The Big 5 are the five best-known freeride runs around Titlis: Laub, Steinberg, Galtiberg, Sulz and Steintal. They range from wide powder slopes to long, high-alpine descents over glaciers and demanding terrain. All five are located outside the patrolled pistes.

Titlis Laub
Titlis Steinberg
Titlis Galtiberg
Titlis Sulz
Titlis Steintal

Which route is easiest depends heavily on snow, visibility and the avalanche situation. Sulz and individual variants in the Steintal are usually easier to navigate than Steinberg or Galtiberg. However, these descents are also in unguarded terrain and require secure skiing technique as well as experience in assessing conditions.

Titlis Sulz
Titlis Steintal

The Galtiberg is considered one of the most demanding Big 5 descents due to its length, route choice, potential crux sections and high-alpine terrain. The Steinberg also leads across glacier terrain with the risk of crevasses. The difficulty can vary significantly depending on snow and conditions.

With open lifts, very good conditions and a strong team, the Big 5 can theoretically be done in a single day. This adds up to around 10,000 vertical metres of descent. In practice, snow quality, safety and choosing the right routes should take priority over ticking off all five lines.

Yes. Around Titlis, Brunni and in the Engelberg valley, there are also straightforward freeride options for first experiences off-piste. Beginners should be able to ski confidently on black runs and complete their first days in unpisted terrain with a mountain guide or on a freeride course.

You should be able to control your skis safely on black runs and make turns in variable snow. For the Big 5, you need good off-piste technique and stamina for long descents. Additional alpine experience and very confident ski technique are required for steep lines, couloirs and glacier descents.

The peak season normally lasts from December to April. January to March are often the best months for the classic Big 5. However, the deciding factors are not the calendar, but the amount of snow, wind, temperature, avalanche situation, visibility and which mountain railways are open.

Yes. Due to the significant difference in altitude, various aspects and numerous routes, good snow can sometimes be found around Engelberg even several days after the last snowfall. This requires local knowledge of the area and route selection that matches the current avalanche and weather situation.

Personal basic equipment includes a switched-on avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Depending on the route, an avalanche airbag, helmet, mobile phone, first-aid materials and, on glaciers, additional glacier and rescue equipment are also required. It is crucial that all group members know how to operate the equipment and are proficient in companion rescue.
The SLF advises all freeriders to check the current avalanche bulletin, carry a transceiver, shovel and probe, and regularly practice companion rescue. SLF Avalanche Science and Prevention

Current information on snow, glaciers and selected tours can be found on the „Current conditions in Engelberg“ page. In addition, before every tour you should check the SLF avalanche bulletin, weather, wind, temperatures, webcams and the status of the mountain railways.

A mountain guide is not compulsory for every descent. However, anyone who does not know the area, has little experience in avalanche assessment or wants to ski glaciers, Galtiberg, Steinberg and demanding lines will benefit greatly from a local mountain guide. They choose the route to suit the snow, weather, avalanche risk and personal ability.

No. The described freeride routes lead mostly through unsecured terrain. They are neither prepared nor controlled and can present avalanche danger, rock falls, crevasses and difficult orientation. A tour description therefore does not replace your own planning and on-site assessment.

Basically yes. Many variants around Titlis and Brunni are also suitable for snowboarders. On longer traverses, counter-ascents or flat run-outs, a splitboard can be significantly more practical. Which route is suitable depends on the current conditions and the composition of the group.

When freeriding, the ascent is mainly done using mountain railways and ski lifts; short ascents or traverses are possible. On ski tours, a large part of the ascent is covered under one's own steam using climbing skins. Both activities take place in unsecured terrain and require careful avalanche and tour planning.

No. A route description provides information on the route, difficulty, exposure and special features. Whether a route is advisable on the day in question depends on the avalanche bulletin, snowpack, wind, temperature, visibility, glacier conditions and personal ability. These factors must be reassessed before and during the tour.