SKI LODGE BULLETIN
Ski Lodge Engelberg is a story about two old skiing friends, who finally took the leap of faith and realised an old dream – to open a hotel in the Alps. Niklas and Eric met for the first time in Engelberg in 2002, when they both had long hair, dreamt of becoming professional freeskiers and very few had heard of the little monastery town at the end of the road. After university and ski bumming years, they ended up with long hours behind desks in Stockholm and London, working in finance and advertising.
Ski Lodge Engelberg is a story about
two old skiing friends, who finally took
the leap of faith and realised an old
dream – to open a hotel in the Alps.
Niklas and Eric met for the first time
in Engelberg in 2002, when they both
had long hair, dreamt of becoming
professional freeskiers and very few
had heard of the little monastery town
at the end of the road. After university
and ski bumming years, they ended up
with long hours behind desks in Stockholm
and London, working in finance
and advertising.
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THe Story Big Five THE PHOTO WIZARD EARN YOUR TURNS<br />
SUMMER IN ENGELBERG DOWNDAY HITLIST RESTAURANT|<br />
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<strong>SKI</strong> <strong>LODGE</strong><br />
<strong>BULLETIN</strong><br />
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TION AT GANT.COM
Publisher<br />
Eric Spongberg<br />
EDITORS<br />
Johan Jonsson ARON ÖSTMAN<br />
SPECIAL THANKS<br />
Oskar Enander JOHAN AXELSSON kristoffer johnsson<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form<br />
or by any means without permission from the publisher. If you do not obey you<br />
will be haunted by snowless winters until the end of time.<br />
© <strong>SKI</strong> <strong>LODGE</strong> ENGELBERG
<strong>SKI</strong> <strong>LODGE</strong> BAR
LAUB ZüLS WENDELüCKE STEINBERG GALTIBERG<br />
6 14 28<br />
index<br />
6 The Story<br />
8 A Word From Our Manager<br />
10 The man<br />
14 Big Five<br />
20 Mountain Knowledge<br />
26 Staff Picks<br />
28 The Photo Wizard<br />
42 Earn Your Turns<br />
44 Gear Guide<br />
6
The Story<br />
Ski Lodge Engelberg is a story about<br />
two old skiing friends, who finally took<br />
the leap of faith and realised an old<br />
dream – to open a hotel in the Alps.<br />
Niklas and Eric met for the first time<br />
in Engelberg in 2002, when they both<br />
had long hair, dreamt of becoming<br />
professional freeskiers and very few<br />
had heard of the little monastery town<br />
at the end of the road. After university<br />
and ski bumming years, they ended up<br />
with long hours behind desks in Stockholm<br />
and London, working in finance<br />
and advertising.<br />
Years later, during a weekend break to<br />
relive a bit of the good old times, Niklas<br />
stumbled upon a bed and breakfast<br />
and a run down hotel building next to<br />
it. After many long discussions, a bit<br />
of calculating and market research,<br />
they both quit their jobs and ventured<br />
back to Engelberg. After a summer of<br />
intense renovations Ski Lodge opened<br />
its doors in December 2008.<br />
To say that things went smoothly<br />
straight away doesn’t really depict the<br />
truth, but what could have been better<br />
in the beginning was made up for with<br />
tons of ambition, eagerness to learn<br />
and smiling faces.<br />
Now, five years later, a lot of memories<br />
have been created within these walls.<br />
Thousands of happy guests, as well as<br />
numerous professional freeskiers, photographers,<br />
new and old friends and<br />
many more have entered our doors.<br />
And not to forget; we’ve had Bocuse<br />
d’Or medallists and Michelin-starred<br />
chefs like Tommy Myllymäki, Paul<br />
Svensson, Niklas Ekstedt and Klas<br />
Lindberg cooking in our kitchen.<br />
We’d like to sincerely welcome you to<br />
Ski Lodge Engelberg. If you have any<br />
questions, suggestions or feedback –<br />
good or bad – please let us know.<br />
As our mantra goes: Skiing is believing.<br />
9
JONNA: Our Manager in Perpetual Motion<br />
Meet Jonna, our hotel manager. You’ve probably seen her<br />
dashing through the lobby. You can’t miss her. She’s the<br />
one with the springy legs and the big smile. On any given<br />
day, you’ll see Jonna rushing to a meeting, or heading out<br />
for some cross-country skiing, ski touring, a run or a hike.<br />
10
It seems like you’re not a big fan of sitting still?<br />
Ha ha. I’ve always been moving a lot. From playing in the<br />
snow as a kid, to high school on the cross-country ski<br />
academy and now I’m running around in the Alps, running<br />
a hotel.<br />
You’ve had similar jobs in Sweden. Why did you move to<br />
Switzerland?<br />
For the bigger mountains and amounts of snow. The skiing<br />
in Sweden is nice, but very small compared to the backyard<br />
here. Ski Lodge is also a “product” I really believe in.<br />
That combination together with the rest of the staff, the Ski<br />
Lodge family, made it easy to move here.<br />
What’s your favourite ski run in Engelberg?<br />
Hinterwald.<br />
And your favourite running trail in the summer?<br />
I love to take the lift to Jochpass and run to Melchsee-Frutt<br />
and back. The view up there is amazing, and it feels kind of<br />
funny to actually run to another ski resort and back.<br />
11
The Man<br />
Dani Friedli<br />
You rarely see him on the streets of Engelberg, but almost everyone knows<br />
who he is. Dani Friedli spends most of his time in his OKAY shop. Located<br />
just 50 meters from the Lodge, this is where Dani practices his jedi skills,<br />
giving new life to damaged skis and snowboards. If you have any equipment<br />
problem, or if you need to rent or purchase gear, Dani is The Man.<br />
12
Don’t get alarmed if you don’t see<br />
Dani when you enter the OKAY<br />
shop. He’s like the man behind<br />
the curtain in the Wizard of Oz.<br />
Wait a moment, and you’ll hear<br />
him shout “Coming,” as he sets<br />
aside a pair of skis that have seen<br />
better days. He’s a superb craftsman,<br />
whose skiing, climbing and<br />
mountain biking skills have earned<br />
him bragging rights, yet Dani’s a<br />
humble guy.<br />
He’s also honest, and he’ll find you<br />
