Destinationsmagazin 4545 Winter 23/24 EN

Winter 2023 / 24
Saas-Fee/Saastal Magazine
1

SAAS-FEE/SAASTAL – A DESTINATION OF ADVENTURES
Naturally together.
Dear Readers
It's time for a high-alpine winter break!
The destination Saas-Fee/Saastal offers great experiences
and adventures so that you can enjoy the most precious
time of the year to the full.
Your winter holidays are too precious not to be adventurous.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Saas Valley!
Matthias, Mattia und Benita
Matthias Supersaxo, Tourism Director
Mattia Storni, Head of Marketing and Communication
Benita Zurbriggen, Head of Guest Management and
Central Services
MOBILITY IN
THE SAAS VALLEY
The public mobility concept allows you to move
around the Saas-Fee/Saastal region without any
worries. With the Saas-Fee local bus and the new
e-buses throughout the Saas Valley, you can get
comfortably from one ski area to the other. Public
transport in the Saas Valley is included in the
SaastalCard.
Information
saas-fee.ch/ortsbus
CH-BIO-004
Naturally
refreshing.
2 3

WELCOME!
For experiences and relaxation in nature, far away
from everyday life in the midst of the beloved Alps,
you have come to the right place in the
Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region.
A taste sensation every time: pure pleasure
Nothing rounds off your holiday experience with us better
than good food. Taste our varied, high-quality gastronomy and
enjoy Valais delicacies, Saas specialities and old-fashioned
Swiss delicacies. Whether you prefer mountain panoramas or
or a cosy pub, you will get your wish.
Snow guaranteed
Our altitude means you can be sure of snow for your winter
break. Our ski area is one of the highest in the world, with
slopes up to 3,600 metres above sea level. That's why our
season also lasts from the beginning of November to the end
of April – that's 173 days of high alpine downtime for you this
winter.
Imposing nature
Discover the magic of the Valais Alps with us. The destination
consists of four authentic mountain villages and is surrounded
by 18 four-thousand-metre peaks.
After only a 40-minute cable car ride from Saas-Fee, you
will be standing with us at the glacier field at Längfluh, with the
majestic Mischabel massif with Switzerland's highest mountain,
the 4,545-metre Dom in the background.
Adrenalin vs. endorphin
Our 150 kilometres of pistes extend to the village border.
The longest toboggan run is eleven kilometres long; snowshoe
tours, glacier trekking and via ferratas round off your
experience with us. Relax on one of our winter hiking trails or
a sun terrace and enjoy the peace. An adventurous day in the
snow can be ideally combined with a wellness treatment. Let
yourself be pampered in the wellness facilities of the Saas
Valley.
4 5

CONTENTS
Editorial
3
Welcome!
Brief portrait of the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region
A winter wonderland like no other
Where does the fascination of this element come from?
Keep on exploring
On a discovery journey with the comics map
Winter endorphin
Fondue gondola, Sunrise Skiing with breakfast, Foxtrail in winter, Husky experiences
Winter adrenalin
Sunset@Lagginjoch, Adventure tour on the glacier, Ice climbing, Winter via ferrata
4
10
Winter hiking
Mattmark winter hiking trail, Winter hiking trail Gletschergrotte
Snowshoe trails
Sengg Trail, Heimischgarte Trail
23
Winter events
Ice Climbing World Cup, 12 hours race and Mentelity Games, Snow’n Sound, Moon Light Fight,
Allalin Race, Season End Party
Culinary adventure
Saaser Ponscheggla recipe
Family activities
Kian's Adventure Land, Funslope Kreuzboden, Children Gorge Alpine, Funpark Morenia
Our majestic kings
36
The four-thousand-metre peaks. They represent the magical present of the Saas Valley.
Piste map
Snow-sure winter paradise
40
Winter sports
Cross-country skiing, Ice sports
42
8
22
30
18
14
34
26
We offer 150 kilometres of pistes for all requirements
with plenty of sunny days. The pleasure begins right on
the doorstep and reaches up to 3,600 metres above sea
level. Natural snow is not a luxury here, but guaranteed
throughout the season. The high alpine location also
offers a unique panorama and descents of 1,800 metres
in altitude.
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Would you like to get an insight into our hiker’s paradise?
Do you know Karin Huber, who was trained as Switzerland's
first female ropeway technician? Do you know how snow is
made? How is a glacier village like Saas-Fee experiencing
climate change? You can find insights into this and other
exciting stories on our YouTube channel. Feel inspired by our
holiday region and enjoy the four-thousand-metre peaks of
the Saas Valley – from the comfort of your sofa. You can find
more impressions on our additional social media channels.
YouTube
@saasfee
#saasfee
@saasfee
@saasfee_saastal
LEGAL NOTICE
Editor: Saastal Tourismus AG | Editorial direction: Mattia Storni
Editorial: Saastal Tourismus AG | Picture editor: Diego Kalbermatten and Mattia Storni
Graphic design: Diego Kalbermatten | Proofreading: Michelle Bumann and Laura Steiner
Photography: Amarcster Media, PostAuto AG, Filme von Draussen, Dominika Vrlakova, Louis Billy, Puzzle Media,
Tim Arnold, geralt auf Pixabay, Andrea Badrutt, Phil Nerenheim, Nicolas Bodenmüller, Nico Frerk, Lars Neumann, levin.studio,
Asja Zurbriggen, Katja Pokorn, TanteTati on Pixabay
Print: Valmedia AG, Visp
6 7

