SpotCheck | Engstligenalp

Engstligenalp

"Kids, let's go! Pack your ski gear, we're going to Globi!" - "Yay yay yay!!!"

A hectic scramble and packing ensues, and a short time later the family camper van - loaded with everything you need for two nights of winter camping, minus what we've forgotten - rolls south into the beautiful Bernese Oberland.

We set off again this March 2026 and, as you can see from the children's reaction, it's not the first time. We have been going to Engstligenalp regularly for years and have always had a great time there. The trip to Globi has a firm place in our family's winter calendar.

Why is that? What does this "small" ski resort have to offer and why do we think it deserves to be called family-friendly? Find out in this article - and we'll take you with us on our weekend on the beautiful Engstligenalp plateau, at the very end of the valley above the well-known ski resort of Adelboden.

Globi

But wait - who actually is "Globi"?

Globi is the best-known children's book character in Switzerland. The blue bird with a yellow beak, beret and red and black checked trousers was originally invented in 1932 as an advertising character for the Globus department store and quickly became a popular children's hero. In his stories, Globi is curious, inventive and sometimes a cheeky rascal who discovers the world in an adventurous way and often solves problems in the process.

Globi has a special cultural significance in Switzerland: he has been an integral part of children's literature for decades and is a symbol of imagination, humor and child-friendly knowledge transfer for many generations. At the same time, the character reflects typical Swiss values and everyday life. Globi is not just a comic figure, but an integral part of Swiss culture that can be experienced both in stories and at various attractions throughout the country - including on the Engstligenalp. More on this later.

The mountain station of the cable car to Engstligenalp is located at 1962 meters above sea level, the valley station with the "Unter dem Birg" parking lot at 1399 meters. The wall, which can be climbed in two gondolas, is spectacular. In the snow, you can usually make out the sometimes hair-raising summer trail and admire the Engstligen Falls. The ascent also offers views of impressive frozen water columns and very steep slopes. The children are glued to the windows and can't stop marveling. Just before the mountain station, there are almost always ice climbers on the way, which the children find particularly exciting every time.

A local once told us that the cattle drive up and down this incredibly narrow path and that the cows master it brilliantly. This spectacle alone is worth the trip in spring or fall. But let's get back to the practicalities: there is ample parking, which is even free during the day. The parking lot is laid out in such a way that - compared to other ski resorts - there is no need to walk long distances to the gondola lift. An absolute plus for a family outing.

However, we drive past them all with our camper, right to the back of the night parking lot. Next to the historic cable car, there is space for a few camper vans for the night. Check-in takes place on a trust basis at the rear entrance to the Bergbach restaurant. You put CHF 15 plus visitor's tax in an envelope and drop it in the letterbox. In return, we have access to clean and heated toilets. However, it is not possible to wash dishes or dispose of gray water or chemical toilets here.

Thank you for this service - and please, dear campers: respect the rules, pay your fees and leave your pitch clean. Thank you very much.

The "Globibahn"

Two cable cars take you up to Engstligenalp: the large, modern main cable car on the right and the small, historic cable car, which was christened the "Globibahn" this year, on the left.

The Globibahn is a real highlight for families. In the gondola, you are greeted and accompanied by Globi himself in the form of two cuddly toys. Music is played or a Globi story is told. The ride on the historic train has a very special flair. In addition, there is usually only a small queue and the ride is much more comfortable than in the hustle and bustle of the large gondola.

And yes: the staff at the Globibahn were extremely friendly towards the children on all our visits. So the ski day begins with calm and serenity - and not with stress and crowds. Its roots go back to 1937, when one of the first cable cars in the region was opened here. The Globibahn is therefore not just a means of transportation, but already part of the excursion. It combines technical history, nature experience and Swiss children's culture in a unique way.

The Engstligenalp

We get off at the top of Engstligenalp and - as always - hold our breath for a moment. A huge plateau covering a good 12 square kilometers, surrounded by high, snow-covered mountains, lies before us. Our playground for the weekend. The view is always impressive.

We let our gaze wander and see, from left to right, Tschingellochtighore (2734 m), Chindbettihore (2692 m), Tierihöri (2894 m), Stäghore (3147 m), the north face of Grossstrubel (3243 m), the "Frühstücksplatz" (a key point on the ascent to Grossstrubel and Wildstrubel), Ammertespitz (2613 m), Rotstock (2637 m) and Fitzer (2464 m), which is well-known among ski tourers.

The Ärtelegrat to the Tschingelochtighore (WS, 700 m, 2 h), the Chindbettipass (WS, 650 m, 2 h) or the Tierihöri (ZS, 900 m, 3 h) as well as Frühstücksplatz (ZS, 900 m, 3 h) and Ammertepass or even Ammertespitz (WS, 670 m, 2.5 h) can be easily reached on touring skis or splitboard - depending on your preference - during an extended lunch break or in the afternoon. This is ideal for touring parents who like to "abseil".

The winter sports offer is also complemented by two cross-country ski trails with a total length of around 8 kilometers. These are groomed for both classic and skating.

The ski area

The ski area itself consists of a total of five lifts and comprises 17 kilometers of pistes. Directly after the mountain station, to the left of a gentle practice slope, is the children's lift with conveyor belt (pony lift) - perfect for those first turns. The ski school is also located here. The area is lovingly designed and with appealing elements such as tires, slalom courses, wave tracks, animal figures and of course Globi again and again, it is a great place for children's first attempts or to do one or two relaxed introductory laps to a day's skiing.

The slope is varied: it starts quite steeply and then offers a junction with three options. You can continue down the relatively steep slope on the right, switch to a flatter but still fast slope with a nice curve on the left or gain your first off-piste experience in the middle. The entire area is exciting and challenging for children of all ages and can be viewed from below at all times. This allows children to ski their own laps. There is even a timed race slope on the far right. Globi's record here is 47 seconds - you have to beat that first.