the best skis for your skills, and<br />
not the most expensive ones. We<br />
had a chat with him about equipment,<br />
safety and his favourite runs<br />
on the mountain.<br />
We start with the classic: What’s<br />
the most common mistake people<br />
do when they rent skis?<br />
They don’t rent skis for their own<br />
level. Just because a ski is the most<br />
expensive one, it doesn’t mean it’s<br />
best for every skier. Stiff skis are<br />
another problem. Some like them,<br />
for sure, but most skiers, even good<br />
ones, don’t need that stiff skis.<br />
How has the standard OKAY customer<br />
changed in the last five<br />
years?<br />
Five years ago this was a store<br />
for [freeride] freaks. Now I have<br />
all kinds of customers: From professional<br />
skiers to new beginners.<br />
And five years ago, almost no one<br />
had fat skis. Now the big skis are<br />
so much better, everyone can ski<br />
13
them. Don’t be scared to go big! It’s<br />
easier, I promise.<br />
What’s the most common repair<br />
you do?<br />
The big service. Ha ha. People who<br />
have their own skis are kind of bad<br />
at taking care of them. It’s a shame,<br />
cause skis perform so much better<br />
if they’re in good shape. You can<br />
really see that a ski with proper<br />
edges and good glide turns much<br />
better. Give your skis some love.<br />
It’s a win win.<br />
What’s the trend?<br />
Both powder skis and all mountain<br />
skis are getting wider. The<br />
last year’s development in touring<br />
equipment is also a real revolution,<br />
and has helped more people<br />
discover how easy it is to get off<br />
the beaten track. Nowadays the<br />
touring bindings and boots are so<br />
good, it’s not really any difference<br />
between them and normal bindings<br />
and boots. This helps people<br />
tour more – like small hikes just off<br />
the lift. Safety equipment also becomes<br />
more and more important,<br />
as more people are moving out of<br />
the slopes.<br />
What kind of safety equipment?<br />
Avalanche backpacks have gotten<br />
really popular the last years.<br />
There’s a discussion about people<br />
taking more risks because they<br />
have more safety equipment.<br />
And that’s of course something to<br />
think about – transceivers and avalanche<br />
backpacks can save your<br />
life, but you must remember not to<br />
take more risks cause you’re wearing<br />
them. It’s like driving a car;<br />
you can’t drive like an idiot just<br />
because you wear the seat belt.<br />
The airbag backpacks<br />
also got a lot cheaper and better<br />
the last years. Now they’re just<br />
like a normal ski pack, but with a<br />
small life insurance in it. If you’re<br />
a freerider, I think it makes sense<br />
to add one to the mandatory<br />
“transceiver-shovel-probe”-setup<br />
you always bring.<br />
Talking about touring again.<br />
What’s your favourite small tour<br />
on the mountain?<br />
It may be a boring answer, but the<br />
Wendelücke is so easy accessed,<br />
and it’s such a nice one-hour-tour.<br />
Just make sure you know where<br />
to go down if you don’t have a<br />
guide. Engelberg is a place where<br />
you can’t always follow tracks, and<br />
in Wendelücke you can’t see the<br />
whole run from the top.<br />
What’s your favourite lift accessed<br />
run?<br />
Well. It’s Laub. Of course. Ha ha!<br />
And at last; I need to ask you<br />
about the ski ballet?<br />
Ha ha ha! Ski ballet? Where have<br />
you heard this?! But you know, in<br />
the eighties, if you could be John<br />
Travolta on 140 centimetre skis to<br />
the tunes of classic rock, wearing<br />
a yellow one-piece – you were the<br />
man! It was not really my favourite<br />
though, and since aerials also were<br />
a part of the “ski acrobatique”, I<br />
spent more time doing that.<br />
But really, I think it was all<br />
the same back then as it is now.<br />
Today it’s called freeskiing,<br />
25 years ago it was ski acrobatique.<br />
They’re both something<br />
different though, and that’s what<br />
I love about this part of the ski<br />
world that I’m living in.<br />
14
ski the<br />
BIG5<br />
in engelberg<br />
Every year, powder hounds from<br />
all corners of the globe make<br />
their pilgrimage to the freeride<br />
Mecca known as Engelberg. This<br />
mountain playground boasts five<br />
outstanding runs. Their reputation<br />
precedes them, and for a good reason.<br />
Allow us to introduce you to them.<br />
16
LAUB<br />
The iconic Laub run towers over the town of Engelberg, enticing you to explore its<br />
1000+ vertical meters of deep snow. When this paradise of powder calls your name,<br />
resistance is futile. The run, which maintains a constant 30 to 40 degree pitch, is<br />
several soccer fields wide. There’s enough room for everyone. The more the<br />
merrier! Laub does not pose the technical challenges of its four siblings, but don’t let its<br />
simplicity fool you. Its name, in some Swiss dialects, means “avalanche.” Let the hardcore<br />
locals test the snow stability before you drop in.<br />
The Ritz restaurant sits at the bottom of the run, so reward yourself with<br />
a scrumptious lunch. If you want to go back for more, the owners run a minibus<br />
service, which delivers you to the Gerschnialp gondola station for the ride back up the<br />
mountain.<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
17
ZüLS<br />
Three runs – Small, Middle and Big – divide the Züls area of Engelberg. Start with a warm-up on Small. It’s the<br />
only one where you can do laps using only one lift. When you’re almost at the bottom of the run, traverse back<br />
toward the lift, and look up on the huge cliff wall on your left. Imagine what it would feel like doing a 72-meter<br />
high front flip off the edge. Believe it or not, it’s been done. During après, ask a staff member to show you Oskar<br />
Enander’s award winning photography of American mad man Julian Carr, doing just that front flip.<br />
Middle offers the best cliff-jumping zone on the mountain. This is where the local rippers earn their bragging<br />
rights, as they train for competitions and photo shoots. Don’t feel like cliff jumping? No worries. Middle will also<br />
