The gateway to more than 100 kilometres of pistes, the resort village of Saas-Fee in the Swiss Alps is one of Europe’s finest ski destinations.
Saas-Fee (Photo: Mehrsa via Unsplash)
Attracting huge numbers of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts each year, there are few places in Europe that are better for hurtling down snow-covered slopes surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery than Saas-Fee. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Alps,” the resort offers year-round glacier skiing combined with all the charms of a quintessential Swiss village. With reliable snowfall and one of Europe’s longest ski seasons, its a firm favourite for winter sports lovers from around the world – especially those seeking top-quality conditions thanks to its high-altitude glacier location, which ensures excellent snow quality throughout the season. Here’s our full low-down below.
Hitting the slopes
The resort is famous for its glacier skiing, meaning you can carve down the slopes even in the summer months. In fact, it’s one of the first ski resorts in Europe to open each year – usually in July – offering skiing on the Allalin glacier. Saas-Fee village is also home to the renowned Swiss Ski School, which offers instruction for skiers of all abilities. What’s more, if you fancy a break from skiing or snowboarding, you can also try sledding or an adrenaline-fuelled toboggan run down the mountain.
It’s also special simply being up on the mountain. The views from the lifts are jaw-dropping, and the runs cater to all ability and confidence levels, from seasoned skiers to those still finding their feet and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly for all-comers. The snow conditions are usually excellent thanks to the glacier, and overall it’s a great place to build your skills and with wide, well-groomed pistes and a mix of blue, red and black runs, it’s a brilliant place to build your skills.
Other activities
Saas-Fee is a magnet with hikers too. In summer, when the lower slopes turn green, there are a wide selection of trails leading through alpine meadows, past waterfalls and up to scenic viewpoints. Even in winter, you can strap on snowshoes and trek along scenic trails surrounded by snowy peaks. One of the most famous hikes is the route to the Längfluh, where you get incredible views of the glaciers and towering 4,000-metre peaks.
Beyond the mountains, there’s plenty more to enjoy in Saas-Fee. The picture-postcard village itself is brimming with cute, cosy cafés, buzzing après-ski bars and some fantastic restaurants (see below). For a truly unique and memorable experience, head into the Ice Pavilion, an underground world carved into the glacier, complete with ice sculptures and tunnels to explore, as well as informative displays on the history and formation of glaciers.
If you’re after a dash of culture, Saas-Fee also boasts a handful of attractions that shine a light on the region’s long heritage. Set in an atmospheric old house, the Saas Museum offers an illuminating look at traditional mountain life, with exhibits on local crafts, alpine farming and more. Keep an eye out for concerts and events at the village church too, where classical performances and recitals often take place.
Where to stay
There are a wide range of places to stay in Saas-Fee, with something for every taste and budget. Navigate Resorts offer a variety of accommodations, from stylish studios to spacious penthouses with up to four bedrooms. Their apartments are located in the centre of Saas-Fee, putting guests within easy reach of the village’s best restaurants, après-ski spots and other attractions.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Saas-Fee, the chalet-style Hotel Marmotte is a popular mid-range option in in the centre of the village. Just a two-minute walk from the Saas-Fee LSF (Hannig) cable car (where guests can hop on for free) and 8 kilometres from the top of Mittelallalin mountain, the hotel features modern rooms complete with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and balconies with mountain views. The hotel also has a rustic restaurant, a spa and sauna, and a village shuttle service.
Saas-Fee boasts some great places to eat. Part of Navigare Resort, Saaser Stube Restaurant is a traditional restaurant with modern touches located just steps away from the resort’s main building, reachable as you pass a beautiful promenade on the main street.
Another standout eatery is none other than the world’s highest revolving restaurant, Allalin, where you can enjoy a meal with a constantly changing 360-degree mountain view. To get there, take the Alpin Express or Spielbodenbahn gondola from Saas-Fee up to Felskinn, then board the Metro Alpin, the world’s highest underground funicular railway, which takes you straight to Mittelallalin mountain station (the above mentioned Ice Pavilion can also be found here). On the Mittelallalin, a passenger lift takes you to the restaurant.
After a long day on the slopes, the inclination is usually to kick back and relax come evening time. If you’re looking to keep the night rolling on beyond dinner, there are numerous popular après-ski bars in Saas-Fee. Located at the base of the slopes, Black Bull Snowbar attracts large crowds of revellers who come to enjoy the great music, excellent selection of beers and cocktails, and friendly, rustic ambiance.