A WINTER WONDERLAND LIKE NO OTHER
The wonderful world of snow. An element firmly
anchored in the popular imagination that
captivates children and adults alike and is so
essential for holidays in the mountains.
The traditional barns of Saas-Fee in winter dress.
But how is snow made? For this detailed explanation, we
rely on the experts of the Institute for Snow and Avalanche
Research SLF, who describe the formation in their documents
as follows.
"Snow is formed when supercooled water droplets
solidify into ice in clouds and water vapour is subsequently
deposited on these crystallisation nuclei and freezes.
Depending on the environmental conditions, the shape of the
crystals varies from tiny needles to familiar stars. What all
shapes have in common, however, is their hexagonal struc ture.
Nevertheless, each snow crystal is unique. With a dia meter
of one millimetre, a single ice crystal contains around 100
trillion water molecules. Therefore, the probability that two
crystals have an identical structure, i.e., all molecules are in
the same place, is very low.
A snow crystal under the microscope
A complex material is formed when the crystals accumulate
on the ground during snowfall. At the beginning it is
soft and loose, but within a short time the ice crystals grow
together at their points of contact: They sinter. In the process,
they form a cohesive porous structure, similar to a sponge
made of ice. This structure does not remain unchanged for
long. It is constantly changing because snow is so close to its
melting temperature (physically a "hot" material). The transformation
is called metamorphosis.
Along with the structure, the material properties of
snow also change continuously, for example the density.
While a cubic metre of fresh snow contains so much air
that it weighs just 50-100 kilograms, older, sintered snow
can weigh 400 kilograms." (WSL Institute for Snow and
Avalanche Research SLF - www.slf.ch)
Where does the fascination with this element come from?
Snow is a natural phenomenon that fascinates and excites
people all over the world. The reasons for this fascination are
manifold. First of all, snow is a symbol of purity and untouchedness.
The white blanket of snow covering the landscape
has a calming and aesthetically pleasing effect. It gives the
surroundings a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
Snow also appeals to our senses. The sound of snow
underfoot, crunching and cracking, is a unique sound that
puts us in the mood for winter. The clear, cold air that fills
our lungs can be refreshing and invigorating. Snow not only
affects our eyes and ears, but also our skin when we feel the
cold, tingling flakes on it.
But the beauty of snow goes beyond the senses. It
also has a social and cultural significance. It connects people,
especially in regions like ours where it is integral to the long
winter. Snow leads to social activities that create memories
and bring communities together.
Snow also affects wildlife and nature. Many animals
adapt to the cold season by changing their behaviour or hibernating.
But snow also has another important function. It provides
much needed moisture and contributes to the protection
of the glaciers and directly to the water supply.
The fascination is, therefore, multi-layered and works
on an aesthetic, sensory, social and ecological level. This unique
combination of elements makes snow a special and fascinating
aspect of nature that continues to captivate people all
over the world.
Winter in the Saas Valley
saas-fee.ch/winter
8 9

micharindisbacher.ch
10 11

Here you have access to
exciting toboggan runs!
Winter experiences as a gift
saas-fee.ch/gutschein
12 13

Winterendorphin
FONDUE GONDOLA
Enjoy a fondue with a glass of wine or tea during an evening
gondola ride in the Spielboden cable car. A unique atmosphere
awaits you: The Saas mountains in the evening and the
atmospheric lighting of Saas-Fee are sure to remain in your
memory.
The journey takes a good hour. Entertainment is
provided in the family gondola for two adults and up to four
children. For those searching for romance, the candlelight
gondola is the most beautiful way to enjoy a fondue for two.
FOXTRAIL IN WINTER
Tricky puzzles and an exclusive ride in an electric
scooter await you on the approximately two-hour winter
version through Saas-Grund and Saas-Fee. Get to know the
place and its history in a playful and fun way! The Foxtrail is
suitable for families and small groups of up to 18 people.
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/winterfoxtrail
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/fonduegondel
HUSKY EXPERIENCES
SUNRISE SKIING WITH
BREAKFAST
Experience the sunrise at 3,500 metres above sea level!
Watch the first rays of the sun above the peaks of the Mischabel
range and experience the silence on the freshly groomed
slopes. Beforehand, a hearty breakfast awaits you in the
Revolving restaurant Allalin.
You will feel like you are in the depths of Lapland when you
take a ride on a husky sledge. But that is also part of the
holiday experience in the Saas-Fee/Saastal destination.
Since winter 2021/22, Mr and Mrs Nehrenheim and their
four-legged friends have been offering these tours exclusively
in the Saas Valley. The sleigh rides and trekking tours can be
booked from December to March.
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/husky
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/sunriseskiing
14 15