oblige you with splendid terrain for keeping your skis on the ground.<br />
Like a gentle giant, Big offers the mellowest terrain of the three runs, but it’s not without its challenges. Like many<br />
other runs in Engelberg, Big offers something for every type of skier.<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
18
WENDELüCKE<br />
Although it’s possible to access parts of Wendelücke directly off the lift, good things<br />
come to those who earn their turns with a bit of hiking. Untouched freshies reward<br />
15 minutes of hiking. Build your endurance before you get here, because 30 to 60<br />
minutes of hiking delivers you to the ultimate powder nirvana. If you decide to ski<br />
a top to bottom run, your legs will need another 10 minutes of hiking endurance, in<br />
order to get back to the lift.<br />
This run, with its splendid views, provides an ideal introduction to the ski<br />
touring experience. A local guide can help you maximise the fun factor.<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
19
STEINBERG<br />
Steinberg is the huge off piste run you reach when you step out of the Titlis Rotair,<br />
at the very top of the ski area, 3020 meters above sea level. This run offers endless<br />
options for your downhill journey to Trübsee, where the run ends. Some choose to<br />
enter through the gnarly Gaff, located on the far skier’s right side. Others prefer the<br />
steeps of Never Sun, situated on the skier’s left. Between them lies a billowing area,<br />
where your skiing creativity takes on a life of its own.<br />
From steep chutes to mellow powder fields, Steinberg has it all. You’ll never<br />
get bored, but remember to take the appropriate safety precautions. Parts of this run<br />
are like glacier skiing on steroids. Know your route, and steer clear of the crevasses.<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
20
GALTIBERG<br />
Get ready for the biggest of the big ones. Boasting 2000 vertical meters of magic, Galtiberg gives<br />
new meaning to the words “really long run”. From the start of the run, where you can go as fast as<br />
you dare over the open glacier fields, to the<br />
majestic middle part with 500 meter high cliff walls surrounding you, to the end, where your legs<br />
are screaming “Stop!”, but your head is screaming “Again!” – it’s all perfect.<br />
This run is not only a Big 5 in Engelberg; it’s a Big 5 in the world. Easy access combined<br />
with an astonishing diversity of terrain will make it one of the most memorable runs in your<br />
snow-sliding lifetime. Top it off with lunch at Restaurant Wasserfall, or perhaps an après beer while<br />
you await the bus back into town. Galtiberg is huge, so if you’re not skiing with a local, hire a guide.<br />
The map at our bar has instruction about how to access the different Big 5 trails.<br />
Remember, before you go, read the mountain knowledge info on the next page.<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
21
Mountain<br />
Knowledge<br />
Most powder hounds would rather talk about<br />
epic runs in deep snow than avalanches and<br />
other dangers on the mountain. Unfortunately,<br />
avoiding the subject does not make it go away.<br />
Avalanches, crevasses and peer pressure are some<br />
of the things you need to know about and watch<br />
out for. Knowledge is power if you want to enjoy<br />
the deep powder snow that covers the steep slopes<br />
of Engelberg. Learn the safety rules, respect the<br />
mountain, and you’ll have an awesome time.<br />
22
The shortcut to all knowledge<br />
Mountain guides are the gurus of the<br />
mountain. They understand it the way you<br />
understand your best friend or significant<br />
other. As such, they remain sensitive to<br />
the mountain’s “moods” and signals, which<br />
allows them to sense danger before it<br />
actually happens.<br />
We recommend all our guests to rent a<br />
mountain guide for at least a day. There’s<br />
no down side to it, and it’s a great short cut<br />
to an expert source of safety knowledge. As<br />
your guide delivers you to the best snow on<br />
the mountain, he or she will answer your<br />
questions about the safest routes, emergency<br />
methods and anything you’ve always<br />
wanted to know about all-mountain skiing.<br />
Avalanches<br />
No matter how much you’re enjoying<br />
your playtime in the deep snow, always<br />
remember that a slide can bring you down.<br />
Certain conditions make this more likely<br />
to happen. They include:<br />
• New snow: With big dumps comes bigger<br />
avalanche danger.<br />
• Wind: Powerful winds can move huge<br />
amounts of snow in short time, turning<br />
some parts of the mountain into<br />
treacherous slide zones.<br />
• Temperature: The snow loses stability<br />
when the mercury suddenly rises on the<br />
thermometer.<br />
Of course, the existence of multiple factors<br />
increases the danger. Learn to read<br />
the mountain and anticipate her nuances.<br />
25
PSSST!<br />
Hiring a Mountain Guide is your best call for a great day. The reception can help you book one.<br />
For example; if you’re about to ski a<br />
south-facing slope, and you see that<br />
another south-facing slope recently<br />
had an avalanche – that’s a bad sign.<br />
Ask as many questions you can to<br />
people you rely on in these matters<br />
– guides, experienced skiers, locals,<br />
etc.<br />
Equipment<br />
Here’s what you must always bring<br />
in your backpack if you go off piste<br />
skiing:<br />
• Transceiver<br />
• Shovel<br />
• Probe<br />
And here are a few other things<br />
there’s no reason to leave behind:<br />
• Avalanche backpack (seen as<br />
mandatory by more and more people)<br />
• First Aid Kit<br />
• Water<br />
• Extra clothes<br />
• Snacks/food<br />
The most important thing here is<br />
that you’re very, very, dialled in with<br />
your transceiver. It’s a common misunderstanding<br />
that anyone can use<br />
this lifesaver straight out of the box.<br />
That’s wrong. It takes practice, and<br />
please don’t be lazy here. Also make<br />
sure that not only you, but also your<br />
riding partners know how to use their<br />
transceivers the right way. It might be<br />
you they’re searching for.<br />
Stay One Step Ahead<br />
Gather and absorb as much knowledge<br />
