Nestled in the stunning Saas Valley in Switzerland, Saas Fee is a ski resort that promises an unforgettable skiing experience to skiers of all levels. With its high altitude and snow-sure slopes and breath-taking scenery, it has earned the nickname “The Pearl of the Alps”. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Saas Fee a top destination for skiing enthusiasts and how it compares to other popular ski resorts in France.

Natural beauty

Saas Fee is a skier’s paradise, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the Swiss Alps. The resort’s ski slopes are surrounded by towering peaks and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range. The beauty of the scenery is one of the main reasons why Saas Fee is such a popular ski destination. The resort is surrounded by towering mountains, including the Dom, the highest mountain located entirely in Switzerland, and the Allalinhorn, which provides a stunning backdrop to the town. The resort’s high-altitude location and its position within the Saas Valley also make it an excellent location for experiencing the unique natural environment of the Alps. One of the most striking features of Saas Fee is its location at the foot of the Saas Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps. The glacier provides a stunning backdrop to the town,

Skiing Opportunities

Saas Fee boasts a wide variety of skiing opportunities, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste runs. The resort has over 100 km of pistes, with 20 lifts taking skiers up to the highest point of 3,600 meters. The resort has a great range of blue and red runs perfect for intermediate skiers, and challenging black runs for advanced skiers. There are also several snow parks for those who like to try out their freestyle skills.

Snow Sureness

One of the biggest advantages of Saas Fee is its high altitude, making it one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe. The resort is open from mid-July to the end of April, and due to its high altitude, it’s not uncommon for skiing to continue until the end of May. Additionally, the resort has invested heavily in snowmaking, ensuring that the slopes remain well-covered throughout the season. In comparison, many ski resorts in France, such as Les Deux Alpes, Val Thorens and Tignes, are also snow-sure, but they don’t quite match the altitude and extent of Saas Fee.

Off-Piste Skiing

For skiers looking for a more adventurous experience, Saas Fee has some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe. The resort has several popular off-piste routes, including the ‘Giant’s Route’ and the ‘Talabfahrt’, which offer some challenging and rewarding skiing for experienced skiers. The resort also offers several guided off-piste tours, with experienced mountain guides taking skiers through the most thrilling routes. However, it’s worth noting that off-piste skiing can be dangerous, and it’s always important to ski with a guide and to have the right safety equipment.

Pros and Cons compared to French ski resorts

When compared to popular French ski resorts, Saas Fee has several advantages. Firstly, as mentioned, Saas Fee’s high altitude and snow-sureness means that it offers a longer skiing season compared to most French resorts. Secondly, Saas Fee’s off-piste skiing opportunities are on par with the best French resorts. Additionally, the resort has a more laid-back atmosphere, with a quaint village that’s not overrun with tourists, compared to some of the more popular French resorts such as Val d’Isere and Courchevel.

However, one of the drawbacks of Saas Fee is its relative isolation. The resort is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the nearest airport in Geneva, while popular French resorts are typically closer to airports. Additionally, Saas Fee is more expensive than many French resorts, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining.

Saas Fee is generally considered to be one of the more expensive ski resorts in Europe, and prices for accommodation, dining, and lift passes can be higher compared to some of the more budget-friendly options in France or Italy. However, there are still some budget options available for those who are willing to do a little bit of research.

Accommodation

One option for budget accommodation in Saas Fee is to stay in a self-catering apartment or chalet. This can be a more affordable option than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family. There are several websites where you can find affordable apartments or chalets for rent in Saas Fee, such as Airbnb, HomeAway, or Booking.com.

Another option is to stay in one of the smaller, family-run hotels or bed and breakfasts in the nearby villages of Saas-Grund or Saas-Almagell, which are connected to Saas Fee by a regular shuttle bus service. These options can be more affordable than staying in the centre of Saas Fee.

Eating

Eating out in Saas Fee can be expensive, especially in the more upmarket restaurants in the town centre. However, there are still some budget-friendly options available. For example, you can find several cafes and bakeries in town that offer affordable lunch options, such as sandwiches or pastries. Alternatively, you can buy groceries and cook your own meals in your self-catering apartment or chalet, which can save you money.

Lift Passes

The cost of lift passes in Saas Fee can be quite high, especially if you’re planning to ski for multiple days. However, there are some options for reducing the cost of lift passes. For example, you can save money by purchasing your lift pass online in advance, or by buying a ski pass that’s valid for a smaller area of the resort.

In conclusion, while Saas Fee can be an expensive ski resort, there are still some budget options available if you’re willing to do a little bit of research. By choosing budget-friendly accommodation, eating out at more affordable cafes and restaurants, and taking advantage of discounts on lift passes, you can still have a great ski holiday in Saas Fee without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Saas Fee is a gem of a ski resort, offering a diverse range of skiing opportunities for all levels, breathtaking views and one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. Its off-piste skiing opportunities, combined with the snow-sureness of the resort, make it a favourite destination for adventurous skiers. There are still some budget options available if you’re willing to do a little bit of research. By choosing budget-friendly accommodation, eating out at more affordable cafes and restaurants, and taking advantage of discounts on lift passes, you can still have a great ski holiday in Saas Fee without breaking the bank. While it may be more expensive and less accessible than some of the popular French resorts, Saas Fee is well worth a visit for a unique and unforgettable skiing experience.

Getting there

There are several options for getting there, including by airplane and train.

By airplane:
One option is option is to fly into Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 230 kilometers from Saas Fee. Geneva Airport has regular flights from various international destinations, and from the airport, you can take a train or bus to Visp, which is the nearest train station to Saas Fee. From Visp, you can take a bus or taxi to Saas Fee.

By Train:

Switzerland has an excellent train system, and Saas Fee can be easily reached by train. The nearest train station to Saas Fee is Visp, which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the resort.

