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Municipality in Valais, Switzerland
Photo: Saas-Fee/Saastal Tourismus, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Saas-Fee is the biggest town in the Saas valley in the Swiss canton of Valais. The valley is a destination for winter sport, with the slopes in Saas fee being one of the few places in the region where skiing in summer is possible. The Saas valley also offers stunning views of some of Switzerland's tallest mountains, which can be explored through the dense network of hiking paths around the area, including among others the Monte Rosa hiking trail.
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Visit the top of the ski resort at 3456 metres altitude, using the gondolas and the Metro-Alpin train, considered the highest subway in the world. Great views of the Alps on a good day. In winter it can get very cold at the top, so wrap up warm. You can also have a meal in the revolving restaurant at the top (but it's pricey).
This museum is housed in the old clergy house, which was built in 1732. It has exhibits on the traditions of the Saas valley as well as the history of the local tourism.
Quite surprisingly for a town with barely 300 inhabitants, Saas-Balen has two churches. The smaller of the two churches is not in use anymore. This is the third church built in the same spot after the previous two have been destroyed by falling rocks. The current building was erected in 1812 and is known for its architecture, notably its circular shape.
100 km in winter, 8 km in summer, 21 lifts
This is quite a huge ski area starting from Saas-Fee itself. From the village, there are 3 cable cars: Alpin Express and Spielboden, which lead to the same connected area and the separated Plattjen. While there are a couple runs for advanced riders (notably at the Plattjen area), most of the slopes are catered towards intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The easier runs can be found either in the village or on Feechatz slope, just above Langfluh. A quick word of warning about this run, it may be a nice run but you have to endure the longest t-bar lift and downloading is also recommended as the runs down are difficult for beginners and get very busy later on in the day. Special passes are available if you only want to use the Plattjien area or the lifts in the village.
35 km slopes, 6 lifts
This area is located lower in the valley in Saas-Grund. It is much smaller than the Saas-Fee area, but still has quite a few good runs. There are two main cable cars, with the upper one reaching 3100 metres altitude. As opposed to Saas-Fee, which is mostly built on a north face, this area gets much more sun, which is good during cold January days, but which makes the snow more slurry during spring.
14 km slopes, 7 lifts
Another alternative with a smaller area.
0.5 km slope, 1 lift
A single small lift in the village of Saas-Balen. If you want to try skiing for, but don't want to buy an expensive day pass for one of the bigger areas, this is perfect.
Parks for skiers and snowboarders are available in the ski areas in Saas-Fee (Morenia in winter, Allalin Glacier in Summer) and Saas-Grund. Especially the one in Saas-Fee is quite extensive and is increasingly popular with Snowboard camps.
6 km
11 km
This trail has two sections. The upper one is overall a bit slower and is, for the most part, separated from skiers. The lower part is shared with skiers and snowboarders but is generally faster and more fun. If you buy the day pass, it may make sense to get out in the middle station and only do the lower part several times over. The slope gets busier with skiers in the late afternoon when everyone is going home, so it makes more sense to go in the morning.
3 km
6 km
A rather small trail, right outside the village of Saas-Fee.
26 km classic, 4-8 km skating
Goes along the Vispa river from Saas-Balen via Saas-Grund to Saas-Almagell. Entry is possible at any of those villages and anywhere in between. You don't have to buy the day pass beforehand, you pay it directly on the trail when (and if) you happen to cross path with the person responsible for collecting the fee.
1.3 km, 45 min, easy
This trail goes from Saas-Grund up to Saas-Fee passing by 15 chapels and shrines each depicting different biblical scenes.
3.2 km, 45 min, easy
This trail goes from Saas-Fee down to Saas-Almagell. It is a very broad path through the forest, which is also accessible in winter. Halfway down there is the restaurant Bodmen, a good spot for a pit stop.
7.8 km, 2 hr, easy
This leisurely walk takes you around the Mattmark lake, a hydraulic water plant. There is a restaurant at the bus stop with an exhibition on the construction and running for the hydraulic plant. The lake is also a good starting point for many longer hikes. The access road is only open during the summer months and the whole area is off limits during winter due to avalanche risk.
10.6 km, 3h, medium difficulty
A downhill path from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund. It's a well marked out path which is not too hard, but it's all downhill. On the way there are signboards showing off the local flora which you can see on the side of the trail (depending on the time of the year). The trail also leads through an old shepherd village and there is a small restaurant (Café Triftalp) on the way.
An alpine slide (a sort of mechanical toboggan). It is great fun, but expensive. At least do it twice, maybe even three times.
Abenteuerwald
A rope park through the forest. There are two courses: a small one just for children and a big one for adults. The highlight certainly is the zip wire run over the canyon and back again.
Aqua Allalin
This indoor pool is not the most glamorous, but it's something to entertain the most stubborn kids!
This is supposedly the world's highest revolving restaurant.
This restaurant lies in the middle of the forest a bit outside of the village. A curiosity at this restaurant is a stable with rabbits and other small animals which can be observed through a glass wall from the restaurant.
A restaurant a bit outside of Saas-Grund. Not to be mistaken for Waldhüs Bodmen, which is a different restaurant.
Great thin crust pizza.
You might get sick of the usual offer of Swiss and Italian food after a couple days in the region. This small Indian restaurant is probably the only non-European restaurant in the valley. Also offers some (very limited) vegetarian choices.
While this is also a shop and a hotel, it's mainly known for its club and bar.
Walliserhof
An upscale hotel in the middle of the village.
Supposedly the cheapest hotel in Saas-Fee.
Shuttle service available. There is a wellness area with swimming pool, whirlpool, gym and a beauty program.
This hostel was opened in 2014. It is advertised as being the only youth hostel in the world with its own spa area. The price includes breakfast and access to an indoor pool. The hostel is located at the entrance of the village just next to the bus station.
Most rooms have a balcony that provides views of the surroundings. Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel free of charge. The rooms and the ambiance are a mixture of traditional Alpine decorations and modern design elements. There are a restaurant and a bar. Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and half board. 6-course dinner, and a salad and cheese buffet, available as well.
A cheese shop with a wide selection of cheeses and accessories for cheese dishes.
Store which mostly sells toys, but also has a good selection of souvenirs.
By car
Saas-Fee is car-free. You will have to leave your car at a big underground and surface car park at the entrance of the village. Daily parking charges are Fr. 19 in winter and Fr.
Saas-Fee is quite small and it is easiest to get around by walking. The village itself is car free. This does not mean that there is no traffic, and there are scores milk-float-type electric cars roaming the village.
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