Mediendossier-Sommer_Herbst-2022-EN

Media and information
English
The Saas Valley
in summer and autumn
1

Contents
04
10
12
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14
17
18
19
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Welcome to the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region
Sustainability
Authentic mountain villages
Overnight stays, guest nationalities and lengths of stay
Facts and figures
2022 summer/autumn highlights
SaasFeestival
Allalin Adventure Route
Mattmark Half Marathon New playground Kreuzboden
Stomping Grounds
New treasure hunt
New Kreuzboden flowtrail
Cuisine
Families
Ice Pavilion
Foxtrail
Märliwucha
Marmots
Aqua Allalin
Activities on the mountain
Hiking
Day-trip destinations
Adventure
Via ferratas
Trail running
Bikes and e-bikes
Gorge Alpine/Alpine Canyon
Culture/heritage
Comedy Saas-Fee
Saas Museum
Exhibition on Father Johann Josef Imseng
Winter sports in the summer
How to get here/contact info
2 3

Welcome to the
Saas-Fee/Saastal
holiday region
SUSTAINABILITY
Saas-Fee is – and has always been – a car-free village.
The road which connects us with the valley was
built in 1951 – but Saas-Fee made the decision to remain
car-free. Up here, you either travel on foot or in an
electric vehicle. What’s more, Saas-Fee has introduced
measures to combat the health hazard represented by
particulate pollution and is equipping the municipality’s
250 wood burners with filters. The village’s entire electricity
supply – including that required for the cable cars
and lifts – is generated by renewable hydropower from
the Valais. No other Swiss residential and tourist area
uses as much natural energy as consistently as we do.
It was in recognition of all these endeavours that Saas-
Fee was awarded the accolade of ‘Energiestadt’ (‘Energy
Town’) by the Energie Schweiz energy programme
in June 2002. This accolade honours the introduction
of clear standards of quality in energy and transport
policy and is awarded for outstanding achievements in
the sustainability field. More about sustainability in the
Saas Valley:
Sustainability
AUTHENTIC MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
The Saas Valley is made up of four traditional mountain
communities: Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell
and Saas-Balen. Saas-Fee is the biggest and most
tourist-focused of the four communities – yet it has still
managed to keep all of its rustic village charm. In the
Saas Valley, visitors can stroll down cobblestone alleys
between centuries-old barns and charming Valais-style
houses. In these communities, there is a special charm
in everything that is authentic, traditional and rustic.
-> Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee is located at the base of the Dom, the tallest
mountain in Switzerland. Cars are not allowed in
the village, which is one of Switzerland’s more popular
winter destinations. The Saas-Fee glacier is home
to one of Europe’s rare summer ski areas, and the
Mittelallalin features the highest-altitude revolving
restaurant in the world. With its sun-bleached barns,
cobblestone streets and wooden Valais-style houses
framed by the Mischabel mountain range, Saas-
Fee has a special charm that attracts up to 9,000
guests in the high season.
-> Saas-Grund
Saas-Grund enchants visitors with its rustic buildings
and narrow, winding streets. The village is the
starting point for numerous hiking trails, such as the
Almageller and Gsponer mountain trail or the popular
‘18 Four-Thousanders’ circular trail in Hohsaas;
the latter offers the best views of the Mischabel
massif.
-> Saas-Almagell
Nestled between picturesque side valleys, Saas-Almagell
is the southernmost village of the four. It’s
particularly popular with hikers, as Saas-Almagell
is the starting point for many different trails. This is
where the adventure trail from Furggstalden to Almagelleralp
starts, as well as the route to the Monte
Moro Pass and Antrona Pass via the Mattmark Dam.
-> Saas-Balen
The village of Saas-Balen is located at the mouth of
the Saas Valley. Visitors should make time for a detour
to the imposing Fellbach Waterfall. Saas-Balen
is also the starting point for tons of hiking trails,
such as those leading to the hamlet of Matt or to
the Heimischgartu alpine pasture. Architecture fans
shouldn’t miss the late baroque Round Church built
in 1812. It’s the only one of its kind still standing in
Switzerland.
