Mediendossier-Winter-2023-24-EN

Media and information
English
The Saas Valley in winter
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Contents
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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
Highlights in winter 2023/24
SaastalCard
Winter hiking pass
Events
Cuisine
Familien
Ice Cave Allalin
Aqua Allalin
Foxtrail
Icesports
Activities on the mountain
Skiing and snowboarding
Day-trip destinations
Adventure
Winter Via Ferrata
Ice climbing
Gorge Alpine
Zip Lines
Husky experiences
Culture/heritage
Art Gallery Werner Zurbriggen
Saas Museum
Exhibition on Father Johann Josef Imseng
How to get here/contact info
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Welcome to the
Saas-Fee/Saastal
OVERNIGHT STAYS, GUEST NATIONALITIES AND LENGTHS OF STAY
DEVELOPMENT OF OVERNIGHT STAYS IN SAAS-FEE/SAASTAL
2005-2022
holiday region
1600000
Correction in the following year
Hospitality-adjacent industry
Hotels and groups
SUSTAINABILITY
Best Tourism Villages by UNTWO
As part of its ‘Best Tourism Villages’ initiative, the World
Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been seeking out
the best tourism villages in the world. As a member
state of the UNWTO, Switzerland was entitled to submit
three candidates, all of whom received awards on
2 December 2021. No other country was as successful
as Switzerland. Saas-Fee received an award, as did
Gruyères and Valposchiavo. Tourism villages where
traditional activities such as agriculture and forestry
are practised, and which also use tourism as a way to
promote and preserve their cultural heritage and use
it for sustainable tourism development were eligible to
apply. Saas-Fee, for instance, impressed with its strong
focus on sustainable development, the agricultural activities
in the area and the local added value generated
by tourism in the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region.
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-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.
1400000
1200000
1000000
800000
600000
400000
200000
0
-200000
769’642
709’463
655’881
692’073
695’406
641’427
526’239
449’245
480’460
494’096
502’300
553’053
601’931
643’052
678’358
623’988
624’404
633’049
475’096
429’741
451’373
535’264
557’959
546’025
482’379
534’477
546’791
548’129
578’609
653’387
703’696
723’346
737’710
719’004
701’827
708’681
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
-> 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.
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OVERNIGHT STAYS BY COUNTRY AND SEASON FOR THE 2021/22 FISCAL YEAR
Country
OS
Winter Summer Year
Market share
in %
OS
Market share
in %
OS
Market share
in %
Switzerland/Liechtenstein 369'214 72.12 182'767 51.65 551'981 63.75
Germany 56'375 11.01 45'441 12.84 101'816 11.76
France 9'167 1.79 10'351 2.93 19'518 2.25
Italy 1'631 0.32 7'279 2.06 8'910 1.03
Austria 660 0.13 5'480 1.55 6'140 0.71
Great Britain 18'490 3.61 17'060 4.82 35'550 4.11
Netherlands 26'557 5.19 23'733 6.71 50'290 5.81
Belgium 12'406 2.42 16'024 4.53 28'430 3.28
Luxembourg 3'188 0.62 748 0.21 3'936 0.45
Denmark 1'036 0.20 622 0.18 1'658 0.19
Sweden 844 0.16 1'026 0.29 1'870 0.22
Norway 101 0.02 3'773 1.07 3'874 0.45
Finland 305 0.06 229 0.06 534 0.06
Spain 1'311 0.26 2'357 0.67 3'668 0.42
Russia 313 0.06 121 0.03 434 0.05
Poland 1'242 0.24 1'399 0.40 2'641 0.31
Czech Republic/Slovakia 1'213 0.24 5'812 1.64 7'025 0.81
Slovenia 212 0.04 1'443 0.41 1'655 0.19
Rest of Europe 2'214 0.43 3'528 1 5'742 0.66
USA 1'400 0.27 10'888 3.08 12'288 1.42
Canada 322 0.06 4'061 1.15 4'383 0.51
Rest of the Americas 346 0.07 359 0.10 705 0.08
Africa 359 0.07 130 0.04 489 0.06
Israel 324 0.06 2'950 0.83 3'274 0.38
Japan 436 0.09 1'287 0.36 1'723 0.20
China/Hong Kong/Taiwan 204 0.04 418 0.12 622 0.07
Rest of Asia 1'730 0.34 3'794 1.07 5'524 0.64
Australia, Oceania 298 0.06 643 0.18 941 0.11
Other 65 0.01 132 0.04 197 0.02
Total 511'963 100.00 353'855 100.00 865'818 100.00
