Chalet Espen is perfect for families and we welcome children of all ages.

Accommodation

We have children’s beds and cots available for younger children, which can be added to four of the double bedrooms in the new part of Chalet Espen. We also have a large double bedroom in the original part of the chalet which can used for up to four children in bunk beds and single beds. The low ceilings in this part of the house make the rooms very cosy and perfect for children.

For older children there are also two single bedrooms, one of which is connected to a double room making the ideal combination for a family room.

We do offer discounts for children staying with us. Please see our Prices & Booking page for details.

Other Facilities

We have a limited number of high chairs, baby listening devices and changing mats in Chalet Espen, as well as a small selection of children’s books, games and DVDs (your children can always bring their own favourites if they wish).

Meals

We provide a high tea with a special menu for younger children at 6pm although older children are of course welcome to join the adults for dinner. We would ask you to bring formula milk and baby food for infants as these can be difficult to track down locally.

In The Resort

Engelberg is committed to attracting families and so there are plenty of activities and facilities designed especially for children.

The swimming pool Sonnenberg in the centre of the resort has a children’s area and there are two ice skating rinks (free for children under 6) which are great for all the family. Sledding is another activity which can be enjoyed by everyone and for fun in the snow, the “Yeti Park” on the slopes of the Brunni mountain is hard to beat.

Skiing

There are no less than 5 skiing areas for children in Engelberg.

Young children can start out at the “Yeti Park” on the Brunni mountain which is lots of fun and has three handle tows and three magic carpets. Also great fun is the “Snowli Village” in Klostermatte, a lovely spot behind the Monastery where there are more handle tows and magic carpet rides. The third area for children learning to ski is at Trübsee on the Titlis mountain, where there is a new snow sports arena including the “Sun Kid” magic carpet. Food and drink is available for hungry parents at all three locations.

For children taking their first steps beyond the complete beginner stage, there are two further areas designed especially for them. The first is at Gerschnialp on the Titlis mountain, where there is also a great family friendly restaurant and terrace. Higher up on Titlis at Untertrübsee is a further beginner’s lift and an area for snow-tubing. The tourist office says the restaurant here does the best meringue dessert in the world!

Ski School

The Engelberg ski school prides itself on being child-friendly and emphasises the need for children to have fun while they learn to ski. Many of the ski instructors speak English and your children will be in very good hands here.

The ski school runs a (non-skiing) kindergarten on weekday afternoons (until 5pm) for children from 2 years of age and ski instruction is available from 9.30am to 3pm for children of 3 years and older. Children between 3 and 5 years of age can choose to have their lessons on Brunni (called the “Schlumpfclub”) or at the “Snowli Village” by the Monastery. Lunch can be provided by the ski school and children may stay at the kindergarten after their lesson finishes.

Ski school for children between 6 and 15 years of age is run on weekdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm. Once again, lunch can be provided and younger children may stay at the kindergarten after their lesson has finished. Lessons take place on Titlis and the emphasis is on fun and action. There is a ski race and medal ceremony on Fridays when children receive their prestigious Swiss Snow League certificate.

Prime ski school also offer ski lessons for children. They have private lessons for children between 3 and 5 years of age, as well as two, three and five day group lessons for children between 6 and 16 years of age.

Nursery

Day nursery care for children of 6 months upwards is provided by various English-speaking mothers in the resort at a very reasonable price, and we can help you arrange this if you would like us to. We may also be able to arrange baby-sitting for you, but please give us as much advance notice as possible (preferably before you come).