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.