OVERNIGHT STAYS BY MONTH FOR THE 2021/22 FISCAL YEAR
Winter Saas-Fee Saas-Grund Saas-Almagell Saas-Balen Total
November 18'480 3'255 1'013 109 22'857
December 51'325 18'671 8'581 1'099 79'676
January 60'592 22'775 11'320 894 95'581
February 94'148 45'867 21'428 2'651 164'094
March 74'865 33'618 14'398 1'645 124'526
April 49'186 17'834 5'504 1'266 73'790
Total Winter 348'596 142'020 62'244 7'664 560'524
Summer Saas-Fee Saas-Grund Saas-Almagell Saas-Balen Total
May 2'716 3'147 597 114 6'574
June 10'346 16'670 6'696 677 34'389
July 51'662 48'218 16'490 2'049 118'419
August 63'590 48'550 17'549 1'690 131'379
September 34'095 22'347 9'924 735 67'101
October 30'918 12'895 4'205 309 48'327
Total Summer 193'327 151'827 55'461 5'574 406'189
Total: Year
(excluding all-inclusive)
541'923 293'847 117'705 13'238 966'713
All-inclusive 213'086 38'490 18'509 7'940 278'025
Total: 2020/21 year 755'009 332'337 136'214 21'178 1'244'738
Winter | Summer 64% 36% 48% 52% 53% 47% 58% 42% 58% 42%
Mountain huts 2'352 21'024 23'376
Shared house 46'209 31'310 77'519
All-inclusive 137'763 140'262 278'025
Total Destination 698'287 546'451 1'244'738
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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/Saastal 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.
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Highlights in winter
2023/2024
SAASTALCARD IN WINTER
Starting from the first night of your stay, all PostBus
rides in the Saas Valley are included with the Saastal-
Card (not valid for arrival and departure with PostBus).
Guests with the SaastalCard also benefit from discounts
of up to 30 per cent on a total of 30 offers.
SaastalCard
WINTER HIKING PASS
With the SaastalCard, guests receive a discount on the
Winter Hiking Pass. The Winter Hiking Pass allows you
to use all the cable cars in the Saas Valley, making winter
hiking more enjoyable.
Winter hiking pass
ICE CLIMBING WORLDCUP
The World Cup of Ice Climbing will be held from 26-27
January 2024.
Although ice climbing as a competitive sport is still a relatively
new trend, Saas-Fee has already hosted many
successful events. Saas-Fee has been a World Cup venue
since 1999. The annual World Cup is now well established
among the athletes and their many fans.
Ice Climbing Worldcup
ALLALIN RACES
It’s the taking part that counts: at least, that’s sure to be
the mantra of many amateur racers who will tackle this
spectacular race course at the foot of the Allalinhorn on
12 and 13 April 2024. The glacier races set against a unique
backdrop are a unique skiing experience for both
participants and spectators.
The first Allalin Races took place in 1946. Back then, nine
young skiers took off from the summit of the 4,027-metre-high
Allalinhorn and dashed down to Saas-Fee, 2,227
metres below. Only five riders managed to make it to the
end of the unprepared course. Today, the race starts in
the ski resort and the course is well prepared before the
race.
However, with the course covering 9 km and 1,800
height difference, the course remains a challenge. The
fastest skiers will reach speeds of around 140 kilometres
per hour.
MENTELITY GAMES
The Mentelity Games is a four-day skiing and snowboarding
event for people with a physical disability. The
Games will be held from 18 – 23 March 2024 in Saas-
Grund and will be financed by donations collected
during the 12-hour race.
The four-day skiing and snowboarding event will offer a
range of courses with coaches, trainers and Paralympic
athletes from all snow disciplines for all levels of ability.
Hohsaas 12 hours race
A 12-hour knockout race will be held on 16 March 2024
to collect donations for the Mentelity Games. Anyone
can enter. The race starts at midnight and ends at midday.
Afterwards, there is a closing party.
Mentelity Games
MOON LIGHT FIGHT
The Moon Light Fight will take place on Easter Sunday,
31 March 2024. The parallel event promises excitement
for everyone.
