Summary
The renowned mountain resort of Saas-Fee is nestled within the Saas Valley in Valais. Featuring traditional wooden chalets and granaries, Saas-Fee possesses a rich historical legacy while catering to the demands of contemporary winter sports enthusiasts. An integrated network of Wi-Fi-enabled funiculars, cable cars, and ski lifts ensures access to slopes that are also accessible to hikers during the summer months.
For those seeking winter sports when other parts of Europe are warm, the Dom and Allinhorn glaciers remain perpetually snow-covered. The experience becomes particularly memorable when taking the Metro Alpin funicular, which holds records for height, as it transports you to the foundation of the Allinhorn. At this remarkable location, you can dine at the world’s highest revolving restaurant and stroll across the Fee Glacier.
Let us delve into the top activities to enjoy in Saas-Fee:
1. Skiing
It is challenging to envision a more ideal destination for a family ski getaway.
Firstly, the elevated slopes, reaching altitudes of 3,500 meters, guarantee reliable snow coverage and an extended ski season that lasts into April.
A significant portion of the 100 kilometers of ski runs caters to intermediate skiers (45%) and beginners (30%). The ski area, while compact, offers convenient connections to nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell, with lift passes valid across these resorts.
Additionally, summer skiing on the Fee Glacier presents breathtaking scenery.
2. Allalin Ice Pavilion
From the cable car station at Felskinn, you can embark on the Metro Alpin, the highest funicular and the most elevated underground railway globally, ascending to 3,500 meters to explore the interior of the Fee Glacier.
The Ice Pavilion, a vast 5,500-cubic-meter grotto within the glacier, has recently undergone enhancements, showcasing new ice sculptures and an avalanche simulator.
The pavilion also educates visitors about the glacier’s science and history, with age markers of the ice displaying significant historical events that coincided with its formation.
3. “threes!xty” Revolving Restaurant
Positioned above the Ice Pavilion is a record-holding revolving restaurant where magnificent mountain vistas enhance your dining experience.
The array of towering peaks, including Dom, Täschhorn, Alphubel, Strahlhorn, and Allalinhorn, commands attention as they surround the restaurant.
A complete revolution takes one hour, and while dining at such a remarkable venue may not be inexpensive, it represents a worthwhile investment for the opportunity to admire such stunning scenery.
Notably, “threes!xty” is both the highest revolving restaurant in the world and the highest restaurant in Switzerland.
4. Saas-Fee Village
The imposing peaks over the valley form the essence of Saas-Fee’s allure, yet the village’s origins predate the ski industry.
Modern conveniences and a plethora of accommodations do not obscure the rustic character that defines Saas-Fee.
The village center is entirely pedestrian-friendly, and the resort provides electric shuttles transporting visitors between various areas, while ski lifts, railways, and cable cars manage the steeper inclines.
Echoes of Saas-Fee’s simpler past are visible in the traditional wooden raccard granaries positioned at the village’s edge, elevated on stilts.
5. Längfluh
In a short span, you can ascend via the modern cable car (upgraded in 2016) to this rocky prominence amidst the surrounding peaks exceeding 4,000 meters.
From this vantage point, nearly 2,900 meters high, you can survey the Fee Glacier and its intricate seracs and crevasses.
A restaurant featuring a panoramic terrace adds to the experience, particularly stunning in winter.
If you opt for a hike, you can disembark at the earlier stop at Spielboden and traverse to Längfluh or descend in the opposite direction.
During summer at Spielboden, a charming trail is popular with cautious marmots that readily accept food from visitors.
6. Gorge Alpine
Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund are just a five-minute drive apart, although the journey can feel significantly longer via the expansive gorge connecting the two communities.
This excursion requires the assistance of a mountain guide, and you will understand why once you experience it: The gorge features a navigable network of cables, ladders, suspension bridges, and a Tyrolean zip-line.
By immersing yourself in the scenery, you can witness frozen waterfalls and magnificent perspectives of the gorge’s towering rock walls.
Upon reaching Saas-Grund, you will feel deserving of a hearty fondue or raclette.
7. Saasermuseum
The resort’s museum is situated in the former parsonage of Saas-Fee, constructed in 1732 and restored in 1983 when the attraction opened its doors.
This museum offers insights into Saas-Fee’s history before the tourism boom, reflecting on the period when early visitors sought mountain adventures.
Exhibitions include a typical apartment from the early 20th century, folklore artifacts, and traditional Saas Valley attire.
