The Big Five of Engelberg | Off-piste runs by a local mountain guide

By Oscar Krumlinde, IFMGA Mountain Guide in Engelberg

I have been skiing in Engelberg for many years now, and the mountains around here still amaze me. The terrain on Titlis is big, wild and full of character. What makes Engelberg really special is how easy it is to reach serious freeride terrain straight from the lifts. No long approaches, no walking. Just click in and ski.

Here are the Big Five of Engelberg. These are the classic lines of the valley and some of the most famous freeride descents in the Alps. Each one has its own feeling and style, but they all share two things: they are lift-accessed and they all face north, which keeps the snow cold and dry.

Laub

A huge, steep face with entertaining skiing from top to bottom.

• How to reach it: From the Titlis area, take the lifts toward Stand. From the top station, traverse a short distance to the start of the Laub face.
• Terrain: Almost 1200 meters of vertical on a wide and open slope. It is steep enough to keep it interesting from the first to the last turn. 
• Why it is special: The size and scale of the face is something you do not find often. When the snow is good, the Laub provides the best freeride feeling. It feels like flying.
• Pro tip: The avalanche risk should not be underestimated. Do not ski it without good conditions.

Steinberg

A long glacier descent with a high-alpine atmosphere.

• How to reach it: Take the Rotair gondola to the top of Titlis. From the station, you directly divert away from the marked slopes to enter the glacier. 
• Terrain: Roughly 1200 meters of vertical. It starts a bit more gentle on glacier terrain, then becomes narrower and steeper toward the bottom.
• Why it is special: You feel that you are on a big mountain here. Skiing next to glacier ice adds something special to the experience. 
• Pro tip: Stay aware of glacier hazards and choose your line carefully. It is best with clear visibility.

Galtiberg

A long, serious descent all the way to the valley floor.

• How to reach it: From the top of Titlis you briefly follow the piste to the Galtiberg entrance. From there, the full descent drops almost 2000 meters to the valley.
• Terrain: Complex and committing. There are couloirs, traverses, steep sections and a long exit that needs strong route finding. It is big-mountain skiing from start to finish.
• Why it is special: This run is a real adventure. You ski from the high alpine down through different terrain zones until you reach the valley. Few runs in Europe give this much vertical and variety.
• Pro tip: Go with someone who knows the line. The route is not obvious and conditions must be safe.

Sulz

A playful and varied area that suits many levels of freeriders.

• How to reach it: Access from the Jochpass and Jochstock lifts. From the top, the Sulz area opens below you with many different entry points.
• Terrain: More than 700 meters of descent with big open slopes, small terrain chambers and several steeper couloirs.
• Why it is special: There is something for everyone here. You can ski smooth powder fields or explore more technical lines. It is a perfect zone to work on technique or just enjoy good snow.
• Pro tip: Take time to look at the terrain from above. There are many variations and each one skis differently.

Steintäli

Shorter than the others, but full of good skiing and adventure.

• How to reach it: Reached from the Jochstock area. A short traverse leads to the entrance.
• Terrain: Almost 600 meters of descent with mixed terrain. Open slopes, narrow sections and small features to play with.
• Why it is special: It is not as big as the other four, but it is still a classic line. If you add a ski tour up to the Wendelücke, the day becomes a full mountain adventure with even more terrain to choose from.
• Pro tip: A great option when you want something shorter or want to combine it with a short ski tour.

About Me

I am an IFMGA mountain guide based in Engelberg, and I truly love these mountains. From incredible freeride terrain to countless ski touring routes, this place offers some of the best skiing imaginable.

The Big Five are runs I ski every winter, and each one gives something different. If you want to explore Engelberg safely and find the best snow, I guide these lines and many others through Guidezone.