as possible before you go skiing.<br />
Check the weather and avalanche<br />
forecast. Ask people who ride a lot<br />
on the mountain about the current<br />
conditions. Save the phone number<br />
to Rega (helicopter rescue) in your<br />
phone: 1414. Know what you and<br />
your group of skiers need to do in<br />
case of an emergency or avalanche.<br />
You need to talk about this and practice<br />
with your transceivers, because<br />
panic is your worst enemy on the<br />
mountain.<br />
300KM/H That’s how fast an avalanche can chase you<br />
26
MOUNTAIN KNOWLEDGE<br />
Skiers Behaving Badly<br />
Just say no to reckless mountain<br />
behaviour, despite what your buddies<br />
say about you. Backing away from a<br />
run is never the wrong decision. If<br />
everyone wants to take that run, and<br />
your instincts shout DANGER, convince<br />
the others to see it your way.<br />
Avoid the “We can do one<br />
more run if we really hurry!” attitude,<br />
especially in the late afternoon,<br />
when the light flattens, the temperatures<br />
rise and the snow loses stability.<br />
Go back to the Lodge and enjoy some<br />
après ski instead. Tomorrow is another<br />
day.<br />
Surroundings<br />
Respect the power of even the<br />
smallest avalanche. It might not bury<br />
you, but it can certainly drag you<br />
off a big cliff. Before you start your<br />
run, survey what’s below you, and<br />
check for safe spots for taking short<br />
breaks. Look up before you leap into<br />
the snow, and check to see if anyone<br />
coming up behind you can release<br />
snow in your direction.<br />
Have fun<br />
We didn’t want to scare you with<br />
these words, just make sure you come<br />
home safe to the bar every day. As<br />
long as you use your common sense,<br />
powder skiing might just be the best<br />
thing on the planet. Enjoy it!<br />
27
STAFF<br />
PICKS<br />
Need some inspiration<br />
for tomorrow? Here’s<br />
Engelberg’s best according<br />
to our staff and the locals.<br />
Barbara Keller<br />
Reception Hero<br />
Summer hiking in general, but mainly<br />
on the Brunni side. The Via Ferrata to<br />
Fürenalp is another favourite. In winter<br />
I think everyone should try some<br />
cross-country skiing – a perfect downday<br />
activity for sore muscles. A slope<br />
restaurant you mustn’t miss is the cosy<br />
Brunnthütte.<br />
Lina Bodi Edström<br />
Reception Hero<br />
Julia Palm<br />
Reception Hero<br />
I love the mountainbiking here. The Trudy<br />
Trail from Jochpass to Trübsee is my<br />
favourite, but the tour to Melchsee-Frutt<br />
is probably the most scenic one.<br />
I think summer hiking is underrated.<br />
The trail to Rugghubelhütte is a nice<br />
one. I you feel like hiking a bit longer,<br />
try the trail from Brunni down to<br />
Niederrickenbach. The train takes<br />
you back to Ski Lodge. In winter I like<br />
Laub. The classic. If I can have lunch at<br />
Jochstübli after that, it’s a perfect day!<br />
28
Johan Axelsson<br />
Booking Hero<br />
KURT KURREMAN<br />
Bar Hero<br />
I never get tired of the downhill biking<br />
on Brunni. Nice trails, cows and a magic<br />
view in a perfect combination. In winter<br />
I ride Galtiberg as often as I can. A<br />
smaller darling of mine is the “Alaska<br />
Face” in the Middle Züls. Short and fun<br />
run. A secret? Hike or bike the Surenen<br />
Pass.<br />
I love to paraglide. It’s my summer<br />
passion. The best is to start on Fürenalp<br />
and then paraglide home.<br />
Lars Windlin<br />
Local Hero<br />
Pirmin Kündig<br />
Ski Patrol Hero<br />
My summer favourite is to walk up to<br />
Gross Titlis and speedfly all the way<br />
down to the village. In winter I recommend<br />
everyone to ski Galtiberg, but<br />
take a brake afterwards and have a beer<br />
and/or coffee at Restaurant Wasserfall.<br />
Local secret? My pillow lines. And yes,<br />
they’re a secret. Ha ha.<br />
Since I work in the ski patrol, I get to<br />
wake up the people of Engelberg with<br />
the avalanche control bombing in the<br />
mornings. It’s a sounds that says “it’s<br />
powder today”. A happy sound. In<br />
summer I bike every day, and the après<br />
bike beer tastes best after pedalling up<br />
to Brunnihütte.<br />
29
THE<br />
PHOTO<br />
WIZARD<br />
While other photographers were attending fancy schools and learning<br />
how to do things the way they “should be”, Oskar Enander just spent<br />
more time in the mountains, searching creative angles for his unique<br />
style. It paid off. Today, boasting two Photo of the year awards from<br />
Powder Magazine and Best European Photographer 2013 at IF3, he’s<br />
one of the world’s most renowned ski photographers. We met up with<br />
Oskar to talk about his addiction to brownies, the danger of indoor<br />
soccer, and how you shoot the perfect ski photo.<br />
Congratulations, Oskar. Best ski<br />
photographer in Europe – not bad!<br />
Merci! I’m really happy about it. Especially<br />
since seven out of eight pictures<br />
in my submission are shot on my home<br />
mountain, Engelberg.<br />
And still you just worked half the<br />
season?<br />
Yes. I tore my Achilles’ tendon on the<br />
20th of February, playing indoor soccer<br />
with the bad boys in FC Engelberg.<br />
So now you’re motivated to start<br />
shooting again?<br />
For sure. But actually even more<br />
motivated to go skiing! That’s what I<br />
miss the most.<br />
We heard you’re addicted to brownies.<br />
Is that true?<br />
Addiction is a strong word… Lets just<br />
say I like them from time to time.<br />
How do you shoot the perfect ski<br />
photo?<br />
Shoot an amazing rider making a<br />
great performance in incredible light.<br />
Easy tiger.<br />
Any tips for the amateur photographer?<br />
Shoot more.<br />
Are you going to play in FC Engelberg<br />
this winter?<br />
I think I’m gonna be a bit more<br />
involved in the coaching.<br />
Good luck with that, and with the<br />
shooting!<br />
Thanks!<br />
30
31<br />
SVERRE LILIEQUIST | ENGSTLEN
ELIEL HINDERT | NELSON, BC
MATTIAS HARGIN | HASLITAL
JAMIE PIERRE | JACKSON HOLE<br />
BUY ME!<br />
All pictures in this gallery<br />
and on the walls of Ski Lodge<br />
are possible to buy.<br />
Ask how at the front desk.
