Engelberg Ski Area

Skiing in Engelberg

Engelberg’s ski area boasts the longest ski season in Switzerland, from early October to the end of May, with over 2,000m of vertical elevation, 89 km of pistes, and extensive off-piste terrain for freeriding, as well as guaranteed snow on predominantly north-facing slopes.

Engelberg Ski Area Overview

The main Titlis ski area is served by an excellent lift system, with three major lifts transporting skiers and sightseers from the Titlis valley station (1,005m) via Trubsee (1,800m) and Stand (2,428m) to Klein Titlis (3,020m).

Skiing takes place on both sides of the valley (Titlis and Brunni), served by two separate lift systems. The best skiing and snowboarding for intermediate, advanced and expert skiers is on predominantly north-facing slopes of Titlis.

The smaller, family-friendly ski area at Brunni (the sunnier side of the town) offers limited piste skiing on gentler slopes, along with the Globis Winterland for young children and first-time beginners next to the Brunni base station. A free ski bus service connects the two ski areas, and Titlis remains the main attraction.

Titlis Ski Area

From the train station in the town centre to the Titlis lift station by free shuttle bus takes less than five minutes or a (level) 15-minute walk. There’s also ample parking space nearby. 

Escalators, lifts, and stairs transport skiers easily and quickly to the gondola on the upper level, and the older funicular lift to the Gerschnialp beginner area is accessible from the ground floor. The 8-person gondola ride takes around 20 minutes from the valley station via Trubsee to Stand, where the Rotair cable car provides the final uplift to Klein Titlis at 3028m, the highest lift accessible point in the ski area.

A major tourist attraction and money spinner all year round, the top station at Klein Titlis features restaurants, shops and other attractions, such as the glacier cave tour, the ice-cliff suspension bridge and spectacular views. Currently, it also features one of the most ambitious high-altitude construction projects in the Alps – the ‘Building the Future‘ project – including a new cable car between Stand and Titlis, the Titlis Tower (opening from the end of May 2026) and the Titlis Peak Station at 3,000m with shops, restaurants and a panorama walk opening in 2029.

The top lift – the Rotair – features the world’s first rotating cabins (or at least, the floors rotate), giving everyone within sight of a window a 360-degree view on each trip. The top and middle stations offer access to high-altitude red and black runs, as well as three of Engelberg’s ‘Big Five’ off-piste itineraries, some of which start from the Titlis glacier.

For strong intermediate and advanced piste skiers, the high-altitude red and black pistes are the main attraction in good weather. The off-piste routes leave the piste far behind, and represent a significant undertaking even for the best skiers.  

The Trubsee – a lake at 1,800 metres above a rocky escarpment – is traversed by the Trubsee-Hopper chairlift in both directions to prevent the need for a lengthy pole-push. The high point to the west is the Jochstock, 2,564 metres, reached by two more chairs and giving access to predominantly red runs, well above the tree line.

Also, descending from Jochstock, or from the Alpstubli and the lake plateau, are red and blue runs back to the Titlis valley station. The lower section of the blue home run (6) through the trees offers shelter in bad weather and can be used together with the tiny Alplerseil lift to ski laps – great fun in fresh powder!

The Titlis lift company makes every effort to provide fun experiences for skiers and non-skiers. For example, the Marco Odermatt Speed Check between Stand and Trubsee records your top speed. If you scan your lift pass before attempting the run, a high-resolution camera takes your action photo, which you can access online using your ski pass number. Other mid-mountain experiences at Trubsee include a circuit for electric snowmobiling, the Smugglis Winterland park for children, walking trails around the lake, and snowshoeing trails at Obertrubsee. More walking and snowshoeing trails lower down the mountain between Gerschnialp and Untertrubsee.

Brunni Ski Area

Brunni is a small, family-friendly ski area located on the eastern edge of town, featuring a handful of groomed runs served by old lifts and gentle skiing on sunnier, south-facing slopes, or tree skiing in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the Globis Winterland is the ideal beginners’ area for young children and novices learning to ski in Engelberg.