Adverts
FIND YOUR HOME WITH US
Discover the variety of accommodation
available in the Saas Valley!
Montela Hotel & Resort ****
"feels like home" - under this motto our
stylish and cozy apartments and suites
are ready for your vacation. Centrally
located in the holiday region Saas-Fee/
Saastal, no wish remains unfulfilled with
the unmistakable Montela service.
For a great start into the day, breakfast
is already in the fridge and the bread
rolls are delivered fresh to the apartment
door every day. Don't feel like cooking?
With us, dinner comes straight to you in
your apartment - we do the dishes.
Tip for parents: End your day in our
lounge while the kids have fun in our
new indoor "Spieleland".
Saastalstrasse 108
3910 Saas-Grund
+41 27 957 70 00
info@montela.ch
montela.ch
Unique Boutique
Hotel La Gorge
With its 15 unique rooms, the Hotel
La Gorge in Saas-Fee offers an exclusive
holiday experience in the glacier
paradise. Each room is a real winner
with its unique charm. Whether sleeping
like a princess in the tower suite, feeling
comfortable in the simple standard double
room, bathing in the private outdoor whirlpool
at dizzying heights, or relaxing with a
massage, Hotel La Gorge is sure to create
long-lasting memories that inspire.
We are happy to welcome you in a quiet
and central location right next to the
Alpin-Express mountain railway, close to
the shops and the multistorey car park.
Blomattenweg 2
3906 Saas-Fee
+41 27 958 16 80
info@lagorge.ch
lagorge.ch
Boutique-Hotel
The Capra
Warm coziness and luxury modern
chalet. This is how the five-star superior
boutique hotel The Capra in Saas-Fee
welcomes you. The cozy rooms and suites
reflect the traditional alpine character of
the region. Relax in the luxurious Peak
Health Spa or unwind in the Private
Spa with sauna, steam bath and hydrotherapy
pool. Culinary highlights can be
ex perienced not only in the hotel's own
Brasserie 1809, but also in the Spielboden
restaurant at the summit station of
the same name. Delicious alpine dishes
made from locally sourced, seasonal and
sustainable ingredients blend here to
create excellent alpine cuisine.
Lomattenstrasse 6
3906 Saas-Fee
+41 27 958 13 58
welcome@capra.ch
capra.ch
16 17

Winter adrenalin
SUNSET@LAGGINJOCH
Explore the Lagginjoch with snowshoes.
When the ski slopes on Hohsaas begin to empty out,
it's time to climb the Lagginjoch. A mountain guide accompanies
you in easy terrain over the Hohlaub glacier 500 metres
up to the Lagginjoch. In the glorious evening atmosphere, we
return to Hohsaas, where we reach the railway shortly before
nightfall. A fine cheese fondue rounds off the evening.
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/lagginjoch
ICE CLIMBING
Have you ever wanted to go ice climbing in the middle of an
impressive glacier? The Saas-Fee guides offer you an experience
of a special kind. With snowshoes you reach the
ice-blue glacier walls, where you climb in safety. Magnificent
landscapes and a unique experience are guaranteed!
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/eisklettern
ADVENTURE TOUR
ON THE GLACIER
Explore the Fee Glacier on snowshoes. From the Längfluh
mountain station, the trail leads through untouched powder
snow to the Panoramaplatz. Equipped with snowshoes, ski
poles and a climbing harness, you will descend on the rope of
a mountain guide past monumental seracs and crevasses to
the Spielboden station. The tour lasts 4 to 5 hours.
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/gletschertour
WINTER VIA FERRATA
It doesn't always have to be summer to climb – with the winter
via ferrata in Saas-Grund, a tour of a special kind awaits you.
The entrance is right at the edge of the village, then it's a racy
uphill climb. The approximately 150 metres of height difference
are easily manageable with a bit of fitness and a head for
heights. The tour is accompanied by a mountain guide and
ends with a spectacular abseil from a height of around 40
metres. The whole spectacle lasts around two hours and is
an ideal experience for families, companies, clubs or other
groups.
Information and booking
saas-fee.ch/winterklettersteig
18 19

