Engelberg’s web-site says “Welcome to Heaven!”  While that may be putting things a little high, we were so taken with the resort that we chose a new life here, running Chalet Espen. 

Engelberg was founded in 1120 by Benedictine Monks who built the Monastery which still dominates the village.  They also gave Engelberg its name, which literally translates as “Angel Mountain” and refers to the impressive Titlis mountain which towers above the resort.  Two of the Monks from the Monastery were the first to climb to the summit of Titlis in 1744.

Skiing began here in the 1850s and the first cable car began running in 1912 (the first in Switzerland), making Engelberg one of the oldest ski resorts in the world.  Engelberg became known as a mountain playground for the rich and famous and you will find lots of fascinating old pictures of Engelberg dotted around Chalet Espen, showing the history and development of the resort. 

British Skiers were among the first to “discover” Engelberg in those early pioneering days and the resort has been welcoming discerning skiers from Britain (and all over the world) ever since.  English is widely spoken in the resort, including by many of the ski instructors. 

Today, Engelberg is a modern and thriving resort with state-of-the art facilities and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere – it was recently voted the friendliest ski area in Europe. 

Given its rich history, Engelberg is different from many of the modern ski resorts, and we think it is all the better for it.  The village was here some 700 years before skiing began, and so it has a life and character of its own, even when all of the skiers have left for home at the end of the winter season. 

Engelberg has a fantastic range of facilities and services, many of which are mentioned on our “Other Winter Activities” page.  There is also a lively après-ski scene and active nightlife.  The Yucatan bar next to the station is especially popular and the Spindle disco near to the Monastery is a Swiss institution.