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Introduction
Saas Fee is one of the world's most beautiful ski resorts, set in a spectacular location surrounded by the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps, with no fewer than 13 peaks higher than 4,000m (13,125ft) encircling the village.
Saas Fee is made still more magical by the glaciers rising above it which are snow covered year round and make it a popular summer skiing destination. Better still, when a road capable of carrying motor traffic finally reached this previously inaccessible village in the early 1950s, the wise folk in the resort promptly banned cars from the narrow streets, so Saas Fee has always been for pedestrians only.
The village's high altitude and the dizzying heights reached by the ski lifts above give it, not only a world-class skiable vertical, but also one that begins so high above sea level it is normally snowsure from the very start of the season to the end.
Although Saas Fee has successfully retained its traditional charm, it is also at the cutting edge of technology when it comes to its mountain infrastructure. Lifts include a modern underground funicular railway train, and the world's highest revolving restaurant is also here on the Mittelallin at 3,500m (11,480ft).
Saas Fee is made still more magical by the glaciers rising above it which are snow covered year round and make it a popular summer skiing destination. Better still, when a road capable of carrying motor traffic finally reached this previously inaccessible village in the early 1950s, the wise folk in the resort promptly banned cars from the narrow streets, so Saas Fee has always been for pedestrians only.
The village's high altitude and the dizzying heights reached by the ski lifts above give it, not only a world-class skiable vertical, but also one that begins so high above sea level it is normally snowsure from the very start of the season to the end.
Although Saas Fee has successfully retained its traditional charm, it is also at the cutting edge of technology when it comes to its mountain infrastructure. Lifts include a modern underground funicular railway train, and the world's highest revolving restaurant is also here on the Mittelallin at 3,500m (11,480ft).
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft).
Top elevation: 3,600m (11,811ft).
Base elevation: Saas Fee: 1,800m (5,905ft); Saas Region: 1,488m (4,882ft).
Number of lifts: Saas Fee: 35; Saas region: 56.
Number of runs: Saas Fee: 22; Saas Region: 43.
Average annual snowfall: Unavailable.
Where in the world?
Saas-Fee is the largest and highest village in the Saastal valley within the German-speaking sector of the Swiss canton of Valais. The resort is in central southern part of Switzerland and of the Alps.
Hit the slopes
Saas Fee's ski season continues almost year round. The main season begins in October and runs through to May. After a few weeks' closure it reopens in July through to September for glacier skiing.
Saas Fee's extensive ski area is divided into three sectors: Felskinn, Plattjen and Längfluh, together offering 100km (63 miles) of runs which official figures rather too neatly divide up as a quarter easy, a half moderate and the remaining quarter difficult in terms of the challenge they provide.
Beginners will find nursery slopes by the village which, thanks to the altitude, are usually open all season long. Intermediates have the full area to enjoy whilst experts have plenty of challenges, including numerous off-piste routes accessible with a guide.
There are two area pass options, although most guests prefer to spend all their time on Saas Fee's slopes. The Saas Pass gives access to the smaller ski areas at neighbouring Saas Grund and Saas Almagell; the former has the larger area of the two. However the area pass is more frequently used by guests in those villages who want to ski in Saas Fee. There is also an increasingly integrated reciprocal agreement with nearby Zermatt which may be worth considering if you are in Saas Fee for a longer stay.
Saas Fee's extensive ski area is divided into three sectors: Felskinn, Plattjen and Längfluh, together offering 100km (63 miles) of runs which official figures rather too neatly divide up as a quarter easy, a half moderate and the remaining quarter difficult in terms of the challenge they provide.
Beginners will find nursery slopes by the village which, thanks to the altitude, are usually open all season long. Intermediates have the full area to enjoy whilst experts have plenty of challenges, including numerous off-piste routes accessible with a guide.
There are two area pass options, although most guests prefer to spend all their time on Saas Fee's slopes. The Saas Pass gives access to the smaller ski areas at neighbouring Saas Grund and Saas Almagell; the former has the larger area of the two. However the area pass is more frequently used by guests in those villages who want to ski in Saas Fee. There is also an increasingly integrated reciprocal agreement with nearby Zermatt which may be worth considering if you are in Saas Fee for a longer stay.
Beyond the slopes
The Bielen Leisure Centre is one of the best public facilities in a ski resort and has an indoor tennis court, four badminton courts, a 25m (80ft) swimming pool, sauna, two Jacuzzis, steambath, solarium and table tennis. Other indoor facilities include a local museum.
Outdoor choices include ice climbing, canyoning, snowshoeing, a natural ice rink, toboggan run and cleared winter walking routes. The Ice Pavilion at the top of the Metro-Alpin funicular houses a glacier exhibition.