OVERNIGHT STAYS, GUEST NATIONALITIES AND LENGTHS OF STAY
DEVELOPMENT OF OVERNIGHT STAYS IN SAAS-FEE
2000-2021
1’100’000
1’050’000
1’000’000
950’000
900’000
850’000
800’000
750’000
700’000
650’000
600’000
550’000
500’000
450’000
400’000
350’000
300’000
250’000
200’000
150’000
100’000
50’000
0
-50’000
-100’000
DEVELOPMENT OF OVERNIGHT STAYS IN SAAS-GRUND,
SAAS-ALMAGELL AND SAAS-BALEN FROM 2005–2021
600’000
550’000
500’000
450’000
400’000
350’000
300’000
250’000
200’000
150’000
100’000
50’000
0
-50’000
429’957
374’632
200’263
314’693
Korrekturen
Parahotellerie
Hotellerie & Gruppen
432’786
393’988
198’664
297’815
425’740
404’012
204’713
307’746
419’275
411’258
238’036
312’393
440’322
425’317
225’748
320’352
216’774
306’422
417’304
402’994
199’309
276’624
385’157
397’274
194’400
242’350
353’744
376’763
191’374
234’868
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
307’900
336’259
178’174
236’639
302’722
313’261
165’559
226’131
302’286
310’152
Korrektur im Folgejahr
Parahotellerie, Berghütten & Pauschalen
Hotellerie - Hotel & Gruppen
178’943
194’234
283’686
308’346
213’626
215’109
Korrektur im Folgejahr
Hospitality-adjacent industry
Hotels and groups
2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
347’296
288’145
243’172
227’553
427’801
330’916
239’773
221’978
225’455
177’654
452’234
330’406
246’164
144’021
452’300
313’286
430’426
273’719
463’298
285’720
Korrektur im Folgejahr
Hospitality-adjacent industry
Hotels and groups
4 5

OVERNIGHT STAYS BY COUNTRY AND SEASON FOR THE 2020/2021 FISCAL YEAR
Country
OS
Winter Summer Year
Market share
in %
OS
Market share
in %
OS
Market share
in %
Switzerland/Liechtenstein 357'912 86.68 236'398 57.81 594'310 72.32
Germany 22'514 5.45 49'663 12.15 72'177 8.78
France 9'759 2.36 11'300 2.76 21'059 2.56
Italy 1'850 0.45 6'912 1.69 8'762 1.07
Austria 852 0.21 8'402 2.05 9'254 1.13
Great Britain 2'420 0.59 8'077 1.98 10'497 1.28
Netherlands 2'550 0.62 19'457 4.76 22'007 2.68
Belgium 3'082 0.75 15'020 3.67 18'102 2.20
Luxembourg 1'251 0.30 922 0.23 2'173 0.26
Denmark 467 0.11 555 0.14 1'022 0.12
Sweden 178 0.04 2'095 0.51 2'273 0.28
Norway 25 0.01 3'239 0.79 3'264 0.40
Finland 101 0.02 679 0.17 780 0.09
Spain 797 0.19 2'963 0.72 3'760 0.46
Russia 564 0.14 2'364 0.58 2'928 0.36
Poland 4'005 0.97 2'288 0.56 6'293 0.77
Czech Republic/Slovakia 832 0.20 4'094 1.00 4'926 0.60
Slovenia 259 0.06 1'997 0.49 2'256 0.27
Rest of Europe 1'911 0.46 3'280 0.80 5'191 0.63
USA 364 0.09 11'178 2.73 11'542 1.40
Canada 180 0.04 6'066 1.48 6'246 0.76
Rest of the Americas 230 0.06 174 0.04 404 0.05
Africa 70 0.02 85 0.02 155 0.02
Israel 0 0.00 3'108 0.76 3'108 0.38
Japan 70 0.02 2'778 0.68 2'848 0.35
China/Hong Kong/Taiwan 170 0.04 1'710 0.42 1'880 0.23
Rest of Asia 260 0.06 3'350 0.82 3'610 0.44
Australia, Oceania 239 0.06 759 0.19 998 0.12
Other 10 0.00 0 0.00 10 0.00
Total 412'922 100.00 408'913 100.00 821'835 100.00
OVERNIGHT STAYS BY MONTH FOR THE 2020/2021 FISCAL YEAR
Winter Saas-Fee Saas-Grund Saas-Almagell Saas-Balen Total
November 19'232 4'113 877 26 24'248
December 54'191 15'138 7'821 636 77'786
January 38'811 9'176 6'347 280 54'614
February 83'310 30'456 18'311 1'213 133'290
March 57'723 13'196 7'136 119 78'174
April 41'913 7'883 3'252 279 53'327
Total: Winter 295'180 79'962 43'744 2'553 421'439
Summer Saas-Fee Saas-Grund Saas-Almagell Saas-Balen Total
