23 July 2026

By Daniel Perret

Skitour Zieblen 1909 m

The ski tour up the Zieblen is a real insider tip located directly above Engelberg. Thanks to its low altitude, the tour is particularly suitable after fresh snowfall or in good snow conditions in mid-winter. With around 900 metres of ascent, it offers a varied circular tour through forest clearings, alpine pastures and open slopes.

The summit itself is unremarkable, but the route impresses with a surprisingly beautiful view of the Engelberg Valley and the Hahnen. The varied descent makes the Zieblen a popular training tour for locals.


Tour Information

Region Engelberg, Hahnen
Category: Ski tour
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆☆ (2/6)
Season January – March
Rise 880 ohms
Departure 880 ohms
Start: Engelberg (1,040 m above sea level)
Summit Zieblen (1909 m above sea level)
Exhibition: Northwest / West
Highlights: Ideal training tour directly from Engelberg, varied terrain, beautiful views and a rewarding descent to the valley.


Route description

The starting point is Engelberg. The route leads first towards Ober Zieblen via hiking trails and alpine roads. Afterwards, you ascend to the summit through forest clearings and open slopes.

The descent is usually via the western slopes back towards Engelberg. Depending on snow conditions, there are various options available. As the route is within the Swiss Federal Game Reserve, you must stick to the official ascent and descent routes.

Route map of the ski tour to the Zieblen 1909m above Engelberg with ascent and descent route.

Highlights

  • Ski tour directly from Engelberg
  • Perfect after-work or training tour
  • Beautiful deep snow slopes in good conditions
  • Great view over the Engelberg valley
  • Not very busy

Requirements

The tour is suitable for beginners and advanced ski tourers.

You should:

  • Mastering hairpin bends
  • to be able to ski safely in deep snow
  • Have experience with an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
  • Enjoy ski touring in woodland and alpine terrain

Dangers

The route passes through a federal hunting reserve. To protect wildlife, you must not stray from the official ascent and descent routes.

Even on this tour, the danger of avalanches, the weather, and snow conditions must be carefully assessed.


With a mountain guide

The Zieblen is ideal as a beginner’s tour or for a half-day ski tour. As a local mountain guide, I like to use this route for technical training, as an introduction to ski touring, or as an alternative when conditions in the high mountains are difficult.

En route, you'll receive practical tips on ascent techniques, route selection, and safe route choice.


FAQ

Is the Ziebel suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour presents no technical difficulties and is well-suited for first-time ski touring experiences. However, a sound avalanche assessment remains a prerequisite.

Can the tour be started directly from Engelberg?

Yes, provided there is enough snow. On the forest road in the woods, a base layer is advantageous, otherwise it will spark quite a bit.

Why is the route not allowed to be left?

The tour leads through a federal hunting reserve. To avoid disturbing wild animals, the official routes must be adhered to.

When are the best ratios?

Then, when it has snowed for a few days. Mostly between December and March, when there is enough snow down to the valley.


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Tour Database Categories

I am a translation engine.Winter<
Ski touring // Freeride / Off-Piste // Ice climbing // Snowshoe

I am a translation engine.Summer<
Mountaineering // Climbing garden // MSL Climbing // Hiking // Cycling // Trail running