Engelberg Intermediate Skiing

Fifty-five kilometers of red runs – around 60 % of the pisted terrain – are available for intermediates.

A bonus for skiers at this level is the stunning view from high on the mountain and usually good snow conditions thanks to the northerly aspect of most of the pistes. But there are snags: from the top of the Klein Titlis to Stand involves tackling the one serious black run in resort; you could ski the top and descend by cable car but it’s not an ideal option for most skiers. Additionally, many of the red runs thoroughly deserve their category, so there’s not much time to relax on the descent. Strong intermediates practicing their carving technique will find themselves traveling faster than a speeding bullet before they can say, ‘nice wax job!’. Throw in the slightly disjointed lift layout and it becomes clear that this is not the ideal resort for intermediates, even if they plan to attempt some off piste – it’s mostly too challenging (and probably terrifying) still to be learning deep snow technique.

Head for the Jochstock for the best area to do laps on piste. Broader, less steep runs and chairs rather than cable cars make this a more congenial area to cruise. It’s high enough for good snow and gives the best, uninterrupted descent to the valley floor at the end of the day. For families, Brunni is ideal though limited. Easily accessed from the town centre and small enough to make for simple navigation and meeting up, there’s a variety of sunny skiing. Only the old lifts, including a drag lift to the very top, are a problem. In terms of extent, you won’t want to spend more than a day or two on this side during the course of a week’s holiday.