May 3'538 2'284 673 80 6'575
June 11'401 9'402 5'531 176 26'510
July 63'942 48'270 17'703 1'454 131'369
August 77'107 46'664 18'905 1'293 143'969
September 49'134 21'476 9'576 704 80'890
October 46'557 14'413 5'139 331 66'440
Total: Summer 251'679 142'509 57'527 4'038 455'753
Total: Year
(excluding all-inclusive)
546'859 222'471 101'271 6'591 877'192
All-inclusive 202'159 35'799 17'289 6'765 262'012
Total: 2019/20 year 749'018 258'270 118'560 13'356 1'139'204
Winter | Summer 54% 46% 36% 64% 43% 57% 39% 61% 48% 52%
Mountain huts 3'093 21'763 24'856
Shared house 5'424 25'077 30'501
All-inclusive 129'169 132'843 262'012
Total: Destination 550'608 588'596 1'139'204
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FACTS AND FIGURES
-> The Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region is surrounded
by 18 four-thousand-metre peaks. The ones in
brackets are those not that are not visible from
the location: Allalin, Alphubel, Täschhorn, Dom,
Lenzspitz, (Nadelhorn), (Stecknadelhorn), (Hohberghorn),
(Dürrenhorn), (Strahlhorn), (Rimpfischhorn),
Weissmies, Lagginhorn.
-> From Hohsaas, 18 four-thousand-metre peaks can
be seen (‘18 Four-Thousanders’ circular theme trail
on Hohsaas).
-> The road to Saas-Fee was first built in 1951. They
decided to stay car-free. Saas-Fee has remained
that way ever since.
-> There are 300 electric vehicles in Saas-Fee (private
individuals cannot apply for an electric vehicle. Only
hotels, businesses, craftsmen and landlords with
over 20 beds).
-> The first tourists were from England. That’s why
there is an Anglican church in Saas-Fee (today the
Evangelical church). The Britannia hut was also built
by Englishmen in 1912 (hence the name Britannia).
-> Initially, there was only summer tourism (mountaineers,
researchers, botanists); winter tourism began
in 1951.
-> Johann Josef Imseng (statue in front of the church)
was a tourism pioneer and pastor. He built the first
hotel in the Saas Valley (in Saas-Grund) in the middle
of the 19th century. Johann Josef Imseng was the
first Swiss skier. He laid the foundation for the development
of skiing. In 1849, he mastered a downhill
run to Saas-Grund on self-built skis.
-> The only Alpine World Cup to take place in Saas-
Fee was held in 1988. Adelboden had too little snow,
so the giant slalom was moved from Adelboden to
Saas-Fee to the Plattjen ski area’s black piste. Alberto
Tomba (Tomba la bomba) won. An investment
of three million francs would be needed to make the
piste able to host the World Cup – an unrealistic
sum.
-> In 1984, Wham shot their famous video for ‘Last
Christmas’ in Saas-Fee. They actually wanted to film
in Gstaad, but there wasn’t enough snow. Here is the
tour itinerary for the ‘Last Christmas’ video shoot:
Felskinn valley station, Hotel FerienART (now known
as Walliserhof), Steinmatten cultural centre (indoor
shots were filmed there) + chalet in the hamlet of
‘Schliechte’: the famous Last Christmas chalet.
-> Saas-Fee is only 120 kilometres from Milan as the
crow flies. In clear weather, you can see the lights
of Milan from the revolving restaurant. And vice versa:
from the Torre Branca lookout tower in Milan, you
can see the Mischabel massif of Saas-Fee.
-> The Monte Moro Pass and the Antrona Pass were
once important crossings to the south, also known
as smuggling routes.
