Ski holidays in Saas Fee, Switzerland
Saas Fee, Switzerland is often regarded as the pearl of the Alps, perhaps due to the shell shaped bowl that the resort itself sits in. Surrounded by high, north facing slopes and topped off by the huge glacier, which seems almost supended on the mountian top —but in reality is 100m deep in places and moves slowly at approximately a meter a year.
As well being spectacularly visible, the glacier also has a profound affect on the ski conditions on the mountain. Firstly of course, it provides snow sure skiing on the glacier itself (the Swiss ski team even use this glacier to snow train in summer) and secondly, the glacier acts as a huge natural refrigerator for the surrounding mountains which has the effect of converting any rain or sleet into snow before it hits the mountainside. This combined with the high north facing slopes, (i.e. protected from the Sun), means Saas Fee is one of the most reliable, snow-sure resorts in Europe.
Saas Fee's World Records
Saas Fee is also the holder of three world records, the Mittelallilin restuarant, at the top of the Allalin moutain is, at 3,500m, the highest revolving restuarant in the world, providing 360 degree views of the whole mountain range and in particular the glowing blue 'crystal' of the glacier below. There is something truly remarkable about being two miles high, often above cloud level, enjoying a rosti lunch in a revolving restaurant — you really do feel on top of the world!
The restaurant at the top of Langfluh is also well worth a visit! read full
| I was in Saas Fee, Switzerland, recently and I would give the resort 10/10 if the nightlife/apres ski was a litt... read full
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Avg User Review Score:  from 4 Saas Fee reviews
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If you are sat in the restaurant, you will probably have already experienced the other world record feat, the worlds highest metro i.e the train that which starts at the the top of Felskinn at 3,000m and takes you through the heart of the mountain and drops you off 500m higher, outside the restaurant (with a few steps, to be fair). Also clustered on top of this mountain is the worlds largest 'ice pavilion' — which is essentially a series of walkways though the glacier which converge on an exhibition area where there usually ice sculptures or other exhibits. It is well worth the experience, doesn't take much time, and the kids love it.
Saas Fee's Skiing
The slopes down from Allalin are a mixture of red and black with a smattering of blue which provide good ski territory for intermediate skiers wanting to improve their technique on some long cruising runs, as well as for early stage skiers to enjoy being high amongst the mountains. The longest run from Mittelallalin back into Saas Fee, is a vertical drop of over 1700m. There are a number of good steep descents for advanced skiers including some 'yellow' runs which are off piste areas which have still been marked out for runs or maintained as moguls. The Gletschergrotte restaurant near the bottom of piste 11a, provides a nice respite for an afternoon coffee or gluwein and is positioned perfectly at the top of tree the tree line, to catch the last sun of the day as the sun recedes over the mountain behind.
On the other side of the mountain resides the Platttjen ski area and lift. There are some lovely tree lined slopes here with a good mixture of runs. Skiers often start their week skiing the Allalin area and then switch to the Plattjen area on day three or so. If you wanted to be a contrarian skier and start here first and then switch to Allalin afterwards, you might win some more space on the slopes for the entire week! The 'Vernissage Platjen’ mountain restaurant is a lovely haven half way up the mountain, quite small inside which adds to its cosyness (although get there early) and some lovely traditonal Swiss dishes served here in a nice and friendly atmosphere.
Saas Fee’s height and glacier ensure that snow conditions are invariably good, even late season. Most of the skiing is above 2500m, which also helps. Beginners are spoilt for choice. The first nursery slopes are perfectly situated in Saas Fee village, so children can ski and parents can sit in the bar watching. It’s easy then to progress further up the mountain for more greens and blues.
Saas Fee village is an attractive car free village, built in a traditional style and humming night life with decent après ski. The Metro bar is centrally placed and usually lively and friendly place to drink. If you're in season, they're also happy to play the six nations games which might be a bonus for 'changeover' day. The older area of the village is well worth a walk around if you fancy a few hours away from your skis or board. Most of the accommodation in Saas Fee is in hotels and apartments, although there are a few catered chalets.
For non skiers, Saas Fee has designated the whole of the Hannig area for walking, tobogganing, paragliding and generally anything which is not skiing or boarding.
Activities in Saas Fee
For non skiers, Saas Fee has designated the whole of the Hannig area for walking, tobogganing, paragliding and generally anything which is not skiing or boarding.
No shortage of après ski, bars, restaurants, night clubs, Saas Fee has got it all and everyone appears to be determined to have a good time.
Saas Fee and Zermatt are now offering a partially joint lift pass for next season. A days skiing on the other resorts slope will be available for passes valid between 6 and 21 days.