We always spend a lot of time there - and it hardly ever gets boring, even though it's "only" a lift.

The Kinderland and the Bockmatti lift are also located on the western slope below the Tschingellochtighore. Even in the height of winter, the sun shines here almost all day, and it only gets shady towards the evening when it disappears behind the Wildstrubel. Now, in March, the entire ski area remains in the sun until the lifts close. It is still high when we slowly make the last turns at 4 pm.

At the end of Engstligenalp is the Dossen double ski lift. This is relatively challenging, steep in places and quite long. There are red and black pistes on the northern slope below the Tierihöri. There is also a blue bypass, which we love to ski with the children.

Depending on the age and ability of the children, this lift can be quite strenuous. However, the blue bypass is flat throughout and well suited. The middle blue piste requires a little more skiing technique, as there are always short, steeper sections with counter-slopes to master. However, this descent leads into a high wave run - which is great fun every time.

We also think the red piste on the far right is excellent for families. It offers nice slopes that challenge children without being too demanding.

When there is fresh snow, we always discover opportunities to ski safe passages in deep snow with the children. The entire Dossenlift area is on the north-facing slope, sheltered from the wind by the Stäghorn, so the snow quality here is often really good.

These assessments are of course subjective and can vary depending on the skiing ability of the children.

The three areas with their lifts and pistes are all at almost the same altitude on the plain. The connection across the Engstligenalp is ensured by a circulating rope with lianas to hold on to. This is also very relaxing for the little ones. Some children even enjoy being pulled along on the smooth soles of their ski boots and drifting through the area. Although this is not entirely permitted, our girls are also addicted to this "sport".

The skiing fun begins at over 2000 meters above sea level, offering guaranteed snow and warm temperatures until May.

The infrastructure

In addition to the aforementioned possibility of spending the night in the overnight parking lot, there is also a mountain hotel with a restaurant at the top of the alp.

We like to stop off at the raclette hut for lunch. Our children love raclette cheese - and this gives Engstligenalp another star as a ski destination for us.
Our latest discovery, however, is the Alprösti with raclette cheese in the mountain restaurant. Excellent!

For fondue lovers, Engstligenalp has a very special highlight in store: the fondue igloo. Here you can enjoy cheese fondue in a huge igloo - but you should probably still pack a down jacket. You need to book in advance to reserve your icy table.

The Stäghorn restaurant at the Dossen ski lift also offers a rustic stop-off in a cozy atmosphere. For families who prefer a classic lunch from their backpack, there are plenty of seating options at both the Kinderland and the Bockmatti lift. There is even a warm picnic area at the rear Dossen lift. That's great - and some ski resorts could take a leaf out of their book. Not every family can afford lunch in a restaurant as well as ski passes.

We also meet Globi again in the picnic room. The family-friendly atmosphere is consistent throughout the entire area: there is a book stand with numerous Globi books and a drawing table with crayons and coloring pages.

In the evening, the children are still highly motivated for further activities. The small snow carousel at the Kinderland attracts them again and again. But above all, snow tubing is a must. Next to the Kinderland, large tires can be rented and the children can enjoy the rapid descents in the channels on their own.

The very little ones will find additional toys in the play box.
For us parents, it's the moment when we drop into a deckchair in front of the Bockbar and enjoy the sunset with a cool drink.

This makes it all the more practical that there are season tickets that allow you to use the cable car and then only ski for two hours at the top, for example, but still spend the rest of the day on the alp - eating, playing and enjoying the mountain world. The season tickets are valid from the first lift ride up. No stress here either.

There is also the option of purchasing cheaper lift passes for the Kinderland only or for the Kinderland and Bockmatti if the children are not yet ready for the big Dossenlift.

Another special family offer, which incidentally applies to the entire Adelboden/Lenk ski region, is the KidsFree Saturday. Every adult who buys a day ski pass, an 11 o'clock ticket or a 4-hour ski pass can take two children aged 6 to 15 with them free of charge.

Why do we like it here so much?

It's the special mix of everything - and that's exactly what we experience every time. From the moment we arrive: as so often, we find a free space in the parking lot straight away. No stress, no searching - just arrive. The ride on the Globibahn, once again without long queues. Quiet, relaxed and with children full of anticipation.

The weather was kind to us this time: sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures on Saturday. On Saturday evening, a small disturbance came through and gave us some atmospheric descents in thick white flakes. Fresh new snow and sunshine again on Sunday.

The sometimes stormy wind on Sunday is a challenge - but this is exactly where the strength of Engstligenalp comes into play: the warm picnic area becomes a retreat where we can warm up and recharge our batteries. And then comes Globi: with his appearance, the wind suddenly dies down. The children enthusiastically do their rounds, we take photos - a small highlight that will be remembered.

At lunchtime, we switch to snowboarding at the Kinderland - without any pressure, simply playful. That's exactly what this area is ideal for. After lunch, we head back over to the Dossen lift. The wind has died down, the slopes are perfect - and suddenly we have them almost to ourselves. Moments like this have become rare in ski resorts.

Of course, we can't miss the snow tubing rides at the end. Laughter, speed, a bit of chaos - and lots of fun. And at the end of the day, you always have this feeling: it was another all-round successful weekend.

Perhaps that's exactly what makes the Engstligenalp so special for us: no hustle and bustle, no "higher, faster, further". Instead, time as a family, relaxed routines, honest experiences - and lots of little moments that will ensure that we roll into Sunday evening and out of the beautiful valley around Adelboden in 2026 completely satisfied once again.

You can find all the latest practical information at www.engstligenalp.ch.

Thank you, Engstligenalp - we'll be back.