-> The Counterfeiters (1925), the most famous work
of the Nobel Prize in Literature winner André Gide
(1869–1951), is set in Saas-Fee (and Paris).
-> Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902)
spent two weeks in Saas-Fee in 1896. There is a
bust in front of the Saas Museum + plaque at the
Hotel Metropol, the successor of the building he
originally stayed in.
-> Carl Zuckmayer (1896–1977), one of the most-performed
playwrights in the German-speaking world
in the second half of the 20th century, lived in Saas-
Fee from 1957–1977 (in Haus Vogelweid). There is a
Carl Zuckmayer trail with quote stones.
‘A day not spent here in Saas-Fee is like half a day
for me.’ (Carl Zuckmayer)
-> Visitors to the Saas Fee/Saas Valley destination
can benefit from numerous discounts thanks to the
SaastalCard. All patrons of our partner organisations
receive our SaastalCard visitor ticket and can thus
take advantage of countless attractions in the area,
such as unlimited usage of the PostBus throughout
the entire Saas Valley. In summer, visitors with the
SaastalCard can use all mountain lifts (except for
the Metro Alpin) in the Saas Valley for free, starting
from a stay of one night.
8 9

Highlights and new features in
summer and autumn 2022
SAASFEESTIVAL
The first edition of the SaasFeestival offers five concert
moments at three different locations. The entire Saas
Valley will be transformed into a large open-air stage
for four weeks.
The festival kicks off on Saturday, 16 July with z‘Hansrüedi.
The highlight of the new festival will be the three
evenings on the village square in Saas-Fee: Baschi,
Anna Rossinelli Trio and Baba Shrimps, accompanied
by Pat Burgener, Freitagsauto and Die Nachbarn promise
unforgettable musical evenings in the heart of the
car-free glacier village.
The grand finale takes place on 12 August on the village
square in Saas-Almagell with the band Wintershome
from Zermatt.
Entry to the concerts is free, entirely in keeping with the
concept of a festival that is open and accessible to all.
SaasFeestival
MATTMARK SEMI MARATHON 2022
In September 2022, the Mattmark Semi Marathon will
take place for the 4th time. The start is at the round
church in Saas-Balen. The route leads through beautiful
larch forests, past Saas-Grund and Almagell to the
hamlet of Zermeiggern. On historic paths, the dam wall
is reached on a pleasantly manageable climb. Finally,
the most beautiful part follows for the runners, the almost
flat 7-kilometre loop around the picturesque Lake
Mattmark!
Shorter race tours are also available, the 8 km course
around the Mattmark dam or the Nordic Walking/Fun
category.
Mattmark Semi Marathon
NEW FLOWTRAIL KREUZBODEN
The approximately five-kilometre long flow trail between
Kreuzboden and Trift has been built for spring
2022. From summer 2022, it will complement the original
Bike Skills, which was built in summer 2021.
Flowtrail
ALLALIN ADVENTURE TERRACE
Situated at an altitude of 3,500 m, the site will be transformed
this year into a place of leisure, adventure and
tourism. Thanks to our partner Cupra, the large terrace
at the foot of the Allalin (4‘027m) will be staged with
bobbycars. Younger visitors will be able to enjoy the
bouncy castle and the slackline, as well as the preparation
of the slopes from the point of view of our staff
in the groomer equipped with VR glasses. Other highlights
include the world‘s highest revolving restaurant,
the world‘s highest underground lift and the large ice
cave.
THE STOMPING GROUNDS
HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING CAMP
In October, the Stomping Grounds will be gearing up
for the next round of training in Saas-Fee! This high
performance training Camp for ski and snowboard
slope-style, big air and half-pipes takes place on the
Fee Glacier every autumn. Attendees can train in ten
different Olympic disciplines. Over 200 freestyle ski
and snowboard pros prepare for the season here in two
ten-day freestyle training sessions. Charles Beckinsale
is one of the best park and jump builders in the world;
every autumn, he builds the best pre-season freestyle
training area in Saas-Fee in collaboration with Jeremy
Carpenter and Brandon Dodds from the USA.
