Unique Skiing Holidays In The Towering Peaks of Saas-Fee
Boasting one of the highest altitudes in Europe, Saas-Fee has the distinction of providing an almost year-long ski season. Offering exceptional views, a significant amount of pure-powder skiing and a host of off-piste activities, Saas-Fee is an alluring ski holiday destination.
The quaint village is built on an ancient settlement which matured into a farming community throughout the Middle Ages. Some of the other-worldly charms of the past have been retained and blend wonderfully with modern low-rise chalets built in the traditional Swiss-Alpine style.
Surrounded by 13 mountain peaks, Saas-Fee is quite rightly referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Alps’. As you can imagine, the scenery is absolutely spectacular although the ski area is relatively small - just 50 runs covering 100km of piste.
Whilst there is a handful of advanced run, Saas-Fee is best suited for intermediate skiers. Beginners are also well-catered for. A section of the mountain is dedicated for newbies to be given free rein without the intimidation of experienced skiers whizzing past.
Saas-Fee Resort
Saas-Fee has also built a strong reputation amongst snowboarders. The terrain park is maintained all-year-round and there are two free-style parks; at Morenia during the winter season and Stafewald for beginners. During the summer, freestylers can tackle the pipe on the Allallin glacier.
It’s fair to say the Swiss resort wants to give a little extra to visitors - and Saas-Fee does not disappoint. Somewhat unusually, there is an entire section of the mountain that is dedicated to other winter sports other than skiing; snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice-skating, parapenting and walking (on cleared paths).
With a varied choice of bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone off the slopes. Although a modest apres-ski scene, there are raucous bars with a party atmosphere together with hotel bars that offer a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 1800 meters |
| Summit: | 3600 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 50 |
| Total Piste: | 100 km |
| Cross Country: | 32 km |
| Total Lifts: | 22 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 7 |
| Chairlifts: | 3 |
| Drag Lifts: | 12 |
Piste Map
Saas-Fee Ski Areas & Slopes
Saas-Fee is predominantly a Mecca for intermediates, although there are a handful of black runs for advanced skiers and plenty of challenging red runs. Beginners are well looked after on dedicated nursery slopes and several modest but enjoyable longer runs from the higher peaks.
Längfluh
Located due south of the village, Längfluh is where the largest concentration of slopes are found. The main ski area is reached by the Alpin Express gondola and the Metro Alpin funicular from Morenia.
Intermediate-Advanced: Längfluh is a mixed bag but mostly suited to early intermediates. The red runs are relatively gentle on this side of the mountain although there are a couple of steeper red runs towards the bottom and a couple of short black runs on the way to the Spielboden gondola. The most challenging run for advanced skiers is the Weisse Perle from the top of the Spielboden gondola.
Beginners: A great place for beginners. A couple of gentle slopes help build the confidence of beginners for their first attempts at a full-length piste.
Felskinn
The second largest ski area at Saas-Fee is best suited to beginners and intermediates. Advanced runs are limited. To get to Felskinn either take the Alpin Express jumbo gondola across the river from the village centre, the Felskinn cable car or the via the T-bar from the edge of the village or the Spielboden telecabin.
Intermediate-Advanced: Felskinn is predominantly a network of well-groomed red runs of varying intensity - although mostly gentle. Advanced skiers will have more fun on the black Kanonenrohr run below Maste 4.
Beginners: Novices that are making steady progress will find a series of testing blues from Morenia via the Felskinn cable car. Runs, 4, 4c and 4b provide a confidence-boosting descent back to Saas-Fee.
Mittelallallin
Mittelallallin, often referred to as Allallin, is the highest peak of the Saas-Fee ski area and can be reached from all other areas. It is from here you can admire the best views from the revolving restaurant at 3500m. The skiing opportunities are not bad either.
Intermediate-Advanced: Intermediate skiers should head for the red runs between Felskinn and Morenia from Allallin, then either 10b Panorama and 6 Morane, or Feechatz 10a, Längfluh 11 and Spielboden 11a. Advanced skiers should head towards the Plattjen Berg.
Beginners: A couple of gentle blue runs from Allallin to Längfluh are ideal for confident beginners. Head towards Felskinn for the easier descent. Improving beginners looking for their next challenge may want to try the cluster of manageable red runs.
Plattjen
Plattjen is where the expansion of the Saas-Fee ski area was developed so is better suited to abled intermediates and advanced skiers. It is on the Plattjen Berg where you’ll find the most red and black runs.
Intermediate-Advanced: All routes from top to bottom are fast. They were groomed for the World Cup. The black slopes are the steeper lower slopes and wind through the forest - a test for the most daring of advanced skiers. There are red-run variations for intermediate skiers as well.
Beginners: Not the best area for beginners unless you’ve exhausted the reds from Allallin. The forested blue runs 2a and 2b are relatively easy for intermediates so a good test for beginners.
Ski Holidays in Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee Ski Passes
The Saas-Fee ski pass all lifts and slopes together with Saas-Almagell. In addition to the ticket prices, visitors also have to purchase a one-time charge cableway key card. The cost is 5CHF (£3.75) and can be used in multiple winter sport areas.
Prices range from 30CHF (£22.50) for children under 16, 53CHF (£40) for young adults and 64CHF (£48) for adults 20 and above. Click here for a full list of prices.
Ski Schools
There are three ski schools in Saas-Fee; Swiss Ski & Snowboard School Saas-Fee, Eskimos Ski & Snowboard School, Ski Zenit.
Each of the ski schools offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for groups and private lessons. Ski school fees range from 175CHF (£131) to 420 CHF (£315) depending on the course.
Saas-Fee is excellent for beginners. The dedicated ski area at Stafelwald is away from the main runs so newbies will not be bothered by off-putting through traffic. Once you’ve mastered your snowplough and ready to take your experience further afield, there are some wonderful runs for beginners from high up in the mountains.
Equipment Hire
Visitors will find plenty of ski hire shops in and around the village centre. You can rent directly from the ski hire shop, but why not take advantage of attractive discounts and pre-book in advance online.
Some recommended ski hire shops in Saas-Fee are Egginer Sport, Derby Sport and Cesar Sport Alpin.
Family Fun in Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee has been awarded a “Family Destination” seal of approval by the Swiss Tourism Federation - and the tourist board take this award seriously. Resorts have to meet strict criteria and cater to the special needs of families.
The Eskimo Ski School caters for children between the ages of 4-7 and runs a kindergarten in the afternoon until 5 pm. Zenit ski school have a ‘kids club’ for 6-12-year-olds run by the former Optimum ski school before the two schools merged.
Off-piste, there are numerous non-skiing activities on the Hannig piste including the awesome 5km Feeblitz toboggan run. There’s also a leisure centre with a 25m children’s pool, waterslide, hot tubs and a variety of saunas and steam rooms together with an adventure forest with suspension bridges, petting zoos, outdoor fireplaces, frozen waterfalls, an Animal Treasure Hunt, fairytale hiking trails and the world’s largest grotto.
When to Go?
Saas-Fee is open from July to late April so visitors have plenty of opportunities to visit when the weather is good. The high altitude means there is always a good dose of fresh snow, and other than December and January when the weather is bitterly cold, the Pearl of the Alps basks in sunshine.
Snow Report
Saas-Fee is a snow-sure resort any time of the year. Check out the official snow report webcams for the latest live pictures.
When the sun is out during the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 27 degrees Celsius and average out at around 20 degrees. The coldest month are December to February when the air falls below zero.
Operating Times
Saas-Fee is typically open from mid-July to late April. Lifts open from 08:30 until 16:00