Adverts
COME ENJOY WITH US
Discover the mountain
restaurants with all their charm.
Restaurant Schweizerhof
Young, dynamic, authentic.
The culinary ambition and passion of the
motivated kitchen brigade leave nothing
to be desired.
Our kitchen is known for creative and
fine dishes. We use fresh and selected
products from Switzerland and the
world, lovingly prepared with care and
respect. Enjoy a selected Valais wine
from our wine cellar. Our daily changing
4-course evening menu will delight you
- or just order from our à la carte menu.
We look forward to cooking you to the
culinary heaven.
Haltenstrasse 10
3906 Saas-Fee
+41 27 958 75 75
info@schweizerhof-saasfee.ch
schweizerhof-saasfee.ch
Röstihüs Monte-Moro
Welcome to the gondola restaurant
Röstihüs Monte-Moro in Saas-Almagell
Enjoy the homemade largest Cordon
Bleus, 13 different Röstis, or a fondue in
the gondola.
The fondue is made specifically for our
restaurant by a Freiburg cheese dairy.
Live music with Mike and Fabian every
Sunday evening (open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Our hit: meat fondue 180 grams beef,
6 sauces, french fries, fruits Fr. 42 per
person
Furusandstrasse
3905 Saas-Almagell
+41 27 957 10 12
info@monte-moro.ch
monte-moro.ch
Restaurant Schäferstube
Located near the forest of Saas-Fee,
accessible by ski during the day (Stafelwald
slope), the Schäferstube with its
unique sun terrace is well worth a visit.
The charming, rustic shepherd's house
invites you to linger. Honest craftsmanship
paired with creativity, precision and
a love for local quality products are the
characteristics of our cuisine (14 Gault
Millau points).
We invite you to enjoy the view, discover
Daniel's creations and simply be happy.
Obere Gasse 32
3906 Saas-Fee
+41 27 957 25 37
welcome@schaeferstube.ch
schaeferstube.ch
20 21

Winter hiking
Snowshoe trails
MATTMARK
WINTER HIKING TRAIL
This leisurely winter hike away from ski slopes leads from
Saas-Almagell over snow-covered hills to the Mattmark
reservoir and back.
Shortly after Saas-Almagell, the tour leads across the
road to the Mattmark AG equalisation basin. To the left is the
Zermeiggern Chapel.
From the road block, the trail runs alongside the road
through the snow-covered valley to the "Eiju Sand". On the
prepared trail, you cross the bridge and zigzag further up to
the northern moraine. From here, you hike through an alpine
winter landscape. After the last ascent to the dam wall, enjoy
the view of wintry Lake Mattmark and the absolute silence.
The way back to Saas-Almagell is via the same route.
Difficulty
Route
Duration
Ascent
Descent
Highest point
Lowest point
medium
14 km
4:00 h
534 hm
534 hm
2,205 hm
1,671 hm
SENGG-TRAIL
Glimpses of the Saas villages in a fairytale winter landscape.
From the Wildi district of Saas-Fee, the snowshoe trail
leads through the idyllic forest via the Bärufalla to the Sengg
and back to the Wildi.
At the end of the village, the path branches off to the
left of the cleared path and follows this slightly uphill to Bärufalla.
Here, the view opens up to the mountain panorama of the
Fletschhorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies as well as towards
Saas-Almagell and Saas-Grund.
In the Bärufalla bend, the trail leads to the left into the
snow-covered larch forest. In the middle of the wintry forest, a
clearing opens up, the "Unner Senggbodu". The path zigzags
through the woods to Sengg.
At the Weiler Sengg, there is a view down to
Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell and the Saas mountains.
Continue in a southerly direction back to Saas-Fee. From the
Waldhotel Fletschhorn, the route leads back to the starting
point via the prepared trail.
Difficulty
Route
Duration
Ascent
Descent
Highest point
Lowest point
medium
4.3 km
1:45 h
119 hm
119 hm
1,905 hm
1,796 hm
WINTER HIKING TRAIL
GLETSCHERGROTTE
You find yourself in another world just a stone's throw from the
village centre. The trail leads the hiker from Saas-Fee along
the piste and through the forest up to the Gletschergrotte restaurant.
The trail starts in Saas-Fee and leads to the Felskinn
cable car station. Before the bridge over the Feevispa, the
path branches off to the right into the forest. The groomed trail
leads through the wintry woods and hilly landscape, past the
old mill wheel of the Felskinn station. Slowly, the path climbs
up the mountain near the ski slopes. The destination is the
Gletschergrotte restaurant, which invites you to linger with its
charm and beautiful sun terrace. This trail is also suitable for
snowshoe hikes.
Difficulty
Route
Duration
Ascent
Highest point
Lowest point
easy
2.1 km
1:00 h
209 hm
2,000 hm
1,787 hm
HEIMISCHGARTE-TRAIL
This snowshoe trail shows the Saas Valley from a different
perspective.
The Heimischgarte Trail passes through the Alpweiler
and the breathtaking landscape above Saas-Balen and ends
in Saas-Grund.
The trail leads past old, rustic buildings and alps and
through the "Löübinobodme" natural forest reserve. Several
vantage points with breathtaking views of the Saas Valley, its
mountains and villages await you.
The trail starts in the smallest village in the Saas Valley,
Saas-Balen. First, the trail follows the forest road up the
valley past the waterfall and then leads on the old alpine path
through the snow-covered larch forest to Heimischgarte. It is
worth taking a break at the chapel. The view sweeps from the
villages on the valley floor up to the Mattmark dam and the
white mountain peaks. From here, you follow the path through
the different Alps. The destination of the route is Saas-Grund.
Difficulty
Route
Duration
Ascent
Descent
Highest point
Lowest point
medium
9.2 km
4:00 h
602 hm
520 hm
2,090 hm
1,487 hm
22 23

