Two Off-Piste Meccas You Don't Want To Miss
Off-piste, less crowds, cheaper tickets and excellent powder is the magic combo we travel to find. In Switzerland’s Engelberg and Jungfrau regions these factors are off the charts and what’s more, they’re stunning destinations. Don’t take my word for it, here are 10 compelling reasons to pack your bags and see for yourself.
ENGELBERG – TITLIS
Longer Season
Engelberg is one of Switzerland’s premier snow resorts with over 82 km of skiable terrain spanning three majestic mountains and a vertical drop of 2000m. With a charming town and abundant natural beauty facing northwards, it offers an especially long season with reliable stashes of powder to discover between mid-October to mid-May.
The Off-Piste
With an impressive annual snowfall, Engelberg, (Little Canada) receives 53cm more snow than Zermatt and boasts about 50% more snowfall than Verbier during December alone. This is thanks in part to favorable weather conditions up on the 3062m Titlis Glacier.
The resort’s vertical drop of 2000m, spanning from the 3020m summit to the 1003m base, offers a thrilling playground for advanced skiers and off-piste enthusiasts. As a haven for backcountry skiing, it is highly recommended to hire a guide to find the best of the area. The ‘Big Five’ off-piste descents are a must-try experience and include the 35-40-degree shoulder of Laub, as well as the exhilarating routes of Sulz, Steintäli, Steinberg, and Galtiberg.
Great Accessibility
Engelberg offers excellent accessibility, allowing you to easily reach it from Zurich. In under 2 hours, you can conveniently travel here by rail from Zurich’s International Airport. Once you arrive, shuttle buses are available to seamlessly transport you between train stations, accommodation, and winter activities, all free of charge.
Combine it with Lucerne
Engelberg’s proximity to the city of Lucerne, only 30km away, makes it an ideal place for a memorable ski trip. Lucerne is a stunning destination in its own right so consider additional days to explore it after your ski trip. Immerse yourself in Lucerne’s enchanting 14th-century Chapel Bridge, the oldest bridge in Europe. Wander through the captivating Old Town, featuring charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Explore the quiet waters of Lake Lucerne on a relaxing cruise or delve into the fascinating exhibits at the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Dragon Mountain
Mt Pilatus is a must-see attraction located just a short 10-minute bus ride from Lucerne train station. Hop aboard the panoramic gondolas that whisk you up to the mountain’s lookout points, offering stunning vistas perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Once there, try thrilling local activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, or even experience the adrenaline rush of the ‘Dragon Glider’ – a harnessed zipline ride. If you’re seeking a low-key adventure, Mt Pilatus offers three relatively easy 4km snowshoe trails between the Krienseregg and Frakmuntegg sections, and it’s an activity older kids and adults can do together.
The mountain hosts a renowned red aerial ‘Dragon Ride’ cable car that takes you soaring to the summit at an impressive elevation of 2123m. At the summit of Mt Pilatus, you’ll discover a remarkable destination, featuring two exceptional hotels, so pop in for a cheeky drink here. The aptly named Hotel Bellevue offers unrivaled views, while the historic mountain Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, dating back to 1890, exudes a captivating charm. Foodies will appreciate diverse culinary offerings available on the mountain, ranging from traditional Swiss delicacies to regional and seasonal dishes, as well as yummy grills or simple bar meals. Families with young children will find an educational wonderland in PILU Land, complete with fire pits, picnic areas, and ample space for little ones to let off steam.
THE JUNGFRAU REGION
The Jungfrau region is a wonderful choice for skiers with ‘four snow resorts in one’ (Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Murren) and over 250 km of slopes to explore. For an unforgettable skiing experience in the heart of the Jungfrau, consider staying in the charming village of Mürren . This car-free village is very picturesque and provides a chilled setting where you can unwind and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. At the base of the famous Mt Schilthorn, Mürren truly embodies the essence of Swiss paradise and is an experience that should not be missed.
Great Accessibility
If you are coming from Zurich International airport , the journey takes just three hours by train to Lauterbrunnen via Bern and Interlaken Ost then switch to a cable car to Mürren for the final leg. with just three train changes. The train ride itself is magnificently scenic as it weaves through the Interlaken area, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz climbing upwards into the Alps. It really is something special and you feel immersed in the natural beauty.
