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Freeride Eldorado Engelberg-Titlis

Win 2x2 ski passes!

by Sebastian Müller • 01/19/2023
The 3238 metre high Titlis is one of the mightiest mountains in Central Switzerland and gives its name to the Engelberg ski area. The mountain railways open up an extensive and challenging freeride terrain and the location on the northern slope of the Alps guarantees a large amount of precipitation during snow storms. Here we present the area and its most important freeride variations, the Snow & Safety Days and the special microclimate, and finally we are giving away 2 x 2-day lift passes!

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Powder Paradise and MICROCLIMATE

The Titlis massif is located on the northern slope of the Alps and is perfectly positioned to receive large amounts of fresh snow in both westerly and north-westerly winds; the two most common directions. This special geographical location creates its own microclimate and the altitude of over 3000 metres above sea level also promises guaranteed snow until well into spring. Data from the Swiss Weather Service confirms this: Precipitation levels are among the highest in the entire Alpine region. In March, there is an average of over 2 metres of snow on the Titlis and often a lot more. Of course, snowfall is always accompanied by the risk of avalanches. A team of snow experts takes responsibility for safe pistes, while freeriders are responsible for their own safety in open terrain. The piste and rescue service reminds you of the avalanche risk: from avalanche level 3/substantial, warning signs and warning lights at the stations indicate the "avalanche risk in open terrain". Of course, we know that snowy winters are not necessarily more dangerous. On the contrary, a deep snow cover is often more stable and better set, and rarely has dangerous old snow problems. In addition, the crevasses on the glaciers in the area must always be observed!

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The "Big Five" - freeride variations

Five freeride variations are particularly recommended in Engelberg-Titlis. They are known as the "Big Five" and can all be reached directly by cable car. From the highest point in the area accessible by cable car, the small Titlis at 3028 metres above sea level, the "Löwe - Galtiberg" leads down to Engelberg at an altitude of over 2000 metres. If you follow the tracks on this impressive descent below the north face of the Titlis, you could be in danger. If you miss the key section, the traverse (also known as the "Götterquergang") in the centre of the Galtiberg, you will end up in a rocky, avalanche-prone gorge. On no other descent of the "Big Five" is a mountain guide therefore more urgently recommended than here!

The "Nashorn - the Steinberg", on the other hand, leads down to Trübsee. With its different downhill variations, the Steinberg combines enjoyable freeriding in playful, hilly terrain, whereby attention must also be paid to alpine dangers on the glacier. Thanks to its width, length and easy accessibility (via the Laubersgrat chairlift), the "Elefant - das Laub" is world-famous among freeriders. Freeriding in Engelberg is often equated with the “Laub”. The ski safari continues. The "Büffel - das Sulz" starts at the mountain station on the Jochstock and offers three variations: Small-, Middle-, and Big-Sulz [Klein-, Mittel- and Gross-Sulz]. Only the Small-Sulz starts in the Jochpass and is an ideal variation descent for freeride newcomers. Thanks to its cliffs, the Middle-Sulz is particularly popular with freeriders who like jumps and the Big-Sulz deserves its name not only because of its size, but also because of the varied, sometimes challenging terrain. The "Leopard - the Steintäli" is slightly hidden behind the Jochstock. Due to its exposure, very good powder conditions can often still be found a few days after the last snowfall. Depending on your choice of route, you can either ski back onto the blue piste at the Steinblöcken or continue almost as far as Engstlensee.

Snow & Safety Days

It is essential to pay attention to the avalanche situation, crevasses and wildlife rest areas on all variations. This is why it is highly recommended to be accompanied by a mountain guide. The guides will lead you safely through the terrain and also reveal a few secret spots. With the Snow & Safety Days, Engelberg-Titlis offers a safe introduction to off-piste skiing at a great price! For further safety, there is the Engelberg Safety Guide with all safety-relevant information.

STRONG freeride community

Engelberg has long been one of the most famous freeride ski resorts in the Alps and the community is international and diverse. You certainly have to get up early to ski "first lines", but respectful behaviour is guaranteed. Engelberg is particularly popular among Scandinavians. Many spend entire winters here and come back again and again.

Competition

We are giving away 2 times 2 one-day ski passes!

To take part, you have to tell us in a comment under the article or under the corresponding FB or Instagram post which of the Big 5 variants you would prefer to ride and why. The winners will be drawn at random. Closing date for entries: 27.1.2023

Legal recourse is excluded.

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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