The Stomping Grounds
Adventure terrace
NEW PLAYGROUND KREUZBODEN
A new, modern playground for children of different ages
is planned for the summer of 2022. It will be built from
natural materials and will be distinguished by its size
and spectacular facilities such as towers, climbing elements,
water games and much more. All this, of course,
with a breathtaking view of the 4000-metre peaks of
Saas.
Play area
NEW TREASURE HUNT
FURGGSTALDEN - SAAS-ALMAGELL
In cooperation with Valais/Wallis Promotion and SPICK,
a new treasure hunt has been created for families in
Furggstalden in Saas-Almagell. On the way there are
many interesting facts and information about the forest
habitat for young and old.
Revolving restaurant Mittelallalin
Treasure hunt
10 11

Cuisine
Here, you’ll find everything from traditional Valais specialities
to international gourmet cuisine. The culinary
offerings of the more than 100 restaurants in the Saas-
Fee/Saastal holiday region are vast and diverse. And
countless cafés, bars and pizzerias provide additional
options. You can learn more from our ‘Cuisine in the
Saas Valley’ brochure:
Cuisine
THE SAAS VALLEY AND ITS MARMOTS
Our marmots are probably the cutest villagers in Saas-
Fee. You’re likely to encounter them if you explore Spielboden
or Stafelwald. The rodents enjoy eating nuts and
carrots all summer long. In winter, the cute little critters
sleep peacefully in their burrows. Their winter hibernation
lasts between six and eight months. Starting
in mid-April, marmots can be seen out and about once
more.
Marmots
AQUA ALLALIN
Anyone who visits the Aqua Allalin can be sure to embark
on a very special alpine journey of well-being – the
spectacular mountain panorama that’s visible here,
even from the whirlpool, is simply breathtaking.
Various saunas and baths, adventure showers, quiet
rooms, an indoor pool with a 25-metre pool, children’s
pool and adventure slide.
Aqua Allalin
ROPE PARK “ADVENTURE FOREST”
In the adventure park, even the smallest children can
experience great climbing adventures. This is possible
thanks to the children’s courses in the Saas-Fee Adventure
Park. Equipped with continuous safety systems,
children from 4 years of age can climb from tree
to tree with great fun and without interruption.
Adventure park
MONSTER SCOOTERS
With no less than 3 scooter courses, the Saas-Fee/
Saastal holiday region guarantees fast descents and
pure action. A 3.5 km long track from Furggstalden
is wide and easy to ride and leads down to Saas-Almagell.
From Hannig a 5.5 km long nature trail leads
down through a beautiful landscape to Saas-Fee. And
from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund, 11 km of downhill fun
awaits you.
Monster scooters
Families
Families always feel particularly welcome in the Saas-
Fee/Saastal holiday region! Whether they’re staying in
a hotel or holiday home or visiting a restaurant: families
feel right at home in our holiday region, no matter
the season. It is especially important to us to keep
the needs of our grown-up guests in mind and not just
those of the youngsters. The destination is affiliated
with the ‘Families Welcome’ seal of approval from Switzerland
Tourism.
ICE PAVILION
High above Saas-Fee, at 3,500 metres above sea level,
visitors will find the gateway to the interior of the Fee
Glacier. The Ice Pavilion, which measures 5,500 cubic
metres, was completely refurbished in the spring of
2016. Now the history of this 2,000-year-old ice formation
is being retold for a new generation. Mythology,
fairy tales and legends. The Ice Pavilion in Saas-Fee offers
new insights into the fascinating world of ice and
invites visitors to marvel and dream. This also includes
an avalanche simulation with lighting effects and an
impressive pressure wave that can be felt all over the
body.
FOXTRAIL
Foxtrail, a well-known scavenger hunt for families,
friends or companies, provides a playful way to explore
several regions of Switzerland. The fox has left its
tracks in Saas Valley, too. On the ‘Allalin’ Foxtrail, teams
in Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund follow in the footsteps of
the legendary Father Johann Josef Imseng. To uncover
all his secrets, they must search his historic home for
clues, coax important information from marmots, and
climb way, way up. An exclusive ride in an electric vehicle
will keep participants on their toes and provide
an unforgettable experience. The ‘Allalin’ Foxtrail has a
duration of around 2.5 hours. In addition, there are also
two shorter (approximately 90-minute) versions of this
trail: one for winter and one for summer.