Outdoor choices include ice climbing, canyoning, snowshoeing, a natural ice rink, toboggan run and cleared winter walking routes. The Ice Pavilion at the top of the Metro-Alpin funicular houses a glacier exhibition.
Family fun
Saas Fee's car-free status and excellent children's facilities make it first class for families.
Kinderkrippe Murmeli offers nursery care for babies aged a month and older, and the Swiss Ski School has special classes for children aged from about five. Child lift ticket prices are also amongst the most generous anywhere with children skiing free until age nine, then paying a half-price child rate to 16 and a teen rate to 18.
Away from skiing there's plenty to do including sleigh rides, tubing, airboarding and a children's pool with slide within the leisure centre.
Kinderkrippe Murmeli offers nursery care for babies aged a month and older, and the Swiss Ski School has special classes for children aged from about five. Child lift ticket prices are also amongst the most generous anywhere with children skiing free until age nine, then paying a half-price child rate to 16 and a teen rate to 18.
Away from skiing there's plenty to do including sleigh rides, tubing, airboarding and a children's pool with slide within the leisure centre.
Retail therapy
Saas Fee has a reasonable selection of about 30 shops, including plenty of interesting boutiques, many of them locally owned. There's also a market most weeks.
Along with a dozen ski shops, there's an eclectic mix covering most requirements and some good souvenir shops. Philippe Zurbriggen's Woodpecker store sells original items made from natural materials.
Along with a dozen ski shops, there's an eclectic mix covering most requirements and some good souvenir shops. Philippe Zurbriggen's Woodpecker store sells original items made from natural materials.
Après ski
There are about 20 night spots in Saas Fee as well as hotel bars and lounges. As soon as the slopes close, the outdoor Fee-Iglu-Bar opens next to the Imseng baker's shop. The Alpen Pub is also busy, opening from 1700 through to the small hours.
The Popcorn Bar (Hotel Dom) is one of the liveliest, attracting the snowboard crowd year round. For real late-night party-goers the Poison bar opens at 2300 and goes ‘to the end'.
The Popcorn Bar (Hotel Dom) is one of the liveliest, attracting the snowboard crowd year round. For real late-night party-goers the Poison bar opens at 2300 and goes ‘to the end'.
Eating out
With about 60 places to eat, there's a lot of dining choice in and around Saas Fee. The majority of the restaurants are, of course, traditional Swiss Alpine establishments, but there are three Italian restaurants and Le Mandarin restaurant in the 5-star Ferienart.
The Gourmet Stübli in Hohnegg is one of the first European restaurants to be recognised for its vegetarian food, as well as by the prestigious Gault Millau, Michelin and Bleu guides for its gastronomic qualities.
Another of the Ferienart's restaurants, Cäsar Ritz, serves a six-course dinner each night and organises cheese buffets with 50 different sorts of cheese.
The Gourmet Stübli in Hohnegg is one of the first European restaurants to be recognised for its vegetarian food, as well as by the prestigious Gault Millau, Michelin and Bleu guides for its gastronomic qualities.
Another of the Ferienart's restaurants, Cäsar Ritz, serves a six-course dinner each night and organises cheese buffets with 50 different sorts of cheese.
Getting around
Most of Saas Fee can be accessed by foot. Cars are banned from the village and must be parked in a large car park at the edge of the resort on arrival. Small electric taxis are used where required to transport the infirm and luggage.
Splashing out
Take a gondola up to the Hannig restaurant in the evening and enjoy dinner looking down on the lights of Saas Fee. Then once your meal has settled, take the 5.5km (3-mile) toboggan run back down. Book through the tourist office.
Accommodation
Luxury
BündnerhofFamily-run hotel five minutes from the Parsenn lift, offering orderly rooms yet with some individual touches.
Doggilochstrasse 2
Tel: (081) 422 1450.
Website: www.bhof.ch
Moderate
AlphubelA traditional 3-star hotel close to the car-parking area that especially welcomes families with young children and organises its own kids' club, GoSulino.
Tel: (027) 958 6363.
Website: www.hotelalphubel.ch
Budget
Garni AlbaA small, modern, but traditional chalet-style hotel with beautiful views and a central location.
Tel: (027) 957 2724.
Website: www.saas-fee.ch/alba
Getting there
Nearest airports: Sion (SIR); Geneva (GVA); Zurich (ZHR).
Distance to resort: 70km (43 miles); 234km (146 miles); 246km (154 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour; 3 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Visp.
Distance to resort: 26km (16 miles).
Driving time: 40 minutes.
Distance to resort: 70km (43 miles); 234km (146 miles); 246km (154 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour; 3 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Visp.
Distance to resort: 26km (16 miles).
Driving time: 40 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Après ski, Intermediates, Experts, Environmental awareness, Snowboarders, Snow reliability, Beginners, Summer skiing, Non-skiers, Families
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