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The Swiss Tourism Federation has given Saas Fee the "Families Welcome" seal of approval, and lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants can be found in town. The local tourist office produces a flyer every week with details of dates, times and how to book children's activities such as handicraft afternoons, fairy tale hours, husky rides, baking classes at the local bakery.
There is also a fun park at the bottom of the slopes for the really small ones, who are maybe not quite ready for proper ski school. This has a magic carpet drag and anyone is welcome to use it. The Swiss Ski School will arrange helpers if previously organised.
Where to stay
Your accommodation options all have pros and cons. Children love the social interaction of chalets and hotels and childcare costs can usually be shared. On the other hand, self-catering arrangements are more flexible (particularly at meal times). If you have young children, being close to the slopes, a bus stop or a ski locker is particularly important, as you will inevitably end up carrying their skis as well as your own!
Child-friendly tour operators include
Crystal,
Mark Warner and
Scott Dunn.
Top ski school tips
- Children generally can start skiing from around four years old (older for snowboarding)
- Young children, or those new to skiing, may only manage half a day - it can be very tiring when they're not used to it
- Plenty of high factor suncream is essential - factor 30+ and water resistant
- Younger eyes are more sensitive so it is important to make kids wear good quality sunglasses or goggles all the time. If you only plan to buy one or the other, buy goggles.
- If possible, book with an instructor who speaks good English so your child can understand the instructions and if there's a problem, they can understand it