Foxtrail
MÄRLIWUCHA - FAIRY TALE WEEK
Fairy tales are some of the oldest literary forms in the
world. They’ve delighted young and old listeners alike
for many generations. Every country, region and community
has its own fairy tales and legends. Our Fairy-
Tale Week is dedicated to the stories of the Saas Valley.
Immerse yourself in worlds full of wonder, magic and
heroes in the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region from 18
to 23 July 2021.
MÄRLIWEG - STORYTELLING TRAIL
In the middle of the larch forest between Mälchbodu
and Bärufalla, young people and families can discover
the story of Pia on theme boards. The panels are decorated
with beautiful drawings and the legend is set in
the surroundings with various natural elements that
can be touched up close.
Märliweg
FEEBLITZ TOBOGGAN RUN
The Feeblitz in Saas-Fee is a very special experience.
First you take the steepest lift in the Alps to the starting
point, then you descend at a breathtaking speed of up
to 40 km/h. An adventure for the whole family, whatever
the season.
Feeblitz
Sommer Highlights
Ice Pavilion
Märliwucha
12 13

Activities on the
Lake Mattmark
mountain
HIKING
Embark on a very special hiking adventure in the Saas-
Fee/Saastal holiday region. Experience the beauty of the
valley across over 350 kilometres of hiking trails, far away
from everyday stress. Find your way back in a unique natural
landscape. Hike past lush alpine meadows along the
forest line or along glaciers into higher territories. The majestic,
mountainous world of the Saas Valley is a delight
for hikers. As you continue on your path, new views of our
18 four-thousand-metre peaks reveal themselves again
and again.
SAAS HUT TOUR
The Saas Hut Tour, which lasts several days, starts in
Gspon and leads to the four mountain huts in the Saas
Valley along impressive paths. Unique views of the 4000
metre peaks are guaranteed. The Saas Hut Tour allows
you to discover the Saas Valley in its alpine way in 5 days.
Saas Hut Tour
DAY-TRIP DESTINATIONS
-> Mittelallalin
The Metro Alpin – the world’s highest-altitude underground
funicular railway – will take you to the Mittelallalin.
Sitting in the highest revolving restaurant in the
world, at 3,500 metres above sea level, the giants of
the Alps are practically close enough to touch. And
right next door, in one of the largest ice pavilions in the
world, visitors can learn the secrets of the glaciers. 20
kilometres of well-prepared slopes at 3,500 metres in
altitude, ski lifts, the unique view of the highest peaks
in the Valais and the heat of the summer sun all contribute
to an unforgettable summer skiing experience.
-> Hohsaas
On the 1.4-kilometre-long circular trail from Hohsaas
(3,142 metres above sea level), you can see the 18
mighty four-thousand-metre peaks of the Saas Valley
‘in the flesh’ and on information boards and monuments.
-> Kreuzboden
Kreuzboden, above Saas-Grund, offers a unique
view of the Mischabel mountain range. Further up, in
Hohsaas, visitors can view the 18 four-thousand-metre
peaks of the Saas Valley on the 1.4-kilometre-long
circular trail.
-> Längfluh
Längfluh takes visitors much closer to the glaciers
than most paths. If you want to go even further, it’s
best to connect with a mountain guide for a tour on
the Fee Glacier. The starting point for glacier trekking
is the Längfluh mountain hut. It takes around 20 convenient
minutes by cable car to get from the village to
around 2,800 metres above sea level.
-> Heidbodme
Heidbodme is a lookout point above Saas-Almagell
that offers a stunning view of the Saas Valley all the
way to Saas-Fee, as well as a unique perspective of the
Monte-Rosa massif.
-> Mattmark
In the south of the Saas Valley is where visitors will find
the biggest earthwork dam in Europe: the Mattmark
Dam. It’s a popular day-trip destination, not only for to
its fascinating technical aspects but also because of
its wild and romantic setting. The modern mountain
restaurant and exhibition space is located at 2,205
metres above sea level. Visitors can enjoy the unrestricted
view of the reservoir lake and a breathtaking
panorama of the Monte Moro Pass. The dammed crest
of Lake Mattmark (2,200 metres above sea level) is
easily accessible by car or public transport. The easy,
flat circular lake hike starts from here (duration: 2.5
hours).