The Brunni lift system features a cable car from Klostermatte (1030m) and Ristis (1606m), a sedate three-person chairlift from Ristis to the Brunnihutte (1860m) and a challenging T-bar with an average incline of 48% (the steepest T-bar in Switzerland) to the highest point, Schonegg (2,040m). 

The cable car ride offers splendid aerial views of the monastery, the town, and the main Titlis ski area; however, the skiing is limited to a choice of two runs (a red and a blue run) down from Brunnihutte to Rostis, and two runs (a red and a black) from Schonegg. Also, for more experienced skiers, there’s a ski route from Ristis towards Engelberg.

With few people heading for this side, it’s an ideal area to find your feet, scoring maximum points for forest charm and with adequate uplift. It’s peaceful and pleasant, with some great views, but there’s generally not enough skiing to keep intermediate and advanced skiers entertained for more than an hour or two. However, on sunny days, Brunni’s is a favourite destination for snowshoeing, winter walking and leisurely lunch at the Brunnithutte SAC, Ristis or one of three more mountain restaurants – Rigidalalp, Schwand and Fluhmatt – accessible by snowshoeing or hiking.

Another major attraction for families with young children is the beginners’ area (Globis Winterland) located next to the Brunni cable car base station. It is served by a Poma lift and a magic carpet lift, as well as ski schools.  It also features the impressive new Family Restaurant Ox, complete with large panoramic windows and a sun terrace overlooking the beginners’ area.

The Brunni ski area is easily accessible via the free ski bus service (line 303 to Brunni) from the train station. There’s also parking nearby and a cheaper lift pass option if you plan to use the lifts at Brunni only.

Beginner Skiing in Engelberg

Most of Engelberg’s 26 km of blue runs are located on north-facing slopes at Gerschnialp and Untertrübsee below Trubsee on the Titlis side of the valley.

Both Gerschnialp and Untertrübsee are easily reached from the base station and offer a blue run back home to finish. Good enough for beginners to learn to ski and for improving their confidence, but often in winter, they are in the shade.

The lack of blue runs above Trubsee, except for the isolated ones from the Jochpass to Engstlealp, and the home run from the Alpstubli, means that beginners and early intermediates can only experience the high mountain views over the Engelberg ski area by riding both up and down the Stand and Klein Titlis cable cars.

Globis Winterland, located next to the cable car base station at Brunni, is situated on the sunnier side of town and offers excellent facilities for young children and first-time skiers. Higher up in the Brunni ski area, there’s just one blue run from the Brunnihutte (1860m) to Ristis (1606m), suitable for confident beginners. 

While every effort is made to provide novices and beginners with a good experience, Engelberg is not ideal for beginners.

Ski Schools & Ski Lessons in Engelberg

If you’re looking for private or group ski lessons, CheckYeti partners with leading ski schools in over 500 ski destinations across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Let them help you choose the right ski school or instructor in Engelberg. Qualified and experienced ski instructors and guides at 500+ ski destinations, 6,000+ offers and 24,000+ ski school reviews. View ski schools, classes, offers and discounts, and pre-book your ski lessons online.

Book Ski School Lessons in Engelberg Online >

Intermediate Skiing in Engelberg

Engelberg has 53 km of red runs. That’s around 60 % of the pisted terrain, and while there’s enough terrain to keep intermediate skiers entertained for a short break, it’s not enough for a week-long vacation.

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. However, there are snags: from the top of the Klein Titlis to Stand involves tackling a challenging black run. You could ski the top and descend by cable car, but it’s not an ideal option for less confident intermediate skiers.

Additionally, many of the red runs thoroughly deserve their category, so there’s not much time to relax on the descent. Strong intermediates practising their carving technique will find themselves travelling faster than a speeding bullet before they can say, ‘nice wax job’. 

Jochstock and Jochpass are the best areas to ski laps on piste, where broader, less steep runs and chairlifts, rather than cable cars, make this a more congenial area to cruise. It’s high enough for good snow and offers the best, uninterrupted descent (over 1500m vertical elevation) to the valley floor at the end of the day.

While experienced intermediates should be comfortable skiing Engelberg’s black pistes, there are just five of these within the main ski area – mostly relatively short and well-groomed. While the total amount of pisted terrain – 89 km of blue, red and black runs – will likely keep intermediates entertained for a few days, there isn’t enough to sustain a week-long holiday. 