Kreuzboden, Saas-Grund
24 25

Events
ICE CLIMBING WORLD CUP
26. - 27. JANUARY 2024
Saas-Fee is a fixed point in the calendar for the world's best
ice climbers. On 26 and 27 January 2024, the World Cup will
be held for the 24th time. The setting is the multi-storey car
park at the entrance to the village. Without further ado, this is
converted into an ice dome. The icy cathedral is very popular
with the athletes. Inside the car park, the two walls for the
speed and lead disciplines rise dozens of metres into the air.
And nowhere else are spectators as close to the spectacle of
the international tour than here. After all, the 2,500 spectators
on the floors of the multi-storey car park are only a few metres
away.
What started with ten crates of beer and a few
advertising banners is now one of the most significant
sporting events in the German-speaking Valais. This also
applies to the after-party in the basement of the multistorey
car park. Here, the winners celebrate together with the
audience. The development of the sport, which is to be included
in the programme of the Winter Olympics one day is
also remarkable: Within less than ten years, the best times on
the 20-metre-high wall in the speed discipline have halved to
under 6.5 seconds.
MOON LIGHT FIGHT
31. MARCH 2024
After two successful editions, the Moon Light Fight will return
on Easter Sunday, 31 March. The venue for the parallel slalom
under floodlights is the Jowang slope on the edge of the village
of Saas-Fee. In the woman vs. woman and man vs. man battles,
two participants compete against each other to qualify for the
next round. Because one thing is sure: In the end, only one winner
per category remains. Attractive prizes await the best. For
everyone else, exciting duels and the legendary party in the
marquee with DJ and bar service until late into the night.
Information and registration
saas-fee.ch/moonlightfight
Information
saas-fee.ch/iceclimbing
The history of
Ice Climbing in a video.
SNOW’N SOUND
23 - 24 MARCH OR 06 - 07 APRIL 2024
12 HOURS RACE AND
MENTELITY GAMES
15. - 16. MARCH | 18. - 23. MARCH 2024
Make snow sports possible for people with physical disabilities.
That's the goal of the Mentelity Games in the Kreuzboden/Hohsaas
ski area. The four-day ski and snowboard event
from 18 to 23 March 2024 will bring together people from all
over the world. The focus is on a range of courses with trainers,
coaches and Paralympic athletes in all snow sports for
all levels of ability. The event will be financed by donations
collected at the 12-hour race on 16 March 2024.
The Saastal Bergbahnen are offering twice as much fun in
2024! After the 2022 and 2023 events with concerts by Stubete
Gäng and QL, there will be two days of music and fun
in the snow in 2024. The Snow'n Sound is scheduled to take
place on 23 & 24 March or 06 & 07 April 2024, where you can
expect perfectly groomed slopes, live music and a weekend
you won't forget! For more details and to find out the definitive
date and bands, visit www.saas-fee.ch/snownsound.
Information
saas-fee.ch/snownsound
Information
saas-fee.ch/mentelitygames
The highlights of the
12-hour race 2023 in video.
26 27

Events
ALLALIN RACE
12. - 13. APRIL 2024
Events perfectly complement the high alpine winter
experience in the Saas-Fee/Saastal region. Discover the
variety of events.
The Allalin races have been held since 1946, making them the
oldest popular downhill races in the world. At that time, only
five of the participants who started reached the finish line
with their wooden skis and leather strap bindings. The launch
was just below the Allalin and there were no snow groomers
at the time. There were no snow groomers then. That
has changed since then. Material and piste preparation allow
speeds of over 140 kilometres per hour. For most participants,
the world's oldest popular downhill is all about being there.
More than 400 starters will tackle the nine-kilometre course
in various categories.
The backdrop with the start below the Allalin is unique
for those participating. The various passages such as the
"white mile" or the "Linkisch Egg" are legendary. The downhill
run is twice as long as a World Cup run. Accordingly, the
thighs burn in the finish area. As different as the expectations
of the individual participants are, the party in the marquee on
the sports field is legendary. Here, we don't just talk shop about
where the decisive seconds were left behind.
The Allalin Races 2024 will take place on 12 and 13 April.
Information
saas-fee.ch/allalinrennen
SEASON END PARTY
20. APRIL 2024
The end-of-season event is guaranteed to awaken spring
fever! From 2 pm to 8 pm, there will be six hours of pure party!
The party mile leads from the Burgener ski hut via the Black
Bull Arena, Hotel Bristol to the Restaurant Zur Mühle and on
to the Hotel Mistral. It's most fun when attended in a badtaste
costume.
Information
saas-fee.ch/season-end-party
Take a look at the 2023
edition on TikTok.
28 29