Full moon and floodlights create a unique atmosphere
on the Jowang slope.
Moonlight Fight
Moonlight Fight
Allalin Races
Allalin Races
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Families
Families always feel particularly welcome in the Saas-
Fee/Saastal holiday region! The destination is affiliated
with the ‘Families Welcome’ seal of approval from Switzerland
Tourism.
SAAS-FEE
There is a children’s park at the ski school meeting point
in the car-free glacier village. With a conveyor belt, children’s
ski lift, carousel and fun learning equipment, little
ones can quickly get to grips with snow sports. As well
as visiting one of the largest ice caves in the world on
Mittelallalin, we also recommend taking a ride on the
Feeblitz toboggan run. If the weather is bad, try the Aqua
Allalin swimming pool featuring a slide.
SAAS-GRUND
While the grown-ups enjoy a sunny skiing and snowboarding
area on Hohsaas, children can discover the
joy of winter sports in a separate piste area on Kreuzboden
above Saas-Grund. This features a magic carpet,
a race course, see-saws, obstacles and much more.
The fun slope offers even more fun for all guests, with
a wide variety of elements. For younger guests, there is
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. These
include several mountain restaurants and huts, which
offer a fine Valais platter, home-made delicacies and a
glass of good Valais wine. There’s also a range of aprèsski
options with countless cafés, bars and pizzerias.
Cuisine
Après-Ski
a ‘Kidsweek’ at Kreuzboden for three weeks in winter.
Ski equipment hire, ski pass, ski lessons and lunch are
included in the weekly price.
SAAS-ALMAGELL
The Furggstalden ski resort above Saas-Almagell is
home to Dragon Kian’s Adventure Land. Here, children
can enjoy a tepee with a ball pool and an igloo where
kid’s films are shown. On the snow-tubing track, the
whole family can whizz down the slope in giant rubber
tyres, for free. There are also children’s skidoos and a
carousel with a playground for little ones.
SAAS-BALEN
The Saas-Balen ski area in the Saas-Fee/Saastal resort
region is perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and
quiet and for beginner skiers. The beginners’ lift is located
on the outskirts of Saas-Balen and is ideal for children
and families.
ICE CAVE ALLALIN
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 Cave Allalin, 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 Cave Allalin 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.
Ice Cave Allalin
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. A range
of saunas and baths, incredible ‚feature showers‘, relaxation
rooms, a 25-metre indoor pool, children’s pool
and water slide – all this and more ensures that you
can unwind better than ever in the holiday region Saas-
Fee/Saastal. The Bio-Soft sauna is particularly suitable
for beginners, older people and anyone with cardiovascular
problems, as its lower temperature (between
55 and 60 degrees) means it’s gentler for visitors with
health issues. The entire facility is accessible for those
with disabilities.
Aqua Allalin
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 takes about
2.5 hours in winter and 3.5 hours in summer. In summer,
there’s also a shorter route of approx. 2.5 hours.
Foxtrail
ICE SPORTS
With four ice rinks in the four villages of the Saas-
Fee/Saastal region, you are spoilt for choice for
your favourite ice sports. Ice skating, ice hockey,
curling or ice stock sport: there’s something for
everybody here.
Ice skating
Spending a couple of hours on the bare ice is one
of the oldest winter pastimes, and is especially popular
with groups. Private, family and group skating
lessons are offered at all ice rinks in the Saas
Valley.
Curling
Curling, a winter sport played on ice, offers a great
change of pace. Two teams of four players try
to slide their curling stones towards the centre of
the target circle and then sweep the ice in front of
them. This team game is suitable for beginners and
can be played on the natural ice rink in Saas-Fee.
Ice stock sport
Ice stock sport, or Bavarian curling, is another great
alternative. This ice sport is played with a round
ice stock and a daube, a rubber disc. The daubes
are placed at a distance of 15 to 20 metres away on
the ice. The aim of the game is to get the ice stocks
as close to the daube as possible. It is especially
enjoyed by groups and families. Ice stock sport
can be played in Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund and Saas-
Almagell. Ice stock sport guidance is offered in the
last two locations.
Ice sports
12 13

Activities on the
mountain
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
With 150 kilometres of pistes and many sunny days,
the Saas Valley has something for every level. The fun
starts right on the doorstep and continues up to 3,600
metres above sea level. Natural snow is not a luxury
here, it is guaranteed throughout the season. The high
alpine location also offers a unique panorama and runs
of up to 1,800 metres altitude.