Throw in the slightly disjointed lift layout, and it becomes clear that Engelberg is not the ideal resort for intermediates. Additionally, even if willing and able to attempt some off-piste terrain, Engelberg’s freeride terrain is mostly too challenging (and probably terrifying) to learn deep snow techniques.

For families, Brunni offers several attractions, including tobogganing, snowshoeing, winter walking, and sunny south-facing slopes. However, with just a handful of runs and a few old lifts, Brunni is not a strong proposition for most skiers, unless there’s fresh powder or for skiing below the treeline in adverse weather conditions.

Engelberg Advanced & Expert Skiing in Engelberg

Judged by the official piste statistics, Engelberg has little to interest strong skiers, with just five black runs in the Titlis area and one black run on Brunni, but the off-piste, freeriding and ski touring are superb.

The red runs that make up most of the rest of the skiing are at the steeper end of the scale, with no let-up across most of the Titlis and Jochstock areas. Skiing on-piste from Klein Titlis (3028m) down to Trubsee (1800m) or skiing the length of the Trubsee-Stand cable car gives a sustained descent of around 1200m and 600m, respectively.  Likewise, the two chairs between Jochstock and Alpstubli at the western end of the Trubsee offer 800 vertical metres, but without significant opportunities to vary the route unless venturing off-piste.

If you’re doing laps, you soon realise the restrictions that the glaciated terrain imposes on piste building on these north-facing slopes. A sixth black run is located on Brunni, from the top of the T-bar to Schonegg (the steepest T-bar in Switzerland, allegedly). It follows the shoulder of the mountain before feeding into a blue run. Still, it’s barely distinguishable, in terms of pitch or the challenge it poses, from many of the reds found in the main Engelberg ski area, and it’s short.

Boarding & Freestyle in Engelberg

Both the Titlis and Brunni areas are equally boarder-friendly in terms of terrain: outstanding off-piste with few big traverses and generally few flats on the upper slopes, either on-piste or off-piste. Lower down, the blue run back to the village from Untertrubsee is the main area where flat stretches could be an issue for some.

For very accomplished, highly insured riders, Engelberg has some of the best cliffs to launch off in the Alps, as reflected by the many winter sports photographers who make their home here each season. Unfortunately, the terrain park is not big enough for advanced freestyle, so the emphasis is on freeriding.

Off-Piste Skiing & Freeriding in Engelberg

Engelberg’s ‘Big Five’ off-piste and freeride runs are the Laub, Sulz, Steintäli, Steinberg and Galtiberg.

For your safety and risk management, as well as finding the best snow, hiring a local mountain guide should be at the top of your budget list for skiing off-piste in Engelberg. Standard safety equipment includes an avalanche bag system, a shovel, a probe, a transceiver, a helmet and a first aid kit.

The Laub

Halfway between the summit and Trubsee at around 2,400m is the traverse that leads from the top of the Laubersgrat chairlift to the start of the Laub, Engelberg’s most famous off piste run: it’s as though God took a huge, broad valley floor and tipped it up to give a perfect, a relatively constant 35-degree pitch for 1,000 vertical north-facing metres, as wide as several football fields, unimpeded by rock or vegetation and frequently covered in powder snow.

The Laub is neither particularly high nor, by Engelberg standards, is it particularly long, but it’s consistently steep, North-facing and wide enough for its powder to stay in reasonable condition, even when it’s tracked. Easy access means it soon gets tracked, and ‘Laub’ is the ancient word for avalanche, so ideally, you should have a guide. There are steep entries for all descents. The ‘simplest’ route is on the right-hand side (viewed from above) and Langwand (skier’s left) is the steepest with a pitch of 40+ degrees.

The Laub is the most famous because it’s easily accessible: from the Laubersgrat, head briefly onto Piste number 4 and keep high and to the skier’s right. If visibility is good enough to ski it safely, you will have no trouble seeing the entry point.

To those in the know, the Laub is just the tip of the iceberg, the tourist route, in comparison to the even longer, and infinitely more varied descents accessible from Klein Titlis.

