Sign up to our regular newsletter here...
Saas Fee is an ancient village, situated in the highest mountains in Switzerland. Thirteen of the surrounding peaks rise to 4000m, so high that some visitors suffer from problems with the altitude. It has a long season as a result, as well as glacier skiing.
_SaasBalen_TO.jpg)
Full of old world charm, this ski village intersperses traditional buildings with classy boutiques and stylish hotels. Its narrow streets are car-free since 1950, and transport is via the electric buses, although the town is small enough to get around on foot. The main road to the village only opened in 1951, and that is why this place has such a traditional feel, with its deep rooted customs, music and costumes, which can be seen during various events. The blackened barns lend the village its romantic, typically Swiss air, and the lively main street is an attractive place to shop and stroll along.
However, nightlife is not limited by this traditional vibe, and apres-ski can be enjoyed in the many pubs, bars and discotheques. As for the skiing, considering Saas Fee's height, the climate is a mild southerly one, but during midwinter much of the piste is in shadow, and a spell of bad weather can close the slopes. However, the lift system is excellent, and beginners will love the extent of easy slopes in spectacular scenery, and the glacier means that the skiing season can go on into the summer.
| Resort altitude | 1800m - 1800m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 1800m |
| Lowest lift | 3500m |
| Kms of piste | 100kms |
| No of lifts | 22 |
| Black pistes | 25% |
| Red pistes | 50% |
| Blue pistes | 25% |
| Green pistes | 0% |
| Snow parks | 1 |
| Glacier | Yes |
| Snowmaking | 8 |
There is some great food to be had in Switzerland (albeit mostly of the cheese variety!) so don't hesitate to try a variety of things off the menu. We'd recommend the Assiette Valaisanne - a sort of Swiss ploughman's lunch - dried and cured meats served with local cheeses, gherkins, pickled onions and homemade bread. Rosti is also worth a try; grated potato that is gently fried or baked, and served either as a side order or main course with various additions including eggs, ham or bacon.
• For a really spectacular lunch stop, head up to the highest revolving restaurant in the world at the Allalin (3500m)
• If you are not skiing, head for the whole mountain reserved for tobogganing
• Having a go at snowboarding/skiing if you haven’t so far (check out the hire shops for boards/skis and lessons)
• Checking out the Morenia park for its world-class half-pipe for those on a board
• Going cross-country on the short, pleasant trail at the end of the village for some great views
| Nearest airports | Type of resort | Stay in | Go for a |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva Munich Sion Zurich | Small alpine village | Hotels Independent Travel Self-Catered Tour operator | Week Week+ |
| Good for | On the piste | Children | Food and drink |
| Cross-country Freestyle Ski-touring Snowboarding | Online lift passes Ski in, ski out Snow sure | Creches Babysitting Ski schools | Apres-ski Evening drinking Resort dining Vegetarian Family friendly Live music Late drinking Mountain dining |
| Other | Other activities | ||
| Internet access Churches | Adrenaline fuelled Sightseeing Relaxation Shopping |
