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Engelberg Ski Resort
This is Central Switzerland’s main holiday destination – in the summer for its hiking trails and golf, and in the winter for incredible downhill and cross country terrain.
It’s swimming in history – the Benedictine monastery built in 1120 is still used today, its monks playing an important part in town life just as their predecessors did in years gone by. Visitors started flocking here for the scenery in the 18th century, with the Titlis mountain first being climbed in 1744. The 19th century saw Engelberg’s popularity grow as a health resort, and in the 20th century, a new found love for skiing and bobsleighing brought the resort onto the winter sporting stage.
The whole place has a wonderfully traditional feel, with Belle Epoque buildings and alpine chalets making up most of the town. That’s not to say Engelberg doesn’t do modern technology – this is the land of the world’s first revolving cable car, Rotair, and Europe’s highest suspension bridge, where steel cables support a 100m walkway, 3041m high.
FIS ski jump competitions take place here most years, with music festivals and waterslide contests also appearing on the calendar.
In terms of getting here, Engelberg has its own rail station, with the train transfer from Zurich airport taking about 2 hours.
Stats & FAQ
Location:
Established:
Open: October - May
Downhill: 82km
View our detailed Engelberg snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Engelberg snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Zürich Airport (ZRH) | 90km, 1h40 drive or 2h train |
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| Top Altitude: | 3020m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1050m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1050m |
| Longest run: | 12km |
| Slope Orientation: | N |
| Vertical Drop: | 2000m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 82km |
| Beginner slopes: | 33% |
| Intermediate: | 57% |
| Advanced slopes: | 10% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 296 CHF (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Grindelwald, Andermatt | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Engelberg
There are ski resorts on both sides of the town, with Titlis, Jochpass and Bannalp on one side and Brunni on the other.
Red run skiers and snowboarders are the best served in the Titlis area, with shorter pistes up on the glacier – well worth the lift commute for the views and excellent snow. More intermediate skiing can be found between Stand and Trubsee, and down from the Jochstock at 2564m.
Families will love roaming the 6 blues and red of the Bannalp area and the easy skiing at Gerschnialp which has a beginner’s area up at 1300m. This is also the place for cross country skiers, with 12km of glorious trails in and out of the forest. There are 35km of XC trails here in total, with evening tours available.
On the other side of the town, the Brunni area has 7km of sunny skiing, including the seriously scenic Schonegg slope for experts and the Brunnihutte blue. Little learners are looked after in the Yeti Park with its magic carpets. Nearer the base, the blue Klostermatte piste usually stays open late for night skiing.
If you’re an experienced freerider, set your sights on the Big 5. These are the finest powder descents in the area - Laub, Steinberg, Steintäli, Sulz and Galtiberg - and they can be accessed without having to take of your skis or snowboard. Ski tourers have the High 5 to conquer: Titlis, Brisen, Salistock, Ruchstock and the Urner Haute Route.
Engelberg Apres Ski
Yucatan’s got one of the biggest après ski scenes here, with drinks, music and dancing on tables once the slopes close. Chalet at the TITLIS Talstation has DJ’s and bands playing from 3pm and Hoheneck Bar’s live music starts up the party atmosphere on the main street. For something really cool… the Igloo Bar serves all kinds of tipples with deckchairs looking out over the peaks.
From fondue at the Alpenclub to curries at the Spice Bazaar and pizzas at Al Monastero – there are plenty of options when it comes to eating in Engelberg. Yucatan has a groovy dining room and a cracking burger menu. For food with a view, head up to 3020m where the Panorama-Restaurant has an ice cream bar serving fresh waffles for pudding.
When the eating and drinking is done, set off on a sled from Gerschnialp where there’s a 3.5km forest trail or head up to the Titlis glacier park for snowtubing and snake gliss. The snowXpark has a fleet of snowmobiles to whizz around on. Daytrips to Lake Lucerne are easily doable via the Zentralbahn, and as well as shopping in the town, you can visit the monastery and cheese factory.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Engelberg
Best time to visit & ski Engelberg
The tourist office claims 41km of snow sure runs, thanks to 8km of pistes on the glacier and an extra 33km covered by snow cannons. With lifts opening in October most years, and running well into May, the area tends to be excellent shape throughout the season.
Peak Dates
We love the market over Christmas in Engelberg, and the monastery often hosts carol concerts for a wonderfully traditional holiday.
Our favourite event at New Year in Engelberg is held at the Alpine Lodge Trübsee – see out the 31st December on the mountainside, take a torchlit snowshoe walk then celebrate the 1st January with music and bubbly. Hopefully they’ll continue this tradition for years to come!
Whether you’re a family looking for a first class ski holiday or a teacher after an escape to the alps, Half Term in Engelberg has plenty to offer, from its snow sure skiing to fun activities and buzzing après ski bars.
Ski some of the best conditions in Switzerland over Easter in Engelberg, where the high peaks and glacier usually keep the ski area in good nick. Don’t miss the Titlis chocolate shop on the third floor of the mountain station…
Families in Engelberg
Globi’s Winterland in Klostermatte is a lovely skiing and sledding area with magic carpet lifts and a ski carousel. But that’s not your lot – the Yeti Park in Brunni has fun obstacles and a children’s run and the gentle slopes of Gerschnialp are confidence boosting as can be. And we haven’t even started on the activities off the mountain… Snowtubes and sledding are two of our favourites for families (the Fürenalp lift and sledges are usually free to use). If you’re planning a day trip to Lucerne, see if the Zentralbahn’s still running its Globi-Express carriage, which makes the journey exciting for little ones with comic books and games.
GroupsGroup Holidays Engelberg
Varied, snow sure skiing and a lively après ski scene makes Engelberg suit groups down to a tee. Explore each of the ski areas together, or split up and meet back at venues like the Hoheneck Bar in town. If you’re all experienced skiers and snowboarders, share the cost of a guide and set off on one of the Big 5 freeride routes or High 5 ski tours. This is a brilliant resort if there are non-skiers tagging along, as they’ll be able to make use of the rail connections to explore Lucerne or soak up the local history in the town. You’ve also got nearly 50km of winter footpaths and 11km snow shoe paths.
Which are the best ski holidays in Engelberg?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Titlis Resort | 4 | £ 608 |
| Hotel Terrace | 3 | £ 868 |
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