
Saas-Fee, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Alps," is situated in the picturesque Saastal Valley, surrounded by thirteen imposing peaks exceeding four thousand meters in height. The resort boasts an extensive network of ski slopes, covering 100 kilometers within Saas-Fee itself, with an additional 50 kilometers in the neighboring areas of Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagel. Visitors holding a single pass can conveniently access these areas by a complimentary half-hour bus ride. It's worth noting that private vehicles are not allowed within the resort, but there are 22 lifts and electric cars to facilitate movement.
For skiers of intermediate proficiency, the red slopes around Felskinn and Langfluh are a rewarding choice. Professional athletes often opt for the challenging FIS track located in the Plattjen sector, positioned at an elevation of 2570 meters, or the steep sections of the slope above Spielboden.
Freeride enthusiasts can explore the exhilarating terrain in the Plattjen area, also at 2570 meters above sea level. Experienced skiers and snowboarders might consider hiring a guide, embarking from the Metro Alpin intermediate station (only served by the morning train), and descending to the Saas-Almagel resort via Britanniahutte. This adventure typically includes guide services and avalanche equipment rental, totaling around 210 CHF.
On the glacier, the Freestyle Park offers an exciting snow park experience, featuring jumps, a half-pipe, and the opportunity to craft personalized tricks and maneuvers.
While you're here, don't miss a visit to the Saas Fee Historical Museum, offering insights into the rich history and culture of the region. You can find it in the southern part of the resort, adjacent to the church. Another fascinating attraction to explore is the man-made ice grotto located on Mount Allalin. This remarkable grotto has earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest, spanning an impressive area of 5,500 square meters. Close to the cave, there's even an ice-carved chapel where wedding ceremonies take place.
The nearest international airports to Saas-Fee are Geneva and Zurich, which receive flights from many European cities. Airlines such as SWISS, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Ryanair, and Wizz Air operate these routes. Direct flights are available from Krakow, Paris, Valencia, Düsseldorf, and Vienna, while flights from Budapest, Bratislava, and Chișinău often require a layover.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and departure city. For example, flights from Frankfurt start at 90 EUR, from Rome – at 75 EUR, and from Warsaw – at 80 EUR. During the winter season, demand for tickets increases, so booking in advance is recommended.
Saas-Fee boasts several excellent hotels, with one of the finest being the Ferienart Hotel Resort & Spa 5*. This centrally located resort offers the Paradia Spa complex, complete with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, baths, massage room, aroma pavilion, sports facilities, and a unique restaurant in the Alps where guests are required to enter barefoot! Additionally, The Dom, an innovative design project housed within an old building, and Hoteldu Glacier, one of the resort's pioneering hotels recently refurbished, are also popular choices.
Like other ski resorts in Switzerland, Saas-Fee is designed mainly for wealthy tourists. If you have a modest budget, choose accommodation in the nearby villages of Saas-Almagell, Zeneggen, Bürchen, Bitsch, Eischoll, where you can spend the night much cheaper than in the resort.
Don't forget to get a guest card (the so-called "Saas-Fee passport") at the hotel, which allows you to use the regional buses of the Post Auto company for free.
| The budget for a trip to Saas-Fee | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 400 EUR | Accommodation | from 90 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 50 CHF (approx. 45 EUR) | Ski pass | 838 CHF (approx. 771 EUR) for 7 days |
| Total: about 2550 EUR for a week for two people | |||
Citizens of European Union countries can enter Switzerland without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is recommended to check the current entry requirements and regulations in advance, as they are subject to change.
Most tourists arrive in Geneva or Zurich. The resort can also be reached via the airports of Basel, Milan, Amsterdam and Frankfurt am Main. All of them are conveniently connected to the Visp station, where buses to Saas-Fee run from.
The international airports of Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Milan, Amsterdam and Frankfurt am Main are connected by regular train services to Visp station, from where the Post Bus to Saas-Fee runs. In total, the journey takes about three hours.
Local electric buses run from the hotels to the slopes, free of charge for season pass holders. The resort is also served by electric cabs, which cost between CHF 23-30.
Personal vehicles are not allowed in the resort. If you arrive in Saas-Fee in your own car, you will need to leave it in a paid parking lot. You can rent a car for trips around the area at Saas-Fee's multi-storey car park.
It's a good idea to take out a health insurance policy before traveling to the resort, which will cover rescue and treatment if necessary. To avoid injury, follow the rules of conduct on the slopes and wear a helmet and other protective equipment.