OLOF LARSSON | ENGELBERG
YVES HUESLER | ENGELBERG
WILLE LINDBERG | ENGELBERG<br />
BUY ME!<br />
All pictures in this gallery<br />
and on the walls of Ski Lodge<br />
are possible to buy.<br />
Ask how at the front desk.
EarN<br />
YOUR TURNS<br />
>>
ditions often surprise and delight the unsuspecting<br />
skier. The intermediate run provides a<br />
pleasant descent, but check the temperatures<br />
on the south-facing side of the hike. Warmer<br />
temperatures can create a slushy, potentially<br />
dangerous, climb. Our advice for this run is to<br />
ski all the way to Rossboden Hütte (just make<br />
sure this charming little restaurant is open) and<br />
treat yourself with a lunch in the sun. Their<br />
“Huiswurst” is really good.<br />
- A small tour from the top of the resort leads<br />
to the “real” Titlis apex. Pause for a moment,<br />
and feast your eyes on an amazing panorama.<br />
Then, enjoy a short but sweet run back into<br />
the ski area. Don’t, however, let it’s sweetness<br />
distract you from potential hazards. This is<br />
glacier skiing above the resort, so make sure<br />
it’s safe conditions, both for yourself and the<br />
people below you.<br />
- Are you an experienced skier craving the<br />
adventure of a lifetime? Contact the guide<br />
agency and set up a Titlis Round Tour. This<br />
full-day mission rewards participants with long,<br />
spectacular runs in awe-inspiring surroundings.<br />
Not sure if ski touring is for you? Rent the equipment,<br />
hire a guide and try it for an afternoon.<br />
Most likely you’ll like it, and the worst case<br />
scenario is that you get a workout that will make<br />
the après beer taste even better. Not a bad deal.<br />
45
GEAR WE LIKE<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
5<br />
4<br />
1. PEAK PERFORMANCE R&D Gloves<br />
2. PEAK PERFORMANCE W’s Heli Alpine Jkt<br />
3. KASK Mask 4<br />
4. KASK Thrillers Compression Sock<br />
5. MAMMUT Barryvox Element Kit<br />
46
8<br />
6<br />
7<br />
9<br />
10 11<br />
6. PEAK PERFORMANCE M’s Heli Chilkat Jkt<br />
7. THE NORTH FACE Patrol 24 ABS<br />
8. BLIZZARD Bodacious<br />
9. LIFESYSTEMS First Aid Kid<br />
10. TECNICA Cochise 130 Pro<br />
11. POC Fornix<br />
47
SUMMER IN<br />
ENGELBERG<br />
“To everything, there is a season, and a<br />
time to every purpose, under heaven. Turn!<br />
Turn! Turn!” When the lifts stop turning,<br />
and the skiers make their last turn down the<br />
mountain, a new season, with new purposes,<br />
begins in the hills and valleys of Engelberg. In<br />
fact, many locals might tell you that they came<br />
for the winter but stayed for the summers.<br />
Intrigued? Read on!<br />
48
49<br />
BRUNNI
HAHNEN<br />
Hiking is practically synonymous<br />
with Switzerland. Once you visit<br />
the mountains of Engelberg, you’ll<br />
understand why. Summer’s arrival<br />
transforms the fluffy, white powdered<br />
slopes into lush green fields. Cows<br />
roam the pastures, and wild mountain<br />
flowers adorn the hills.<br />
A glance at the local map<br />
reveals a diversity of long and short<br />
hiking trails. Estimated time is<br />
marked on the map. One of our<br />
favourites is the three-hour-walk to<br />
Rugghubelhütte. Don’t miss their<br />
homemade fruitcake!<br />
BRUNNI<br />
FÜRENALP<br />
If you feel like upping the sweat-level,<br />
those hiking trails are also perfect for<br />
trail running. Once you run along<br />
a mountain trail, you’ll never want<br />
to back to pounding the pavements.<br />
Escape the air- and noise pollution,<br />
and treat your lungs to the fresh<br />
mountain environment. We promise<br />
that you won’t find a more inspiring<br />
running venue.<br />
Rather ride a road bike than walk<br />
or run? No problem. Many small and<br />
steep asphalt roads wind through<br />
Engelberg, making you feel like<br />
you’re in a small Tour de Swiss. For<br />
a longer ride, bike down to Stans and<br />
back – the hairpin curves provide an<br />
unparalleled adrenaline rush, both on<br />
the way down and up! If that sounds<br />
exhausting, there’s no shame in<br />
taking the train one of the directions.<br />
Engelberg also offers a variety of<br />
options for mountain biking. If you<br />
don’t like to bike uphill, Jochpass<br />
and Gerschnialp have downhill trails.<br />
Just take to the lift back to the top<br />
after every run.<br />
Cross-country biking enthusiasts<br />
will discover 14 different trails<br />
around Engelberg, most of them going<br />
up the valley. If you wonder where<br />
50
FÜRENALP<br />
the cheese at our breakfast comes<br />
from, take the one going to the Stäfeli<br />
Farm.<br />
Those who prefer tours and<br />
single tracks will find multiple hiking<br />
trails that are also great for biking.<br />
Bike up, or take the lift and save your<br />
energy for the downhill ride.<br />
Via Ferrata suits those who yearn<br />
to explore the rock-climbing experience,<br />
but are new to the sport. A<br />
series of fixed ladders, bridges and<br />
stemples provide a safe initiation into<br />
the world of rock climbing, but you<br />
will need the proper equipment. Hire<br />
a mountain guide for your first day on<br />
the rocks. It’s worth it.<br />
Engelberg’s summer delights extend<br />
beyond the mountains. Other<br />
activities include indoor and outdoor<br />
swimming, bungy jumping,<br />
white water rafting, canyoning, golf,<br />
paragliding and more.<br />
If you need a city fix, a one-hour train<br />
ride brings you to Lucerne and two<br />
hours delivers you to Zurich.<br />
No matter what activity you want to<br />
do during your stay in Engelberg, our<br />
staff can share their favourite places,<br />
and offer insider tips and tricks about<br />
