Ski resorts
Saas-Fee: skiing among the Alps’ four-thousanders
A car-free village surrounded by four-thousanders, a glacier with skiing late into spring and the world’s highest revolving restaurant. This is Saas-Fee, the Pearl of the Alps, and the hotels that put you right in the middle of it.
Saas-Fee is often called the Pearl of the Alps, and it is easy to see why. The village sits in a valley surrounded by some of Switzerland’s highest mountains, with glaciers hanging above the rooftops and peaks rising above 4,000 metres. It is a place that makes you breathe more deeply.
Saas-Fee is car-free, and the silence in its streets makes it one of the most peaceful ski resorts in the Alps. Meanwhile, the glacier high above offers snow-sure conditions and a long season.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
A car-free village
Cars are left at the entrance to the village, and inside you walk or use small electric vehicles. Timber houses and old barns stand alongside modern hotels, and in the evening the village is quiet and cosy.
The glacier and the Allalin
The ski area climbs high onto the glaciers around Saas-Fee. The underground Metro Alpin funicular takes you up to Mittelallalin, home to what is considered the world’s highest revolving restaurant. From here you look out over glaciers and peaks in every direction as you eat lunch.
The glacier makes skiing possible well into spring, and often early in autumn too.
The slopes of Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee has runs for most levels, with wide descents across the glacier and longer runs down towards the village. The views are spectacular, and there are few places where you can ski so close to the great glaciers.
A day in Saas-Fee
The morning begins with breakfast and a view of the glacier, before you take the funicular up towards the Allalin. The morning is spent on the glacier in the clear, thin air, with lunch in the revolving restaurant.
In the afternoon you ski the long runs back towards the village and end the day in the spa or with a warm drink on one of the terraces.
When is the best time to visit Saas-Fee?
Saas-Fee has a long season thanks to its glacier. December and January bring wintry conditions, while March and April offer sunshine and long days. Half term and Easter are popular, so book early.
Skiing with children in Saas-Fee
The car-free village makes Saas-Fee safe for families, and there are ski schools and easier runs. Children will love the ride on the Metro Alpin and lunch in the revolving restaurant.
Food and evenings in Saas-Fee
Evenings in Saas-Fee are calm. Restaurants serve Swiss classics such as raclette and fondue, often with wine from Valais. Several hotels have a spa, and an evening stroll through the quiet village rounds off the day.
Getting to Saas-Fee
Take the train to Visp, from where buses run up to Saas-Fee. The nearest major airports are Geneva and Zürich. Cars are parked at the entrance to the village.
The four-thousanders around you
Around Saas-Fee rise a long line of peaks above 4,000 metres, and from the slopes you see them in every direction. On a clear day it is a sight that reminds you how small we are before the mountains.
Where to stay in Saas-Fee
Stay in the car-free village with the mountains right outside your window. Here are three hotels we would happily choose.
The Capra Saas-Fee: luxury and spa
A luxury hotel with a spa and a free ski bus, in Saas-Fee.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Capra Saas-Fee
Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa: a village classic
A luxury hotel with three restaurants and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa
Hotel Allalin: a simple, good base
A hotel with a free ski bus and ski storage.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Allalin
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Zermatt.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Saas-Fee
Where should I stay in Saas-Fee?
The Capra is a luxury hotel with a spa and ski bus, Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa has three restaurants and a spa, and Hotel Allalin is a simpler base with a ski bus.
Is Saas-Fee car-free?
Yes, Saas-Fee is car-free. Cars are parked at the entrance, and in the village you walk or use small electric vehicles.
Can you ski on the glacier in Saas-Fee?
Yes, the ski area reaches up onto the glacier at the Allalin, giving snow-sure conditions and a long season.
How do you get to Saas-Fee?
Take the train to Visp and a bus on to Saas-Fee. The nearest major airports are Geneva and Zürich.