Steinberg

Steinberg – classic big mountain terrain for experts – can be admired and respected as you ride the Titlis Rotair cable car from Stand to Klein Titlis. The off-piste route heads northwest from the top of Klein Titlis down to Trubsee, staying to the skier’s left of the Rotair cable car. This is a glacier route that can be difficult to locate and presents significant crevasse risks; therefore, hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Galtiberg

Galtiberg descends 2,000m from Titlis down to the valley. Among the longest freeride runs in the Alps, it is the longest, the most difficult and most dangerous off-piste descents in Engelberg. To be attempted only by experts with a guide, and in the best snow conditions.

The exact endpoint can vary depending on snow conditions, but the most popular target is the small lift station at FurenAlp, which serves a mountain reserved for tobogganing and snowshoeing. From there, you can return to Engelberg by bus. 

Sulz 

Sulz is the north-facing route from Jochstock to Trubsee. Three variants – Small, Medium and Big Sulz – offer big expansive terrain alternating with steep couloirs in places, and Small Sulz, starting lower down from Jochpass, is the easiest.

Steintäli

Steintäli is accessible from the top of the Jochstock Xpress and heads west, most of the way down to Engstlenalp. Here you can often find untracked snow even a few days after the last snowfall. Popular options for ski touring here include the ski tour to Wendenlucke or, in good conditions, to Reissend Nollen.

Ski Touring in Engelberg

The ‘High Five’ ski tours are Salistock, Brisen, Ruchstock, Titlis Round Trip and the Urner Haute Route. You need a guide for all these, and they will advise on the necessary equipment, such as skins, ropes, crampons, and other essentials.

Mountain Restaurants in Engelberg 

Engelberg’s Winter Map lists 17 mountain restaurants, eight of which serve the Titlis ski area, and six more at Brunni, including three restaurants situated on walking trails that extend beyond the ski area. Additionally, there is a mountain restaurant at each of Furenalp, Bannalp, and Haldigrat.

Skiers can choose from a range of large restaurants, mostly owned and operated by the Titlis lift company. A few offer à la carte menus featuring traditional Swiss dishes, such as Rösti, fondue, salads, and soups, alongside more sophisticated options and wine lists suitable for everyday enjoyment. Others offer traditional mountain fare, as well as pizzas and burgers, and are self-service. The Ritz, Gerschnialp, the Berghotel Trubsee, the Berghaus (Barghuis) Jochpass and the Brunnihutte offer accommodation as well as sun terraces and cosy restaurants for lunch. 

Mountain Restaurants in the Titlis Ski Area

Panorama Titlis

The Panorama Titlis at Klein Titlis (3,020m) is a scenic multi-purpose venue with lift access to five floors featuring the a la carte Titlis Restaurant/Pizzeria, and Titlis self-service restaurant serving regional specialities, pizzas, pasta and desserts (Level 2), a restaurant for organised groups, an ice cream bar and a chocolate shop (Level 3), and the Panorama Lounge, Photo Studio and Selfie-Universe (Level 4). Level 1 is the arrival and departure point for the Rotair Cable Car, and Level 5 is the exit to the glacier pistes, the ice-cliff bridge walk, panorama terrace and a snack bar. A new Titlis Tower (opening May 2026) and Titlis Peak Station, featuring shops, restaurants, and a panoramic walk, is planned to open in 2029. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. throughout the winter. Tel: +41 41 639 50 80. Web: www.titlis.ch

Skihütte Stand

Located beside the lift station at Stand (2,450 m), this rustic chalet-style restaurant with wood panelled walls, open beams and nicely upholstered seating, features an a la carte restaurant, self-service dining area and sunny outdoor terrace with table service. The menu features classic Swiss dishes and delicious burgers with fries. Open daily during the winter ski season, it is also a popular choice for apres-ski on sunny afternoons. Tel: +41 41 639 50 85. Web: www.titlis.ch 