where to go and how to get there.<br />
51
RUN TO THE HILLS<br />
Ski Lodge Engelberg is proud to announce our latest partner, the travel company<br />
Swiss Alpine Explorers. We asked the founders who they are, what they do, and what<br />
makes them special.<br />
We’re entrepreneurs, elite runners and triathletes who have been working in the<br />
financial sector a long time. Recently, we decided to break out of our cubicles and<br />
return to our running and cycling roots.<br />
What exciting activities do you have in store<br />
for us in Engelberg?<br />
We plan to arrange trail running, sky-running<br />
and road biking camps at Ski Lodge. We’ll offer:<br />
• Easy style guiding and coaching on drop-inbasis.<br />
• More structured trainings camps in conjunction<br />
with Running Sweden<br />
• Extended bike trips to classic mountain passes<br />
where we provide escort vehicles, coaching and<br />
timekeeping on famous climbs.<br />
• Trips to some of the most famous races in<br />
Switzerland.<br />
• In short: We want to share our passion for<br />
running and biking.<br />
Why Engelberg?<br />
Through our camps we want to show people the<br />
inspiring surroundings in this area. It’s a trail–<br />
and sky-running Mecca.<br />
Why a camp?<br />
Lots of people think “everybody can run or<br />
ride a bike”. But that would be just like saying<br />
“everybody can ski”. Elite runners and bikers<br />
coach our camps. You benefit from their expertise,<br />
as well as a supportive environment filled<br />
with passionate runners and cyclists.<br />
Will I run faster than my training buddy when<br />
I get back home?<br />
Ha ha. We sure hope you will.<br />
For more information and coming updates, please visit the our web page or swissalpineexplorers.com<br />
52
downday<br />
hitlist<br />
Whether you need a day to adjust to the altitude, or you<br />
simply want to take a break from skiing or riding, Engelberg<br />
offers a diversity of exciting activities. Here’s our hit list.<br />
54
SPORTING PARK<br />
After an invigorating day on the slopes, your legs might suffer from “hurts so good syndrome”<br />
Sometimes, performing a different activity works better than simply resting. We recommend a<br />
visit to Engelberg’s activity center, called the Sporting Park. Step through its doors, and you’ll<br />
discover diversions such as ice-skating, curling, climbing, gym, tennis and badminton. If you’d<br />
rather be outside, the cross-country trails run next to the Sporting Park. No gear? No problem.<br />
The sporting park rents equipment. Stretch your legs at the end of the day, and you’ll be ready to<br />
return to the mountain the next morning.<br />
LUCERNE<br />
A one-hour train ride from Engelberg delivers you to Lucerne, where you can take a relaxing stroll<br />
through the streets of Old Town. Home to Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, Lucerne is also<br />
known for its lovely old houses, and the Läderach chocolate shop.<br />
TAKE A SWIM<br />
If you feel like taking a swim, the pool at Hotel Waldegg’s spa has the best view. If size matters,<br />
Eienwäldli is the biggest one. Lap swimmers will enjoy the 25-meter pool at Schwimmbad. If you<br />
want to go big, you can take the one-hour-drive to Alpamare – the biggest covered water park in<br />
Europe. Fun? Fun!<br />
VISIT THE NEIGHBORING RESORTS<br />
Engelberg is our favorite, and will always be. But if the mountain is closed for some reason, or<br />
if you want to try something else, there are several great ski resorts withing a 100 km radius.<br />
Andermatt, Mürren, Airolo, Grindelwald and Wengen are some of them.<br />
THE MONASTERY<br />
The monastery was founded in 1120 by Konrad von Sellenbüren, in case you were wondering<br />
where our restaurant got its name. Take a seat and enjoy the tranquil silence. After satisfying your<br />
spiritual needs, take a walk past the cheese factory and treat yourself to a local delicacy. Guided<br />
tours available.<br />
55
COMPANY<br />
EVENTS<br />
THE <strong>SKI</strong> <strong>LODGE</strong><br />
WAY<br />
Do the words “conference<br />
hotel” give you the chills? We<br />
don’t blame you! Although<br />
Ski Lodge has hosted many<br />
excellent conferences, we’re far<br />
from your typical conference<br />
hotel.<br />
In travel agent lingo, conference hotels,<br />
usually located in the downtown areas of<br />
major cities, offer large rooms, specifically<br />
designated for meetings and conventions.<br />
If you’ve attended a conference at such<br />
a hotel, you’ve probably noticed that the<br />
meeting rooms are bland in décor and<br />
devoid of any interesting views. Furthermore,<br />
the mere size of these hotels necessitates<br />
service that is courteous, but rarely<br />
friendly and personal.<br />
Although meeting planners believe that<br />
this prevents distraction among the<br />
attendees, we strongly disagree. In our<br />
opinion, spending a few days locked up<br />
in a regular “conference hotel” stifles<br />
creativity, because new ideas are not<br />
hatched within uninspiring surroundings.<br />
In contrast, the results of a study<br />
published in 2012 proved that spending<br />
four days in a natural environment can<br />
improve creativity and problem solving by<br />
50 percent.<br />
57
“At the Ski Lodge, we<br />
offer aNOTHER way.”<br />
At the Ski Lodge, we offer another<br />
way. Your “working vacation”<br />
begins when our personable staff<br />
members welcome you at checkin.<br />
Got a question about secret<br />
powder stashes, or the best ski<br />
shops in town? Just ask. These<br />
folks love to talk about all things<br />
in Engelberg.<br />
The next morning, the cheerful<br />
