished reading.
1. TRAVEL IS MADE EASY
Engelberg’s central location in the Alps is ideal for travelers. It’s just a one hour and 15-minute drive to and from Zurich International Airport.
2. CONSISTENT SNOWFALL
Even when the season starts off a little slow, it’s a safe bet you’ll be blessed with plentiful, quality snow by mid-winter, indeed.
3. A LONG SKI SEASON
The lifts usually start operating on the glacier beginning in mid-October and stop at the end of May. Amazing powder days are regularly served up during the latter portion of the season. For example, the photo on this page was captured on April 14, 2016.
4. EASY BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS
Engelberg has amazing lift-accessed backcountry; you’ll find powder-filled runs of the 6,000 vertical foot variety just o the lift.
5. NORTH FACING RUNS
Titlis, the highest mountain in Engelberg, is a prime spot for skiing down north facing slopes. The snow is almost always protected from the sun so the cold smoke stashes last, and last, and last.
6. “SNOWFLAKE”
Arguably the most positive and happy man on skis, anywhere on Earth. If you visit, you’ll almost certainly see him; he is easy to spot in his trademark full-white outfit.
7. SKI LODGE ENGELBERG
It’s certifiably the place to stay in Engelberg. It has a great vibe and friendly staff. With its comfortable rooms, delectable local cuisine and intimate bar, you might almost forget about the superior skiing out the front door… almost.
8. THE LOCAL CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE
The Monastery makes its own cheese among other small factories in the valley. The Titlis Chocolate Shop, on the third floor of the Titlis mountain station, has over 300 chocolate varieties to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. THE LOCAL MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Book a mountain guide for a few days. The guides are all crazy-fun and knowledgeable and they’ll ensure you get the most out of your days. Visit engelbergmountainguide.ch
10. NIGHTLIFE
Engelberg isn’t exactly the rowdiest party hub of the Alps because folks are so focused on the skiing. But, if you’re feeling mischievous, more than a couple of spots will entertain you, basically until the sun comes up. Take Hoheneck and Gletscherspalte, for example.