Trübsee

Located right next to the ski slope and a walking trail at Trübsee mid-station (1,800 m), the recently renovated Trübsee restaurant, featuring an extensive terrace and stunning mountain views, offers a contemporary self-service experience. This includes classic Alpine dishes, such as currywurst and Alpine macaroni, while also catering to the latest dietary trends. If you prefer a taste of Italy, the Trubsee middle station also features Lago Torbido for fresh salads, classic antipasti, delicious pasta dishes and crispy pizzas. Additionally, the Engel & Bengel bar on the terrace can be a fun place for vibrant apres-ski on sunny afternoons in peak periods. Tel: +41 41 639 50 92. Web: www.titlis.ch. Web: www.titlis.ch

Berghaus Jochpass

Situated at Jochpass (2,207 m), Berghaus (Bärghuis) Jochpass is a scenic alpine mountain restaurant offering both table-service in its cosy parlours and self-service options in the “Kantinä.” Enjoy hearty Swiss fusion dishes made from regional ingredients, and relax in the Stübli, Alpgenossenstube, or on the sunny terrace. Open daily during winter (early December to mid-April. Tel: +41 41 637 11 87. Web: www.titlis.ch 

Alpstübli

This Alpstubli restaurant, located near the lake at Trübsee, serves traditional Swiss cuisine, with table service in a warm, wooden-panelled ambience. Open daily during winter ski hours. Tel: +41 41 637 15 44. Web: www.titlis.ch.

Fuchsloch at Alpstubli

Also within the Alpstubli building, and with its own entrance on the ground floor, and outdoor seating, Fuchsloch is a charming Alpine bar with lots of wood, sheepskin rugs on the seating and pretty red and white check-curtained windows. It offers tasty Swiss dishes with table service. Significantly smaller and more characterful than the main Alpstubli restaurant, it is a popular choice for lunch and fills up quickly. Also, a good spot indoors and outdoors for apres-ski drinks before tackling the home run to Engelberg.

Gerschnialp “Ritz”

Situated next to the beginner slopes at Gerschnialp, this casual mountain café offers self-service, with quick bites and hot drinks. Opening hours align with the Gerschnialp lift operation in winter. Tel: +41 41 637 22 12. Web: www.titlis.ch 

Unter Trübsee

Located beside the blue home run (6a), Unter Trubsee is a rustic mountain hut providing mountain snacks and hot beverages. Open daily during ski area operating hours throughout the winter. Tel: +41 41 637 12 26. Web: www.titlis.ch

Chalet 

Located near the Titlis Valley station, the Chalet is a modern chalet-style bar/restaurant offering table service for après-ski drinks and light fare. Open during late afternoon and evening lift hours in winter. Tel: +41 41 639 50 91. Web: www.titlis.ch

Linie 8

Mountain Restaurants in the Brunni Ski Area

Brunnihütte SAC

The Brunnihutte (1,860 m) is a cosy restaurant in the old Swiss style and can be reached all year round by chairlift. Part of the Swiss Alpine Club, it’s an ideal starting point for winter walking, snowshoeing, and skiing, or a cosy gathering for coffee, cake, or lunch, and to enjoy the impressive mountain views from the large south-facing sun terrace. Also, for overnight stays with dinner. Web: www.brunni.ch Tel: +41 41 639 60 60.

Berglodge Restaurant Ristis

Located at the top station of the cable car to Ristis (1,600 m), the family-friendly Restaurant Ristis features a dedicated play area and a carefully curated menu for children. It offers both table service and self-service, with panoramic views across the valley to Titlis. Open daily during winter from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tel: +41 41 639 60 62. Web: www.brunni.ch

Ox Family Restaurant

Located at the Brunni valley station, the Familienrestaurant OX is a modern self-service eatery ideal for families, featuring a large panorama terrace and indoor play area—colouring zone, pirate course, table football, toddler corner. It’s open daily throughout winter from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel: +41 41 639 60 60. Web: www.brunni.ch

Also, at Brunni, three more rustic mountain restaurants serve visitors hiking the winter walking trails:

Älplerbeizli Rigidal Alp – Tel: +41 79 302 65 43
Flühmatt – Tel: +41 41 637 16 60
Schwand – Tel: +41 (0)41 637 13 92

At the head of the valley on Furenalp, walkers and tobogganers can refuel on an extensive menu on the terrace of the Furenalp restaurant.