wait staff gets up bright and early<br />
to serve you a hearty breakfast.<br />
Everyone eats together in the<br />
dining area. This communal eating<br />
creates a bonding experience.<br />
Compare that to the traditional<br />
conference hotel, where people<br />
randomly rush into the hotel coffee<br />
shop, hoping to get served in<br />
time to make their meeting.<br />
After your morning session, go<br />
out to ski, hike or bike through<br />
the mountains. Come back for<br />
a brainstorming session before<br />
dinner. That’s how you free your<br />
mind and get the most out of a<br />
business meeting. Call it a conference<br />
if you want, or just a very<br />
productive vacation. It’s up to you.<br />
“Yay, teambuilding!”<br />
58
Mountain man<br />
Local mountain guide Thomas Odermatt is climbing<br />
7000-meter peaks in South America in summertime, but<br />
it’s the winters in Engelberg he enjoys the most. We asked<br />
him about the basics when it comes to hiring a guide.<br />
Why should you rent a mountain guide?<br />
To stay safe and find the best runs on the<br />
mountain, of course, and to find the best<br />
skiing every different day, depending on<br />
conditions. If freeriding is the best option,<br />
we do that. If ski touring is better, we go<br />
for a hike. We also offer the access to try<br />
something different, which might be hard<br />
to find without a mountain guide.<br />
How does it work?<br />
Just pay us a visit in the guide office, and<br />
we talk about what you want to do, so that<br />
we can plan the best day for your desire. If<br />
you have any questions in advance, send a<br />
mail to info@engelbergmountainguide.ch.<br />
Which is your favorite run in Engelberg?<br />
Galtiberg. But I really appreciate the<br />
Brunni side too. I think it’s underrated.<br />
Are there any special places you never<br />
show your guests?<br />
No, actually not. I take my guests everywhere.<br />
It only depends on the level of their<br />
skiing. But I tell them not to tell the others<br />
where we have been. Ha ha.<br />
59
asserie<br />
Konrad<br />
Ever since our first chef Peter “Rukas”<br />
Hallor opened the doors to our restaurant we’ve<br />
maintained the same culinary philosophy:<br />
Tasty, modern cuisine with no short-cuts. We’ve<br />
always made everything from scratch, and we’ll<br />
continue doing that. Why? Because it just tastes<br />
that much better.<br />
Despite our French and Nordic-inspired menu,<br />
our ingredients come from nearby; often from<br />
the same valley as the Ski Lodge. Of course, our<br />
location makes this an easy task. Switzerland<br />
boasts an abundance of fresh, local produce.<br />
Every valley has its signature wine and beer<br />
and ecological beef farm. As for cheese, forget<br />
what passes for Swiss cheese in your home<br />
country’s supermarkets. Nothing compares with<br />
the cheese produced in Switzerland!<br />
Our sommelier has extensive knowledge of the<br />
wines of the world, but the Swiss keep the best<br />
for themselves. Even though the Swiss are not<br />
major players in the wine export game, they<br />
somehow manage to win many awards. Treat<br />
your palate to a Merlot from the Ticino region<br />
– which boasts some of the world’s best – or<br />
savour a Pinot Noir from Valais.<br />
Every year, we also invite internationally<br />
renowned star chefs to pay Konrad a visit. For<br />
example, the last couple of years we had Bocuse<br />
d’Or silver medallist Tommy Myllymäki and<br />
Culinary Olympics gold medallist Klas Lindberg<br />
working in our kitchen. During those days, our<br />
always-tasty meals received standing ovations!<br />
Last but not least, our Skier’s Dinner plays<br />
a starring role in the Konrad menu. This prix<br />
fixe meal offers value and high quality, because<br />
we choose the ingredients based on the best<br />
produce we find in the market on that<br />
particular day. After a day on the slopes, nothing<br />
satisfies a skier’s voracious appetite like the<br />
Skier’s Dinner!<br />
61
Hans made dinner<br />
for Bill Clinton<br />
Anna Karin Haglund<br />
knows what’s cooking<br />
After enjoying your Skier’s Dinner, you’ll<br />
probably want to send your compliments<br />
to the chef. Hans Höglund will appreciate<br />
it. He’s been a member of the Swedish<br />
National Culinary Team and boasts a<br />
variety of World Cup victories and Olympic<br />
medals. We asked him a couple of questions<br />
about his culinary philosophy, and his<br />
experience serving celebrities.<br />
What are the basic thoughts behind your<br />
cooking?<br />
The guest should notice that every dish is<br />
cooked with love, and that salt and pepper<br />
aren’t needed on the table.<br />
What is it like being a member of the<br />
Swedish National Culinary Team?<br />
Hectic, but also very, very fun!<br />
Who is the most famous person you’ve<br />
cooked for?<br />
I’ve cooked for the Swedish King a few times,<br />
and the Prime Minister. But most famous… I<br />
guess that would be Bill Clinton.<br />
“AK” has worked as a sommelier at Guide<br />
Michelin-rewarded Esperanto in Stockholm.<br />
She was also one of the founders of<br />
the renowned Fäviken Magasinet outside<br />
Åre. Lucky for us, she is now the Food<br />
& Beverage Manager at Ski Lodge. Her<br />
job keeps her racing between the bar, the<br />
restaurant and the office, but we managed<br />
to detain her long enough to chat with her<br />
about food, wine and running a restaurant<br />
in Switzerland.<br />
What’s the best thing about running a<br />
restaurant in Switzerland?<br />
The nearness to local produce of highest<br />
possible quality. First of all from our own<br />
valley, but also from our inspirational roots<br />