Culinary adventure
From traditional Valais specialities to international
gourmet cuisine. The gastronomic offer of the
numerous restaurants in the holiday region Saas-Fee/
Saastal is wide and varied.
Under the following link you will find an overview of
culinary delights during your stay in the Saas Valley.
Information
saas-fee.ch/kulinarik
To ensure that you can also take a piece of the Saas
Valley home with you, you can find typical Saas Valley
recipes at the following link.
Information
saas-fee.ch/rezepte
SAASER PONSCHEGGLA –
A CARNIVAL TRADITION
At carnival time, the people of Saas bake an exceptional pastry:
the Saaser Ponscheggla. In the past, the traditional pastry
consisted only of rye bread, sugar, schnapps and white wine.
Today, molasses, jam or other secret ingredients are often added.
Almost every family has its own recipe, which usually
stays in the family. Asja Zurbriggen from Saas-Grund told us
her recipe.
To the recipe:
saas-fee.ch/saaserponscheggla
The Ponscheggla by Asja Zurbriggen
The gastronomic offer of the more than 90 restaurants and
mountain inns in the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region is
diverse. Numerous cafés, bars and pizzerias provide a varied
offer. You can find more information in our Culinary Brochure.
30 31

#KEEP
ON
EXPLORING
Feegletscher, Saas-Fee
32 33

Family activities
KIAN'S ADVENTURE LAND
The Furggstalden ski area above Saas-Almagell is home
to Kian the Dragon's Adventure Land. The family-friendly
ski area in a breathtaking mountain world offers plenty
of peace and relaxation for adults. For the little snow fans,
on the other hand, fun and adventure are guaranteed in
Kian's Adventure Land. There is a tepee, an igloo with
children's films, a free snow tubing track for the whole family
and children's skidoos. For the very young, there is a carousel
with a playground.
CHILDREN GORGE ALPINE
This winter climbing route is made for small and large
ice gnomes. A gentle adventure in the deep snowcovered
gorge between Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund.
Under the open sky, the winter climbing route leads
over a suspension bridge past snow-covered forest and ice
formations and ends with an exciting abseil. Here, the little
ones feel really big.
Under the expert guidance of a mountain guide, a unique
winter experience awaits the little guests.
Information
saas-fee.ch/kian
Information
saas-fee.ch/kindergorge
FUNPARK MORENIA
FUNSLOPE KREUZBODEN
As the name suggests, the Funslope is about having fun in the
snow. Whether you're a novice or a pro, the fun slope with various
elements offers even more skiing pleasure for everyone.
The start is at the top station of the Sandiger Boden platter lift
and the slope runs parallel to the lift on the north side down
to Kreuzboden. It starts with a speed boost that increases the
driving speed to the funslope temperature. The route continues
over sweeping waves and dynamic steep curves. The
rapid ride continues in a spiral, and the course is set through
a tunnel for the finish jump.
There are no limits to creativity in the Funpark. Besides two
lines with boxes, rails and a tube, there is also a pure kicker
line. The different elements invite young and old to have fun.
The elements in the fun park have a medium to low level of
difficulty so beginners on skis and snowboards also get their
money's worth.
Next to the various elements is a fun line with wave
tracks, steep curves and jumps. A little surprise awaits you on
the Funline.
Information
saas-fee.ch/funpark
Information
saas-fee.ch/funslope
34 35