-> Fellbach Waterfall and the Round Church of Saas-
Balen
At 40 metres in height, the Fellbach Waterfall is one of
the top sights to see in Saas-Balen. It’s also the most
impressive waterfall in the Saas Valley. The Round
Church dating from 1812 is another (albeit man-made)
landmark. The church and the townscape are included
in the Swiss Inventories of National Significance due
to their importance and uniqueness.
Hiking
A WORLD OF HIGH MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Experience summer in the high mountain adventure world
of Saas-Fee/Saastal! The picturesque mountains offer
activities to suit all needs and allow for active relaxation.
The batteries are recharged on our hiking trails, mountain
bike tracks and via ferrata. Here, the many adventures
take place with views of 18 peaks over 4000 metres and a
fascinating glacier world!
World of adventure
14 15

Jägihorn Via Ferrata
Adventure
VIA FERRATAS
Experienced mountain climbers who don’t suffer from
a fear of heights will appreciate the opportunity to experience
belayed ‘Cliffside Adventures’ at various locations
in the Saas Valley.
-> Jägihorn Via Ferrata
Not only one of the most beautiful via ferratas in
Switzerland – it’s also the highest in the Western
Alps. Great scenery, with little iron and lots of rock
contact, this climb has a lot to offer for advanced
climbers.
-> Mittaghorn Via Ferrata
This via ferrata will take you to the peak of a
three-thousand-metre mountain – a spot from
which you’ll take in a breathtaking view of the Saas
and Rhone Valleys and nearby four-thousand-metre
peaks! An easy-to-moderate via ferrata that can
also be recommended for beginners.
-> Saas-Grund Mini Via Ferrata
You don’t always have to take the highest route in
order to enjoy the sensation of a via ferrata. This
mini via ferrata is located just minutes away from the
Saas-Grund valley station for cable cars.
BIKE SKILLS PARK KREUZBODEN
Since 2021, our bike fans have been getting their money’s
worth at the new Bike Skills Park Kreuzboden
above Saas-Grund. The various routes are each around
380 metres long and the bikers are transported to the
start by a conveyor belt.
BIKES AND E-BIKES
There are eleven bike trails in the Saas-Fee/Saastal
holiday region. Some routes are easier and better suited
for families or seniors – the Mattmark Bike Tour is one
of these. But anyone in search of a thrill should try the
Hohsaas Trail. When choosing a trail, please keep the
difficulty level in mind. The upper part of the Hohsaas
Trail has been classified as difficulty level 5 – so this
section is a trail for experts only. The Mattmark Bike
Tour, on the other hand, is only a level 2 and thus much
easier. If you’re not sure which trail to pick, just ask at
the reception of a Tourist Information Centre at your
destination and get advice from one of our experts.
Biking
Via ferratas
TRAIL RUNNING
Trail running has become increasingly popular in recent
years. The Saas Valley is the perfect location for
this sport. Discover the stunning landscape as you run
along these trails. Due to the altitude in the Saas Valley,
you’ll train your endurance like a pro athlete and get
your body into top form. How does this work? Your body
has to adjust to the unfamiliar altitude and reacts by
creating more red blood cells (which transport oxygen).
No time like the present to head out on one of our carefully
designed trail runs:
GORGE ALPINE/ALPINE CANYON
Thanks to its two Tyrolean traverses and the possibility
of abseiling, this route is one of just two dynamic
via ferratas in the Upper Valais. The route will take you
over suspension bridges, up ladders and along steel
cables through the rugged Fee Ravine from Saas-Fee
to Saas-Grund. The tour is not suitable for people who
are afraid of heights and is not permitted for children
under 12 years of age. All visitors must be accompanied
by a mountain guide.
Gorge Alpine
Trail running
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Culture and heritage
COMEDY SAAS-FEE
The Comédie Saas-Fee theatre was founded in December
2019, when it was still called Kulturhaus Rex.
