Engelberg: Titlis Above the Clouds

By Massimo Terracina

If you consider Lucerne as the gateway, you can reach Engelberg and Mount Titlis in just half an hour by train with the very punctual SBB. This town, situated at the foot of the mountain where the glacier of the same name lies, is a ski resort with an exceptionally long season—the longest in Switzerland.

"This part of central Switzerland has an exceptional seasonality: from October to May," says Sergio Scheiwiller, who manages marketing for Western Europe. "It offers an all-round mountain experience with activities related to skiing and snow fun, which are celebrated in winter, contrasting with the activities available in the summer for everyone."

Reaching the summit is an experience in itself: the Titlis Xpress cable car takes you to the intermediate station, and from there, the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, transports you to the top. This allows you to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Swiss Alps in a comfortable, sparkling cabin.

The cable car journey passes over slopes, alpine lakes, snow parks, and moonbike and snowmobile trails, revealing an enchanting winter wonderland. At the summit, 3,062 meters above sea level, you can admire not only the breathtaking view of the Engelberg valley, but also the majestic glacier, marked by deep crevasses.

"At the arrival station, often above the clouds, where the sky is always clear, a world of snow awaits you. You can start by exploring a 150-meter-long artificial ice cave that extends into the heart of the mountain, glowing with a magnetic blue hue, until you reach the 'ice throne,'" adds Scheiwiller. "If you overcome any claustrophobic feelings, the -1°C climate can actually feel quite comfortable if you’re well wrapped up."

But the ice tunnel isn’t the only attraction on Mount Titlis. Other highlights include the Ice-Flyer chairlift, the Gletscher-Fun Park, and the Titlis Cliff Walk, a suspended walkway over 3,000 meters above sea level, offering an exhilarating sense of freedom and adventure, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.

For Bollywood fans—many visitors from India come here—there’s even a chance to take a photo with a cutout of famous actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are huge stars in their homeland.

Thanks to its geographical location and heavy snowfall from northwestern storms, Titlis enjoys a snow-covered landscape from October to May. The ski area is also easily accessible: just 1.5 hours by train from Zurich Airport, or 30 minutes from Lucerne, always using the SBB rail network, renowned for its punctuality.

The ski slopes cater to every level: 82 kilometers of medium to high-difficulty runs, including a valley descent with a 2,000-meter altitude difference, are just some of the highlights for ski enthusiasts. The freeriding terrain is world-famous, particularly the Laub-Abfahrt slope. With a constant gradient of 32-38 degrees, it’s ideal for powder turns, while the 1,000-meter altitude difference makes it one of the longest off-piste runs.

For thrill-seekers, the Big 5 challenge is a must (a local guide is recommended). This involves conquering nearly 10,000 meters of altitude difference in a single day across five different descents.

It’s no surprise that Engelberg holds the record for the highest number of Winter Olympic medals won by athletes who grew up and trained in these mountains.

During winter, the Lake Trübsee area offers activities like SnowXpark, sledding, and snowshoeing, while in summer, the Trübsee station transforms into an adventure hub with a zipline, rowing boats, hiking, and family-friendly attractions.

Since last year, Titlis has adopted a new slogan: "#ThePeakToBe", reflecting its future vision under the "Project Titlis" initiative. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, upcoming developments include a new summit station, an expanded management tower, and an additional railway line. By 2029, the area will feature cutting-edge architecture and first-class gastronomy, ensuring an enhanced experience for future generations.

Engelberg: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

A charming place to stay with a traditional and welcoming atmosphere is the Hotel Terrace. With 86 rooms, this Art Deco hotel from 1905 is perched on a mountain overlooking Engelberg. It is accessible via an external road or by two elevators carved into the mountainside. The breakfast room offers a terrace view of the town, while the Porticos Gin Bar, featuring 1,700 labels, provides a cozy retreat with a panoramic terrace.

The Titlis cable cars also manage the Titlis Resort, built from wood and stone, as well as the Trübsee Alpine Lodge, located near Lake Trübsee, offering direct access to the slopes.

For dining, two memorable yet different restaurants are:

Ristorante Ski Lodge – Known for its modern and flavorful cuisine.

Alpenclub – A rustic and authentic Stube with delicious Swiss dishes.

For a unique experience, visit Chäs im Kloster, inside the local abbey, where you can participate in a cheese-making class. This one-hour masterclass teaches you how to produce fresh local cheese, making for a perfect culinary souvenir.

Whether for a long weekend or an extended stay, Engelberg offers an unforgettable experience for families, adventurers, and ski lovers alike!