Slopes covered in white gold attract free riders from all over the world. A guide is essential and going unprepared is a big no-go, even for Olympic champion Dominique Gisin.
To freeriders, Engelberg is like Hawaii for surfers. More consistent and better conditions are hard to find. And with the “Big 5” – Engelberg’s 5 freeride peaks – even the most talented skiers cannot complain about a lack of challenges. Take the new Titlis Xpress up to 3000 meters and then do the “Big 5” in deep powder. Not just Central Switzerland, but all of Europe should be proud of these five routes, says Dominique Gisin. “The conditions here are an absolute dream for freeriders.” In fact, the Titlis is not only the highest peak in Central Switzerland, it is also the first mountain as you reach the Alps: with a north-west location, the “white gold” comes down in abundance; the ski season lasts from early November until late May. From Zurich airport, no other freeride area with such reliable snow can be reached as quickly as Engelberg. It takes just 90 minutes of anticipation to get there and another 30 up to the peak.
The “Big 5”: An experience of 5 downhill runs in 5 days. From the world-famous Laub to the challenging Sulz, the mysterious Steintäli to the Steinberg and the long Galtiberg descent – The “Big 5” ensure endless excitement! All five descents can be reached without having to ever remove your skis – for five-star freeriding fun. “If you want to have fun with backcountry skiing, you shouldn’t go by yourself. It’s too easy to get lost.” Even Dominique, a native who knows every bump and gets information about every crevasse and sudden changes in the weather before every tour, never skis the “Big 5” alone and advises anyone, even the cream of the crop, to go with a local guide: “They guarantee a maximum of enjoyment and a minimum of risk.”