It all started when the actor, writer, director and theatre
producer Michael Klemm was attracted to Carl
Zuckmayer’s last homeland and staged Zuckmayer’s
DER FRÖHLICHE WEINBERG there in summer 2019 in
Saas-Grund on the open-air stage. He fell in love with
Saas-Fee and stayed on, founding the theatre in the
former premises of the Rex cinema. The result is a wonderful
troupe of local and foreign actors from all over
Switzerland and even Germany. The Comédie Saas-
Fee offers a wide range of classics. Since September
2021, the troupe has been performing at various venues
in Saas-Fee.
SAAS MUSEUM
When you visit the four-storey Saas Museum, you’ll
go on a journey back in time in the Saas-Fee/Saastal
holiday region. Some exhibits of the museum include a
Saas flat from the turn of the century, folkloric objects,
beautiful and traditional historic costumes, sacred art
and – a special highlight – the study of the famous
writer Carl Zuckmayer, who lived in Saas-Fee for twenty
years. The building housing today’s Saas Museum is the
former parsonage of Saas-Fee, which was built in 1732.
Another storey was added in 1855. In 1983, this old traditional
Saas-style house was reimagined as a museum
thanks to the initiative of local historian Werner Imseng.
EXHIBITION
FATHER JOHANN JOSEF IMSENG
To this day, the work of the pastor and tourism pioneer
Johann Josef Imseng (1806–1869) is of great importance
in this region. He also went down in history as the
first person to ski in the Alps, on 20 December 1849.
On that day, the Saas Valley lay under a thick blanket
of snow. A distress call reached the ears of the valley’s
Father Johann Josef Imseng, who was staying in Saas-
Fee. He had been called to the bedside of a dying man
in Saas-Grund. In an act that marked a pivotal moment
in history, he tied homemade wooden boards to his hiking
boots and set off, completing the first-ever downhill
ski run in Switzerland. Johann Josef Imseng was not just
an excellent pastor. He also actively promoted tourism
in the Saas Valley with the aim of fighting poverty. He
opened his doors to guests, worked as a mountain
guide, and told his guests all about the history and customs
of the Saas Valley. The visionary pastor even arranged
for hotels to be built. It was thanks to his intervention
that people felt comfortable visiting this place.
He was himself a man of the mountains and took part in
many of the early mountain climbs. The memorial exhibition
in honour of this pioneer of Saas tourism can be
visited in the old parsonage of Saas-Grund during the
summer months.
Culture and heritage
Winter sports in the
summer
Starting in mid-July, 20 kilometres of slopes will be
available on the Fee Glacier. During the high season,
our summer ski area has around 1,200 visitors every
day (mainly professional training teams). Over 330
teams train on our glacier every year, about a quarter of
which are national teams. Around 20 countries in Europe,
as well as North America and Japan, send their
professionals to us to prepare for the season. Three
ski lifts have been in operation so far, the fourth was
completed at the end of 2018 and has since expanded
the capacity of the ski area on the glacier. The Swiss
Ski Team is particularly pleased about this – elite Swiss
skiers have always trained in the glacier village, so they
feel at home here. Our Freestyle Park on the Fee Glacier
is another magnet for athletes in summer. The park
is a state-of-the-art training space for freestylers. The
Stomping Grounds, a high-intensity training boot camp,
also takes place here every autumn. The park set-up
consists of a rail and kicker line as well as a halfpipe
and attracts top pros from all over the world to prepare
for the new season in private training sessions.
Summer ski
18 19

Getting to the
E-bike trail Saas-Balen
Saas Valley
Whether you’re travelling by car or by public transport:
the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region is easy to reach
from anywhere in Switzerland. There are direct train
connections from all major Swiss cities to Visp; from
there, you can reach the Saas Valley in just 50 minutes
by taking Bus 511. We may be practically at the southernmost
tip of Switzerland, but your journey couldn’t
be easier: you only need to change trains once, and the
unique scenery is included free of charge! The journey
takes three hours from Zurich, Geneva and Basle and
just two from Berne. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find
plenty of parking spaces for car-free Saas-Fee in the
large multistorey car park right at the entrance to the
village.
CONTACT US!
Saastal Tourismus AG
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
CH-3906 Saas-Fee
Email: media@saas-fee.ch
Tel. +41 27 958 18 58
Media database
Saastal Tourismus AG
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
CH-3906 Saas-Fee
Email: sales@saas-fee.ch
Tel. +41 27 958 18 75
Tour operator
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