OUR MAJESTIC
KINGS
The four-thousanders. In the Saas Valley, they stand
for the magical present. And they are our landmarks.
As early as the end of the 18th and beginning of the
19th century, people came to the Saas Valley who were
fascinated by the landscape: Travel writers, cartographers,
mineralogists, botanists and landscape painters.
With their writings and drawings, they made the valley
widely known, and soon the first tourists arrived.
Although the mountains of the Saas Valley have
stood where they are for thousands of years, they have
lost none of their appeal. This feeling does not come
from somewhere, it is the simple connection with Mother
Nature. They radiate majestic power and beauty. But
also calm because no matter whether the sun is shining,
it is stormy or snowing, they stand there and defy life on
earth and everything that surrounds them.
The most prominent peaks, almost all over 4,000 metres
high, are grouped into three geographical groups: The
Allalin group, the Mischabel chain and the peaks of the
eastern Saas Valley. In detail, these are Allalin (4,027 m),
Alphubel (4,406 m), Strahlhorn (4,190 m), Rimpfischhorn
(4,199 m), Dom (4,545 m), Täschhorn (4,491 m), Lenzspitze
(4,294 m), Nadelhorn (4,327 m), Stecknadelhorn
(4,241 m), Hohberghorn (4,219 m), Dürrenhorn (4,035 m),
Weissmies (4,017 m), Lagginhorn (4,010 m), Fletschhorn
(3,986 m).
Discover some stories about the three symbolic mountains
of the Saas Valley.
The King of Kings
The Mischabel chain stretches between the Matter
Valley in the west and the Saas Valley in the east.
Together with the Täschhorn, the Dom and the Lenzspitze,
it is the third-highest mountain massif in the
Alps. The origin of the name Mischabel has not been
clarified to this day. There are different theories. On
the one hand, the name is said to be derived from the
three-pronged "Mischtgabla" (High German: pitchfork).
Another theory dates back to the year 900 when the
Saracens invaded Valais and called the mountains
"Mudjabal". Translated into Arabic, this means mountain
range.
4545, this number is familiar in the Saas Valley,
and when one speaks of 4545 metres in altitude, it is
immediately clear that this is the highest mountain in
Switzerland, with its entire base within the country's
borders. It owes its name to the canon of Sion, Joseph
Anton Berchtold. The latter travelled to the Mischabel
massif in 1833 for surveying work and christened the
mountain in the middle with the name Dom. Switzerland's
highest mountain was climbed for the first time
25 years after it was named. On 11 September 1858, J.
Llewellyn Davies, Johann Zumtaugwald, Johann Kronig
and Hieronymus Brantschen climbed the four-thousand-metre
peak via the north-west ridge.
In addition to the main peak, the Dom, as well
as the Täschhorn and the Lenzspitze (also called Südlenz),
four other four-thousand-metre peaks, the Nadelhorn,
the Stecknadelhorn, the Hohberghorn and the
Dürrenhorn rise into the air. These mountains also belong
to the Mischabel range.
The local mountain of Saas-Fee
One of the most famous and most striking mountains is the
Allalin. In Saas-Fee, the locals also like to call it the local
mountain. It is 4,027 metres high and is one of the easiest and
most climbed four-thousand-metre peaks in the Alps in summer.
Also, the Metro Alpin funicular railway takes you up to
around 570 metres in altitude to the summit. From Mittel allalin,
you can reach the summit in about two hours in summer. The
possible origin of the name Allalin is also enjoyable. On the
one hand, there is also the Saracen hypothesis of Christian
Moritz Engelhardt from 1840, who assumed that people of
Arab origin populated the Saas Valley in the 10th century.
Engelhardt gives the name Alalain, which he attributes to
the Arabic "ala'i-ain", the spring (spring horn). The Allalin
was climbed for the first time on 28 August 1856. Franz Josef
Andenmatten and a guide from the Imseng family led the
Englishman Edward Levi Ames to the summit. With a mountain
guide and good weather, you can climb the Allalin in summer
with some stamina and surefootedness relatively "easily"
and benefit from our offer of "My first four-thousand-metre
peak".
The summit panorama offers a fantastic view of the
Mischabel chain to the northwest, the four-thousand-metre
peaks Rimpfischhorn and Strahlhorn to the south and the
well-known Alphubel. In winter, the Allalin is a popular, if not
easy, destination for ski tours. It is not uncommon for the ski
descent to be described as enjoyable and superb.
Allalin (4'027m)
Lagginjoch (3'499m)
at the foot of the Lagginhorn (4'010m)
He wants to be among the four-thousanders
The two four-thousand-metre southeast peaks are not forgotten
in the imposing Saas mountain world. The Weissmies and
the Lagginhorn. The 4,023-metre-high Weissmies is not least
known for its different faces. The northwest flank presents
itself ice-covered, while the south flank is mostly snow-free.
The Weissmies was first climbed practically at the same time
as the Allalin. At the end of August 1856, Peter Joseph Zurbriggen
and the Zurich geologist Jakob Christian Heusser reached
the summit via the southeast ridge.
And then there is the Fletschhorn. This mountain made
it into the international press. Around 1900, the Fletschhorn
still belonged to the family of four-thousand-metre peaks.
Erosion, ice melt and more accurate surveying methods were
responsible for the loss of height. From the 1950s, the Fletschhorn
lost its status as a four-thousand-metre peak. In 1988,
the municipality of Saas-Grund set itself the goal of restoring
the mountain to its original height. With a dry wall made of
rock material, the Fletschhorn was to reach its original height
of 4001 metres again. The idea met with little approval, and in
October 1990 the canton of Valais rejected the building application.
Today, the Fletschhorn measures exactly 3,986 metres
and is only 14 metres short of the four-thousand-metre mark.
The story received international media coverage. At the time,
daily newspapers all over the world reported on the project of
the municipality of Saas-Grund on the Fletschhorn.
Information
saas-fee.ch/berge-im-saastal
Dom (4'545m)
36 37

