Everything you need for your Saas-Fee ski holiday.
9th February, 2025
5 min read time
Saas-Fee is renowned for its consistent snowfall and high-altitude skiing, ensuring an early start to the skiing season, often beginning in July. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Allalin glacier and some of Europe's loftiest peaks, this picturesque village offers an unparalleled alpine experience complemented by its enchanting village ambiance.
As one of the most snow-sure Swiss ski resorts, Saas-Fee guarantees fantastic skiing throughout the season. We've created this guide to make planning your Saas-Fee ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Saas-Fee is located in the Saas Valley in the canton of Valais, near the Italian border.
Nearest airport
Sion (71 km)
Transfer time
Sion (1hr 9 min)
Saas-Fee the resort
Resort altitude: 1800 m
Resort permanent residents: 1561
Saas-Fee, known for its excellent snow record and glacier skiing, blends traditional Swiss charm with lively modern amenities against a backdrop of blue glaciers and the towering Dom peak. This traffic-free village, reminiscent of a historic Zermatt, features quaint wooden houses and family-run hotels, creating a serene yet vibrant atmosphere. Beyond its tranquil charm, Saas-Fee offers diverse entertainment options, from a beginner-friendly ski area in the village center to the Aqua Allalin spa complex and the exhilarating Feeblitz bobsleigh rollercoaster. As evening approaches, the village transforms, with slopeside bars and terraces buzzing with après-ski activity, making Saas-Fee a perfect fusion of peaceful alpine retreat and dynamic holiday destination.
Pros
Cons
Glacier skiing resort
Can get extremely cold
Great off-piste skiing
Certain pistes descending to the village can get icy
Lots of non-skiing activities
Accommodation can be relatively expensive
Car free village
N/A
Here is how Saas-Fee looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Saas-Fee has to offer.
Saas-Fee, as part of the Saastal ski area, offers an extensive skiing experience with over 159 km of pistes in the combined area. Saas-Fee itself boasts 100 km of skiable terrain, spread across 32 pistes (13 blues, 14 reds, 5 blacks), and served by 23 lifts. Saas-Fee's main skiing sectors, include:
Allalin Glacier: This sector is particularly famous for its summer skiing, making Saas-Fee one of the few resorts where you can ski even in the warmer months.
Mittelallalin: Accessible via the underground funicular, the highest of its kind in the world, Mittelallalin provides stunning panoramic views and a variety of slopes. It's also home to the world's highest revolving restaurant.
Plattjen and Spielboden: These sectors are known for their challenging runs and are favored by more experienced skiers. They offer some off-piste opportunities as well.
Felskinn and Morenia: Ideal for intermediates, these areas have a good mix of red and blue runs. Felskinn is directly linked to the glacier skiing area, and Morenia is a popular spot for its wide, open slopes.
Skiing in Saas-Fee
Beginners
The resort boasts a sizable nursery area situated at the village's edge, benefitting from the sunnier location. This space is well-maintained and bolstered with snow machines, ensuring consistent snow cover. As beginners gain confidence, they can smoothly transition to the gentle slopes between Felskinn and Morenia, or even the terrains of Kreuzboden above Saas-Grund. The Stafelwald’s beginner area, located near the town centre, is also a recommended spot for first-timers.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will revel in the vast open runs on the Fee Glacier, offering spectacular views and consistent snow quality. The long descents from Längfluh are a popular choice, as are the pristine runs in the Plattjen area. Adventurous skiers can embark on a thrilling journey from the highest point, Allalin, skiing uninterrupted all the way back to the village. Additionally, the Hohsaas region offers captivating red slopes that snake through forests, culminating at Saas-Grund.
Advanced
While Saas-Fee might not have an extensive array of black runs, the few that exist, especially those at the top of the Felskinn, offer exhilarating powder skiing and challenging mogul-ridden terrains. The glacier's year-round skiing, at a soaring 3500 m, promises excellent snow quality and thrilling descents.
Off-piste skiing
The resort's rocky and glacial landscapes restrict expansive off-piste adventures. However, for seasoned ski tourers, the surrounding peaks present an exciting opportunity to explore the majestic Alpine terrains overlooking the valley.
Glacier skiing
The majestic Fee Glacier, soaring over 3600 m, stands as the resort's crowning jewel. Accessible via the Metro Alpin funicular, it offers an impressive 20 km of serene piste, predominantly blue and red runs, ensuring unparalleled snow quality and sweeping mountain vistas.
Snowboarding
Saas-Fee is a snowboarder's haven with its wide-open slopes ideal for carving, and the Morenia Freestyle Park catering to freestylers of all levels with a diverse range of obstacles.
Saas-Fee ski season dates
The ski season in Saas-Fee for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 20th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Saas-Fee this season, be sure to explore our Saas-Fee ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Saas-Fee snow history
Saas-Fee offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm and 33 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.1 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 35 cm and it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.7 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of November, traditionally the snowiest week in Saas-Fee, with an impressive 57 cm of snow over 4.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 45 cm of snow over 4.6 days.
Revolving restaurant Allalin: Situated atop the mountains, this unique establishment offers a rotating view of the Alpine majesty of Saas-Fee.
Felskinn: Perfectly positioned on the slopes, the restaurant offers traditional dishes.
Gletschergrotte: Literally translating to 'Glacier Cave,' this restaurant offers an extraordinary dining experience amidst the breathtaking backdrop of glaciers.
Resort restaurants
Alpenblick: True to its name, which means 'Alpine view,' Alpenblick offers diners a chance to feast on sumptuous Swiss specialties while soaking in views of the majestic Alps.
Alpina: A staple in Saas-Fee, Alpina brings together a fusion of traditional Swiss dishes and international cuisine.
Restaurant Arvu Stuba: Embodying the essence of Alpine charm, Arvu Stuba serves hearty dishes in a warm, wood-clad setting.
Restaurant Del Ponte: Specializing in Italian cuisine, Del Ponte stands out with its array of pizzas, pastas, and fine wines.
Brasserie 1809: With a chic and modern ambiance, Brasserie 1809 offers a varied menu, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Restaurant Chämi-Stuba: A quintessential Swiss restaurant, Chämi-Stuba is renowned for its fondue and raclette, making it a must-visit for those keen on experiencing traditional Swiss flavors.
Things to do in Saas-Fee
Glacier excursions
Ice skating
Foxtrail
Gorge alpine
Cross-country skiing
Sledging
Snowshoe walking
Winter hiking
Zip lines
Tobogganing
Saas-Fee apres ski and nightlife
Après ski bars
High Life Après-Ski Club: A popular hotspot in town.
Black Bull Snowbar: Located close to the slopes, Black Bull Snowbar offers live music and a delightful range of drinks.
Nesti's Ski Bar: Known for its warm ambience and friendly staff, Nesti's is the go-to place for cozy après ski vibes.
Après ski iglou: An exceptional experience, this igloo bar offers you the unique opportunity to enjoy drinks in a captivating ice setting.
Pubwise: A traditional British pub offering a wide selection of beers and classic pub grub, making it a favorite among many.
Aussie bar: Bringing a touch of Down Under to Saas-Fee, the Aussie bar serves a range of Australian beers and cocktails.
Fee-Iglu-Bar: Another entrancing ice bar in Saas-Fee, Fee-Iglu-Bar is not just about drinks, but also about the mesmerizing experience of being inside an intricately carved igloo.
Nightclubs
Metro Cocktail Bar: Sophisticated and chic, Metro is the place to be.
Project X Club: Renowned for hosting some of the best parties in Saas-Fee, Project X Club promises a night of dancing, high-energy music, and unforgettable memories.