Skiing and snowboarding
Lots of sun, lots of fresh snow
The high Alpine location of Saas-Fee/Saastal has advantages
for all snow sports enthusiasts. The official
winter season starts here as early as the end of October.
That’s six weeks earlier than most other snow sport
resorts. Even when there’s thick fog in the lowlands, the
sun still shines brightly up here. The Magic Pass is also
valid for skiing in Saas-Fee from as early as 1 november
2023. There’s plenty for fans of powder too: reliable as
Swiss clockwork, powerful low-pressure systems push
moist air from the Gulf of Genoa towards the two mountain
ranges of Mischabel and Monte-Rosa.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-country skiing on perfectly maintained trails
through snow-covered larch forests and along the
frozen Vispa river. The cross-country ski trails in the
Saas Valley are open from mid-December to the end of
March (depending on temperatures and snow conditions).
With enough snow, there are 26 km of classic and
skating routes.
Cross-country skiing
SLEDGING
The Saas Valley offers three fantastic sledging runs. In
Saas-Grund you can slide from Kreuzboden over an incredible
11 km into the village and enjoy a spectacular
view of the Mischabel range and the Mattmark region.
The Saas-Almagell toboggan run stretches 3 km from
Furggstalden into the village. Toboggans can be rented
from the cableway stations in all three locations.
Sledging
WINTER HIKING
A 60 km long winter hiking network offers multiple winter
hiking options. Among the highlights is the Winter
Mattmark Tour. The relaxing winter hike far away from
any skiing, leads along the cross-country ski trail to
Ejiu Sand and then over snowy hills to the Mattmark
dam. The Hannig Sun Trail heads south from the Hannig
mountain station. In Saas-Grund you will find the
Kreuzboden trail, which leads through the hamlet of
Brunne and then heads up the Triftalp to Kreuzboden.
This tour offers a fantastic view of the Saas mountains.
The winter hiking trail to the Britannia Hut leads you
through the midst of a magnificent glacial world.
Winter hiking
SNOWSHOE HIKING
White landscapes as far as the eye can see and complete
silence – that’s what you can expect on snowshoe
hikes in the holiday region of Saas-Fee/Saastal. There’s
something for everyone amongst the various trails
surrounded by Switzerland’s highest mountains.
Snowshoe hiking
GLACIER ADVENTURE
This breathtaking tour over the Fee Glacier starts at the
Längfluh mountain station. Kitted out with snowshoes,
ski poles and a climbing harness, you will climb up
the Fee Glacier secured to the mountain guide’s rope.
Crossing monumental ice peaks and crevasses, you
will reach the highest point on the glacier plateau, the
Panoramaplatz. Then a flat descent leads to the Spielboden
station.
Glacier adventure
SKI TOURS
Another popular activity in the Saas Valley is ski touring.
If you enjoy high Alpine activities, you’ll be in paradise
here. Our Saas mountain guide offices will be happy to
help you plan and organise a tour.
Ski tours
DAY-TRIP DESTINATIONS
Mattmark Dam – Power Spot
Visitors will find the biggest earthwork dam in Europe:
the Mattmark Dam in the south of the Saas Valley. 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 dammed crest of Lake Mattmark
(2,200 metres) is only accessible on foot in winter.
From up here you can enjoy an unobstructed view of
the reservoir lake and a spectacular panorama of the
Monte Moro Pass. In winter, the dam can be accessed
by taking a winter hike, snowshoe tour or ski tour.
Hannig – Sunny Mountain
The sunny mountain Hannig (2,336 m above sea level)
is a popular destination for excursions at any time of
the year, whether in winter or in summer. After soaking
up the warming rays of the sun here, numerous adventure
opportunities open up on the mountain. A relaxing
winter excursion offers not only fresh air and snow, but
also a breathtaking view of the snow-covered landscape.
Walkers can enjoy the tranquillity of the snow-covered
mountains and be enchanted by the beauty of
nature.
The opening of the new Hannigbahn is planned for February
2024. In addition, there will be an interactive toboggan
run and a new winter playground for children.
Längfluh – Glacier World
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.