Adverts
RELAX WITH US
High-alpine ambience
and pure pleasure.
wellnessHostel4000
Aqua Allalin – recreation and sport at
1,900 m 2
Peace and serenity for body and mind
determine the ambience in the wellness
area; saunas, steam bath, navel stone
and more invite you to spend many a
relaxing hour in a top-notch wellness
environment. Let the panoramic view of
the surrounding mountains inspire you
to new thoughts.
Sport and fun play are the order of the day
in the indoor pool. Whether it’s training
in the 25-metre pool, regeneration in the
whirlpool and on the outdoor terrace, or
family fun in the children’s pool and on the
adventure slide – this is the place to be
active. An extensive massage and wellness
programme, as well as beauty treatments,
round off the offer. You can enjoy all this
at wellnessHostel4000 whether you
book a double, family or multibed room.
Panoramastrasse 1
3906 Saas-Fee
+41 27 958 50 50
wellnesshostel4000@youthhostel.ch
38 39

YOUR SNOW-SURE WINTER PARADISE
Three high alpine ski areas, 150 kilometres of
slopes and glacier worlds! Our panorama also
includes Switzerland's highest mountain, the
4545-metre-high high Dom.
Buy your ski pass online:
saas-fee.ch/skipass
For more winter activities:
saas-fee.ch/wintererlebnisse
Hohsaas
3200m
ginjoch 2a
499m
G r ü e b u g
Weissmies
4017m
2
D
1
1a
Weissmieshütte SAC
2726m
Jägihorn
3206m
l e t s c h e r
Tr i f t g l e t s c h e
r
3
4
1C
Portjengrat
3653m
Zwischbergenpass
3268m
Mälliggletsch er
Kreuzboden
2400m
Rotblattgletscher
D
Heimischgarten
2054m
Trift
2100m
Tewald
Sonnighorn
3487m
Zer Engi
Triftalp
2072m
6
Bodme
7
Saas-Balen
1483m
Almagellerhorn
3327m
Heidbodme
2400m
1
4
Furggstalden
1893m
Saas-Almagell
Café Triftalp
1673m
Saas-Grund
1559m
R
7
3
Tamatten
5
2
Bidermatten
Antronapass
2838m
R
R
Unner de Bodme
R
R
6
Stellihorn
3436m
R
Zer Meiggeru
Bodmen
Eiu Alp
Stausee
Mattmark
2197m
1a
Bärufalla
Fletschhorn
Sengg
1
Mälchbodu
Mittaghorn
3143m
Plattjen
2570m
3
Alpin
Express
Hohnegg
Britanniahütte
3030m
2
Monte Moro Pass
2868m
2a
2b
Alpenblick
Macugnaga ↓
Egginer
3367m
2
Egginerjoch
3010m
8
9
4a
Hannig
2336m
6b
4b
20
15a
4
7
6a
5
6
Morenia
2550m
Mällig
2700m
Strahlhorn
4190m
5a
11a
Gletschergrotte
Saas-Fee
1800m
Eisgrotte Allalin
Felskinn
3000m
Mittelallalin
3500m
13
10b
11a
Allalinhorn
4027m
18
Spielboden
2448m
17a
10
10a
Längfluh
2870m
19
19b
11
11b
Gemshorn
3548m
Rimpfischorn
4198m
Feechopf
3888m
F e
e g
l
e t
s
Alphubel
4206m
c
h
Ulrichshorn
3925m
e
R i e d g l e t
r
s c h
e r
Täschhorn
4490m
Dom
4545m
R
40 41
Niedergut

Winter sports
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Whether classic or skating, the destination Saas-Fee/Saastal
makes the hearts of cross-country skiers beat faster. The
setting couldn't be better: Snow-covered larch forests, the icy
Saas Vispa and imposing four-thousand-metre peaks complete
the winter fairytale.
The 26-kilometre Saas Valley cross-country ski trail
starts in Saas-Balen at 1,485 metres above sea level. Via
Bidermatten, Saas-Grund, Unter den Bodmen, Saas-Almagell
and Zermeiggern, the groomed trail leads gently uphill
to Eiualp at 1,870 m above sea level. The way back after a
successful day of cross-country skiing is also no problem:
There are bus stops at regular intervals. In this way, you can
discover the trail in whole or sections. No matter in which
direction. For the inexperienced, there are cross-country skiing
courses, as well as the right equipment in various sports
shops.
Information
saas-fee.ch/langlauf
From the first overnight
stay, the cable cars*
and the Postbus in the
ICE SPORTS
Ice sports such as curling or ice stick shooting offer a successful
change in the Saas Valley. The latter is played with a
round ice stick and a so-called Daube. These are placed on
the ice at a distance of 15 to 20 metres.
The aim of the game is to "place" the ice sticks as close
as possible to the "Daube". This game is particularly popular
with groups and families. Besides ice stick shooting, there is
also curling to discover. This team game is also suitable for
beginners and can be played on the natural ice rink in Saas-
Fee.
Saas Valley are included
in summer and autumn.
*exclusive funicular Metro Alpin
Information
saas-fee.ch/eissport
saas-fee.ch/saastalcard
42 43

44
#keeponexploring