Challenging Runs
There are plenty of opportunities in the Jungfrau for advanced skiing with thirty percent of combined terrain marked as advanced or black runs. Black runs are a combination of off-piste, freeride, and mogul sections so All-Mountain skis are recommended. If you didn’t bring All Mountain skis from home, numerous rental stores are available with excellent quality equipment.
One of the highlights of this ski area is the renown Lauberhorn Run. This exhilarating 4.4km descent takes you from the Wixi top chairlift all the way down to the charming village of Wengen. Or challenge yourself on the Slalom World Cup track, one of the steepest slopes of the area.
I highly recommend hiring a local guide especially if it’s your first visit here. A knowledgeable guide will help you navigate the terrain and discover the best aspects and local hotspots around the mountains. Ski schools are available for ‘ski safaris’ to explore the area, including local restaurants as well as skiing the best slopes. During my own visit, I had the pleasure of embarking on a “ski safari” from Grindelwald to Wengen.
This journey allowed us to indulge in an array of Swiss cuisines, featuring delectable cheeses, cakes, soups, and fondue. I wholeheartedly recommend this culinary adventure on skis, it’s a treat for your taste buds but also offers unrivaled views of the awe-inspiring Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. It’s an experience suitable for intermediate-level skiers or great for a non-powder skiing day. It’s worth noting that the ski pass includes train transport, enabling you to conveniently explore local charming villages of Wengen and Grindelwald during your stay in Mürren.
Murren – Schilthorn: A Must-Visit Ski Area
A visit to Mt Schilthorn (2970m) from Mürren village is incredible and not to be missed. It’s an experience to do with the whole family so set aside time to fully enjoy this breathtaking attraction.
When you reach the summit of Schilthorn, you will instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a James Bond movie, and for good reason. Scenes from the iconic film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” were filmed here between October 1968 and May 1969, if you’re a Bond fan it’s instantly recognisable. As an added bonus, you can explore Spy World and the cinema, free of charge. This is a great option to keep in mind if the weather turns unfavorable.
One of the highlights of Mt Schilthorn is Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant that sits proudly on the summit. If you’d like panoramic views while you dine, it is highly recommended to book ahead to secure a window seat. However, please note that the lifts from the valley station to Schilthorn are currently being upgraded, which is a long-awaited and exciting improvement. As a result, certain sections of Schilthorn, such as the Thrill Walk at the Birg Station, will be closed from October 2024 to March 2025.
Mt Schilthorn is renowned for its off-piste skiing, making it a favorite among advanced skiers. You can ski down from Mt Schilthorn but please note that it is a challenging run suitable for advanced skiers, particularly during blizzard conditions. The vertical drop here is an impressive 2,170m, with 58 km of accessible trails and the longest ski trail spanning 15km. Otherwise you can safely descend in the cable car back to Mürren after visiting the Cliff Walk at the middle station.
Winter Adventures Galore
There is so much to do here on non-skiing days. For adrenaline-junkies, feel the rush as you soar 800m through the Alps on a thrilling zipline adventure. You can reach speeds of up to 84 km per hour and experience this exhilarating journey at the Snow Park in Grindelwald-First.
Not every Swiss resort offers sledding, but this remarkable region boasts more than 20 long trails. Witness the incredible skill of local sledders as you venture down renowned tracks such as Big Pintenfritz, the longest run in the world, the Fox Run, and the Apollo Run.
Experience the beauty of winter hikes against the backdrop of stunning views on over 100 km of trails specifically curated for this purpose. Explore hikes starting from Mürren, Grindelwald, and Mannlichen, and enhance your adventure with a one to seven-day hiking pass. This grants you access to groomed hiking trails with the convenience of lifted access.
Panoramic Views of the Roof of EuropeExperience the breathtaking panoramic views of the Roof of Europe at the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway in the world. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing in this region, the majestic peaks of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau will tower above you as you explore the charming villages while you’re shopping and dining. To see Mont Blanc with the naked eye from Mt Schilthorn is a magical experience for visitors. Make sure to seize the opportunity to check these incredible sights off your bucket list.