Additionally, the museum showcases the science of the Allalin Glacier and features a display of personal items belonging to Carl Zuckmayer, a noted author and playwright who lived in Saas-Fee from 1958.
8. Feeblitz
Regardless of the season, you can ascend via a lift to partake in one of the highest toboggan runs in the Alps.
This dynamic ride relies solely on gravity, simulating the experience of a bobsledder navigating a steep 55° decline.
The journey begins with a nine-meter-high 360° loop before you race down the slope, achieving speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Along the course, you will experience bursts of momentum aided by three sudden “jump bends” where the rails traverse through the trees.
During the 900-meter descent, be sure to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
9. Rope Park
Nestled in the forest near the Feeblitz, a treetop adventure park awaits visitors of all ages.
Prior to starting, an introductory route guides participants on how to navigate the park’s various challenges.
Adults and children aged 11 and above can then tackle a longer course with bridges and obstacles designed to challenge balance, coordination, and agility.
A specialized course for children aged 4-9 is also available, with rigorous safety standards applied throughout the facility.
The park features an impressive Tyrolean traverse over the Fee Gorge, 280 meters long on the outbound journey and 210 meters on the return.
10. Hannig Toboggan Run
To the west of the resort is a breathtaking scenic viewpoint known as Hannig, which enjoys sunlight long after the valley floor has succumbed to darkness.
Hannig stands at an elevation of 2,350 meters and is serviced by the cable car system.
You may relax on the terrace for a while, yet the primary allure of this destination is the five-kilometer toboggan run.
All necessary equipment can be rented from the station on-site, enabling you to glide back down the valley towards Saas-Fee.
11. Hiking
From June to October, Saas-Fee offers an extensive array of walking paths, more than one could explore during a single visit. A must-do for those in suitable physical condition includes the Kreuzboden and Amageler Adventure Trail.
This trail spans approximately nine kilometers and takes around three hours to complete, featuring a stunning 60-meter suspension bridge.
For an unrivaled perspective of Saas-Fee and its glacier, an 8.4-kilometer trail begins at Hannig and leads past waterfalls and a glacial lake to the Plattjen Mountain Station, where you can board the cable car to return.
12. Cross-Country Skiing
Experiencing the natural beauty of the Saas Valley is more enjoyable when skiing at a leisurely pace.
The Saaservispa Trail follows a frozen river and extends 32 kilometers from Saas-Balen to Eyu-Alp beyond Saas-Almagell.
Should you not wish to traverse the entire length, lifts and cable cars are available for convenient on-and-off access.
This trail meanders through a genuine winter wonderland of snow-draped larch and pine forests, along with quaint hamlets featuring traditional huts.
The course has a gentle incline that remains subtle until you are rewarded with breathtaking glacier views at the conclusion.
13. Kreuzboden-Hohsaas
A swift cable car ride from Saas-Grund will transport you to Kreuzboden or the even higher Hohsaas, offering access to a variety of high-altitude activities.
The stunning views overlooking Saas-Fee provide opportunities for multiple summer hikes.
One trail showcases all 18 of the 4,000-meter peaks in the range, with informative panels identifying each mountain.
The Alpine Flower Promenade is as charming as its name suggests, complemented by a glistening trout-filled lake and a small zoo featuring pygmy goats and pot-bellied pigs.
For a unique return option, consider hiring a monster scooter for a swift descent back to Saas-Grund.
14. Spas
If you find yourself in Saas-Fee for an extended stay, taking a day to indulge in relaxation and pampering is highly recommended.
Numerous day spas exist in Saas-Fee, with additional options available throughout the valley.
For a truly luxurious experience, the five-star Ferienart Resort & Spa offers a comprehensive range of amenities.
A day spa package provides access to the wellness area and its pools.
Additional treatments may include honey scrubs, massages, and healthy culinary options such as fruit cocktails and salads.
15. Guided Adventure
For safety reasons, many extraordinary experiences are exclusively available through qualified guides.
This includes, as previously mentioned, the adventures within the Gorge Alpine, among other thrilling activities attainable with a certified hiking, mountaineering, or skiing instructor.
Participate in a rock climbing course or embark on a mountain biking expedition through high-altitude trails that descend over 1,700 meters.
The Allalinhorn Ski Tour is an unforgettable skiing and mountaineering adventure, requiring the use of crampons as you ascend to a 4,000-meter summit before skiing back to Saas-Fee.