in France and Italy.<br />
What’s your favourite dish on the menu?<br />
Steak tartare.<br />
If you could only recommend one Swiss<br />
wine – which would it be?<br />
Hmmm… I’d go for a Merlot from the<br />
Trapletti family. We’re very happy we found<br />
this small producer from the Ticino area.<br />
Excellent wines.<br />
If one would book a culinary trip to<br />
Engelberg, when is the best time to visit?<br />
Always! Ha ha. But for something extra;<br />
check our web page for news about the<br />
guest chef appearances. If you think wine is<br />
more important, look for the wine maker’s<br />
dinners – it’s a menu custom made after a<br />
number of wines, instead of the opposite.<br />
62
information<br />
All our ROOMS have en-suite<br />
bathrooms, LCD TV and free<br />
WiFi. Our towels are changed<br />
every fourth day, or more often<br />
on request.<br />
The RECEPTION is open daily<br />
from 7.30am until late. If you<br />
have any questions after hours,<br />
you can always ask the bartender,<br />
or call +41 78 675 33 66.<br />
BREAKFAST is served from 7am<br />
to 10am.<br />
The BAR is open from 4pm on<br />
weekdays, and 3pm on weekends.<br />
Our RESTAURANT BRASSERIE<br />
KONRAD is open daily. Choose<br />
between à la carte selections or<br />
a prix fixe three course Skier’s<br />
Dinner.<br />
SMOKING is of course strictly<br />
prohibited inside Ski Lodge. If<br />
you ignore this, you will have<br />
500 CHF less to spend on the<br />
après ski.<br />
Avoid the queues at base station<br />
and purchase your <strong>SKI</strong> PASS<br />
at our reception desk.<br />
Please leave your ski equipment<br />
in the <strong>SKI</strong> AND BOOT ROOM in the<br />
64
lue house basement. We’ve<br />
even installed boot warmers for<br />
you!<br />
Fancy a SAUNA AND HOT TUB?<br />
Our reception staff can book an<br />
appointment for you.<br />
Hiring a MOUNTAIN GUIDE assures<br />
a safe and fantastic day<br />
on the mountain. The reception<br />
staff can help you book one.<br />
RENTAL <strong>SKI</strong>S are available at<br />
several places. Our front desk<br />
staff can help you find the best<br />
option for your needs.<br />
We have eight PARKING spots<br />
in front of the hotel. If they are<br />
occupied, ask the staff for<br />
closest option.<br />
The name of our FREE WiFi is<br />
Ski Lodge and the password<br />
is Nagano98. Surf around,<br />
but please wait until you get<br />
home before you download<br />
five seasons of True Blood.<br />
In case of EMERGENCY, call 144<br />
for an ambulance or 117 for the<br />
police. If there’s a FIRE, stay<br />
calm and follow the instructions<br />
listed on the inside of the door.<br />
Fire extinguishers are located by<br />
the staircase on every floor.<br />
Our dear Powder Express minibus<br />
provides AIRPORT TRANSFER<br />
in a bit more than one hour.<br />
Although the train to the airport<br />
leaves from outside the hotel,<br />
you’ll have to add another hour<br />
to the trip.<br />
If you want to EAT OUT or experience<br />
the vibrant Engelberg<br />
NIGHT LIFE, our reception staff<br />
will clue you in with latest and<br />
greatest info on where to go.<br />
For FOOD AND DRINK SHOPPING,<br />
the COOP is open 7.30 am to<br />
19.00 pm on weekdays, to<br />
18.00 on Saturdays and 17.00<br />
on Sundays. During the offseason,<br />
the COOP is closed on<br />
Sundays.
TEAM RIDER OSCAR SCHERLIN IN FRONT OF MATTIAS FREDRIKSSON’S CAMERA ON THE 2013 PHOTO SHOOT<br />
CLOTHING PARTNERS IN CRIME<br />
In 2012, Peak Performance and Ski Lodge Engelberg started working<br />
together as partners for clothing, photo shoots and events. If you’ve noticed our<br />
snazzy looking staff, they are all dressed in the latest and greatest pieces of<br />
apparel from Peak Performance. Just like Ski Lodge, Peak Performance was<br />
founded by a couple of friends who wanted to challenge the current state of<br />
things, and get to ski more in between work days. That was 1986 in the northerly<br />
Åre in Sweden. Now Peak Performance has grown and is sold in more<br />
than 40 countries all over the world. Check out peakperformace.com for more<br />
information, or just to buy a new Gore-Tex-jacket.<br />
66
Ruchstock<br />
2811<br />
Engelberger<br />
Rotstock<br />
2818<br />
Schonegg<br />
2040<br />
Brunnihütte<br />
1860<br />
Rigidalalp<br />
Panoramaweg<br />
Rodelbahn<br />
Yeti-Park<br />
Ristis<br />
1606<br />
Schwand<br />
Horbis<br />
Bergli<br />
Flühmatt<br />
Gschneit<br />
Luzern<br />
Hahnen<br />
2606<br />
PISTE MAP | ENGELBERG<br />
Titlis<br />
3239<br />
Gr. Spannort<br />
3198<br />
Kl. Spannort<br />
3140<br />
Stotzig Egg<br />
Ice Flyer<br />
Gletscherlift<br />
Rotstöckli<br />
Rotair<br />
Rotegg<br />
Fürenalp<br />
1850<br />
2450<br />
Stand<br />
2428<br />
Laubersgrat<br />
Laub<br />
Rindertitlis<br />
Neuschwändi<br />
Klostermatte<br />
Globis Winterland<br />
Eienwäldli<br />
Trübsee<br />
1800<br />
Rutschpark<br />
Kloster<br />
Ritz<br />
Museum<br />
Engelberg<br />
1050<br />
Sporting Park<br />
Sprungschanze<br />
Nachtloipe<br />
Gerschnialp<br />
1262<br />
Bahnhof<br />
Sporthalle Ror<br />
Klein Titlis<br />
3028<br />
Steinberg<br />
Trübsee-Hopper<br />
Untertrübsee<br />
Reissend Nollen<br />
3003<br />
Jochstock<br />
2564<br />
Jochstock Xpress<br />
Obstacle-Park<br />
Jochpass<br />
2207<br />
Speedstrecke<br />
Jochpass<br />
Graustock<br />
Alpstübli<br />
Obertrübsee<br />
Älplerseil<br />
Kanonenrohr<br />
Standard<br />
Engstlenalp
<strong>SKI</strong> <strong>LODGE</strong> ENGELBERG<br />
BAKSIDA<br />
Phone: +41 41 637 35 00<br />
Erlenweg 36, ch-6390 engelberg<br />
info@skilodgeengelberg.com<br />
skilodgeengelberg.com<br />
THANK YOU FOR READING