Engelberg Magazin Nr. 27

WINTER

The record amount of fresh snow to fall on the Titlis- boden (2,149 metres above sea level) within 72 hours was 205 centimetres, in 2019.

Gian: What is different here compared to most other winter sport areas is the large number of freeriders. Engelberg is one of the top destinations for freeriders – and that’s a wonderful thing. However, it also pre- sents a huge challenge, for which I have great respect. It is no small thing, having so many people skiing off- piste – although the company actually has no specific duty to guarantee safe skiing away frommarked slopes. – What are your precise responsibilities when it comes to mountain safety, and where does skiers’ and snowboarders’ own responsibility begin? Gian: That’s a very good question. The rescue and mountain safety service is duty bound to guarantee safe use of slopes that are open – for example, to en- sure no avalanches encroach on them. But as soon as you leave the pistes (clearly marked on both sides) you are responsible for yourself. But we do have the obli- gation to provide information. Once a danger level of 3 out of 5 (“considerable”) is reached we must put up warning signs stating “Risk of avalanche in off-piste areas” and switch on the hazard warning lights at the cableway stations.

Christoph Bissig Christoph Bissig grew up on the mountain and has been head of the Piste & Rescue department for over 20 years. He knows the Mount TITLIS like nobody else and he lives for the mountains.

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DAS EINZIGARTIGE MIKROKLIMA VON ENGELBERG