Snowfall, we fall too
Landing on your bottom is only half the fun here. During the winter months from December to March, rent out colourful sledges and head to the travelator that transports you to the top of the slope at Brunni.
Then, place your sledge on the powdery snow, sit astride, lean back, take your feet off the ground… and off you go down the snowy slope. I choose a bright blue sledge and follow an 11-year-old who has the confidence that (Roger) Federer exudes on a tennis court. “Get off here,” he instructs as he hops off and readies his professional-looking sledge.
And as he zips off, he flashes a confident thumbs-up sign. I follow suit, but I am a tad undignified as I screech till I reach the bottom, attempt a failed selfie, giggle, and then unceremoniously fall off my sledge. But I am not the only one. Three of my friends topple over too. We lie on the snow and laugh uncontrollably, before making our way up to the top, again, and again, and again!
Tip: When you want to stop, place your heels on the snow. Make sure your boots have a good grip.
Downhill from here
Just a short cablecar ride from the village takes you to the Trubsee snow park. You can try out skiing or other snow sports but what keeps us truly entertained is snow tubing.
You need no skills. Just snugly place yourself into a tube, stick your legs out and get someone to gently push you down the slope. It’s a lot like being in a float on a water slide but only more fun. Whiz past tall pine trees, majestic ragged mountains that loom large and busy ski lifts that ferry past overhead.
And no, none of us fall here. However, I do slip while carting my tube through the snow to the travelator. Snow in my hair is not such a bad thing after all. And if you want to take a little break before the next round, you can always build a snowman or if you do not mind making a spectacle of yourself, a snow angel.
Tip: Remember to clear off as soon as you reach the bottom. You do not want to hold up a queue. In order to avoid a crash, people waiting at the starting point can’t come down till you move out.
Say cheese
Warm yourselves with a cheesy raclette meal at Schaukäserei Kloster Engelberg that’s situated within a monastery. You can watch the artisans make cheese here, lend them a hand before settling to sample the unique assortment they have on display. Watch your slice of cheese simmer and sizzle on a tabletop melter. Once it’s gooey enough, slide it onto your plate over a bed of potatoes, baby corn and shallots. My favourite cheeses are the krauter, the portwein and their award-winning natural flavour. For a fun night-out try the Alpenclub, a charming wooden chalet-like place where you’ll find locals clinking glasses. We try the spectacular meat fondue. It comes with a generous portion of veal, chicken breast and beef that we dip in a huge vat of hot cheese. To end the night, we recommend a hot glass of Kafi Lutz (a potent blend of coffee powder, schnapps, sugar and water). This will ensure you don’t freeze on the way back to your hotel even if it’s -2 degrees Celsius and even if you’re in a chiffon sari inspired by Yash Chopra’s many heroines.
Tip: Book a slot/table in advance