From Visp, you can take a bus or taxi to Saas Fee. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and the cost can vary depending on the time of day.

If you’re traveling from outside of Switzerland, you can take a train to one of the major Swiss cities, such as Zurich, Bern, or Geneva, and then transfer to a train that stops in Visp.

In conclusion, there are several options for getting to Saas Fee, including by airplane and train. While Sion Airport is the nearest airport to Saas Fee, Geneva Airport is a good option for those traveling from international destinations. Alternatively, Switzerland’s excellent train system makes it easy to reach Saas Fee by train, with Visp being the nearest train station to the resort.

If you’re planning a ski trip to the Zillertal Valley in Austria, two destinations you should consider are Fugen and Hochfugen. These neighboring ski areas offer a range of skiing opportunities for all levels, as well as family-friendly amenities and breathtaking scenery that will make your ski vacation unforgettable.

Located in the heart of the Zillertal Valley, Fugen and Hochfugen offer access to some of the best skiing in the region.

Hochfugen is a ski area that is renowned for its snow sure level. With its high altitude and a range of slopes to suit all levels, Hochfugen is a top destination for skiers who are looking for guaranteed snow during the ski season.

Snow sure

Hochfugen is relatively snow sure. One of the reasons that Hochfugen is its high altitude. The ski area is located at an elevation of between 1500 and 2500 meters, which means that it is above the snow line and is less affected by temperature fluctuations. This high altitude ensures that the ski area receives a reliable and consistent snowfall throughout the ski season, which usually runs from November to April.

Another factor that contributes to Hochfugen’s snow sure level is its location in the Zillertal Valley. The valley is known for its microclimate, which means that it often receives more snow than other areas in the region. This, coupled with Hochfugen’s high altitude, ensures that the ski area has excellent snow conditions throughout the season.

Good mix of slopes

In terms of slopes, Hochfugen offers a range of options for skiers of all levels. The ski area has 41 kilometers of slopes, with 8 kilometers of black runs, 25 kilometers of red runs, and 8 kilometers of blue runs. This means that there are plenty of choices for both beginners and advanced skiers, as well as those who fall somewhere in between.

Fugen is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers, with gentle slopes and plenty of space to practice your turns. Meanwhile, Hochfugen offers more challenging terrain for advanced skiers, with steep runs and off-piste opportunities that will keep even the most experienced skiers on their toes.

One of the standout features of Hochfugen’s slopes is their variety. The ski area offers a mix of groomed pistes, off-piste areas, and mogul runs, which means that skiers can choose to stick to the groomed slopes or challenge themselves with more difficult terrain. There are also plenty of opportunities for off-piste skiing, with areas that are perfect for freeriding and exploring.

For advanced skiers, some of the most popular runs at Hochfugen include the black runs on the Pfaffenbuhel and Geolskopf peaks. These runs are steep and challenging, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy on the red runs, which offer a mix of challenging terrain and scenic cruising.

For beginners, Hochfugen offers a range of gentle blue runs that are perfect for learning the basics of skiing. There are also ski schools and instructors who are experienced in teaching beginners how to ski, which means that those who are new to the sport will be in good hands.

Family-friendly

One of the biggest draws of Fugen and Hochfugen is their family-friendly atmosphere. Both areas offer ski schools and children’s areas, with instructors who are experienced in teaching children how to ski. The ski schools offer everything from group lessons to one-on-one instruction, and children can even take part in fun activities like treasure hunts and obstacle courses on the slopes.

For families who are looking for a break from skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Fugen and Hochfugen. You can take a ride on the toboggan run, go ice-skating, or even take a dip in the local swimming pool. Plus, the towns themselves are charming and offer plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and cuisine.

Hochzillertal

A connection between the ski areas Hochfugen and neighbouring Hochzillertal is made possible by the Hochzillertal-Hochfugen Ski Region. The connection between Hochfugen and Hochzillertal is the added variety that it provides for skiers. With a combined 181 kilometers of slopes, visitors to the region can spend several days exploring different runs without ever skiing the same slope twice. The variety of terrain also means that there are options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Compared to other popular ski destinations in the Zillertal Valley, such as Mayrhofen and Gerlos, Fugen and Hochfugen offer a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. The ski areas are less crowded, which means you won’t have to worry about long lift lines or crowded slopes. Plus, the towns themselves offer a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, which is perfect for those who are traveling with children.

For every budget

Another advantage of Fugen and Hochfugen is that they offer more affordable accommodation options than other areas in the Zillertal Valley. You can find everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels, which means you can tailor your ski vacation to your budget and preferences. Moreover, Fugen and Hochfugen are known for being slightly more affordable than some of the other big-name ski resorts in the area, such as St. Anton or Kitzbühel.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a ski destination in the Zillertal Valley that offers a range of skiing opportunities for all levels, as well as family-friendly amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, Fugen and Hochfugen are the perfect choice. With their charming towns, affordable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, they offer everything you need for an unforgettable ski vacation.

Getting there

To get to Fügen in the Zillertal region, you can take a combination of train and bus or rent a car.

By Train and Bus: The nearest railway station to Fügen is Jenbach, which is well-connected with regular trains from Innsbruck and Munich. From Jenbach, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Fügen. The journey time is around 20-30 minutes. You can check train schedules and book tickets on the Austrian Federal Railways website, ÖBB (https://www.oebb.at/en/).

By Air: The nearest airport to Fügen is Innsbruck Airport (INN), which is around 40 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof and then take a train to Jenbach, followed by a bus to Fügen. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Fügen. The journey time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Another nearby airport is Munich Airport (MUC), which is around 160 km away. From the airport, you can take a train to Jenbach, followed by a bus to Fügen. The journey time is around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Fügen. The journey time is around 2.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on traffic.