Mittelallain – Absolute Highlight
The Mittelallalin (3,500 metres above sea level) lies
above Saas-Fee and is surrounded by four-thousandmetre
peaks. The highest revolving restaurant and the
largest ice grotto in the world can be found right at the
foot of the Allalinhorn (4,027 m above sea level). These
highlights can be reached by the highest underground
train in the world, the Metro Alpin. Ski down the slopes
from 3,600 to 1,800 m above sea level, climb your first
four-thousand-metre peak or just enjoy the view.
Kreuzboden – Family Mountain
Kreuzboden is a popular destination for families both
in summer and winter. The fun slope offers even more
fun for all guests, with a wide variety of elements. You
can enjoy great views of the Mischabel Group from the
ski slopes, as well as during activities such as winter
hiking, snowshoe hiking and tobogganing.
Day-trip destinations
14 15

Adventure
WINTER VIA FERRATA
A very special trip awaits you on the winter via ferrata
in Saas-Grund. It starts right at the edge of the village,
then it’s a steep climb upwards. The approx. 150 metres
of altitude gain are easily manageable if you are fit and
have a head for heights. The tour is led by a mountain
guide and culminates in a spectacular abseil of about
40 metres. The whole experience lasts about two hours
and is perfect for families, companies, clubs or other
groups.
Winter Via Ferrata
ICE CLIMBING AND CLIMBING DOME
The Saas-Fee Guides offer ice climbing of a special
kind. You reach the ice-blue glacier walls on snowshoes,
where you climb in safety. Incredible landscapes
and a unique experience are guaranteed!
In previous years, ice climbing has been offered exclusively
for the pros at the Ice Climbing World Cup, but
it is now open to all interested climbers. In winter, the
Saas-Fee car park is home to climbing routes with varying
degrees of difficulty.
Anyone with some climbing experience who wants to
have a go on the ice can do so during the Ice Climbing
World Cup at the Kalbermatten sports ground. You will
be supported by trained staff.
SUNRISE SKIING
The highest point accessible by cable car above Saas-
Fee at sunrise. Absolute silence, the first rays of sunshine
and perfectly groomed slopes await early risers who
want to make their first tracks through the fresh snow.
Beforehand, a hearty breakfast is waiting in the Allalin
revolving restaurant. The colourful view of the surrounding
mountains completes the unique experience.
Sunrise Skiing
GORGE ALPINE / ALPINE CANYON
Led by a mountain guide, you will climb through
the wild Feeschlucht gorge, which leads down
from Saas-Fee to Saas-Grund. The spectacular
tour passes frozen waterfalls and crosses suspension
bridges, ladders and steel cables. Highlights
of the crossing are a fast zip line and cable pulleys.
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
Ice climbing
SUNSET @ LAGGINJOCH
While the ski slopes on Hohsaas are slowly emptying,
it is time to climb the Lagginjoch. A mountain guide accompanies
the energetic snowshoe hikers on easy terrain
over the Hohlaub glacier 500 metres up to the Lagginjoch.
With the last rays of sunshine, you can enjoy an
impressive view of the surrounding four-thousand-metre
peaks and a deep view of the Laggintal valley.
Sunset @ Lagginjoch
ZIP LINES
The zip lines in the rope course are also open in
winter. After a short introduction, you will be ready
to practise on the training course in the trees.
Once you’re ready, you can move on to the big zip
lines across the gorge.
Zip lines
HUSKY EXPERIENCES
During the winter months, huskies come to the
Saas Valley. They offer a great experience for
young and old alike. You will be pulled through
snowy landscapes by the huskies and get up close
with these furry friends.
Husky experiences
Ice climbing, Saas-Fee
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Culture and heritage
Allalinhorn, Saas-Fee
ART GALLERY WERNER ZURBRIGEN
The Saas Valley artist Werner Zurbriggen has perceived
the people in this valley like no other and has reduced
them to the essential in his own way. He combined clear
forms of geometry with expressive ones and women a
fabric of beauty from them. This also the origin of the
long, miserable silhouette of the traditional Valaisan
women, which he painted again and again until the end
of his life. Gifted with an extraordinary sense for decorative
values and a master of composition , the artist
created a figurative constructivism of unmistakable
originality.
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 customs
18 19

Getting to the
Hannigalp, Almagellerhorn, Saas-Fee Saas-Almagell
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 databse
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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