8 Best Things To See And Do In Saas-Fee, Switzerland

This winter, Saas-Fee will honour the beloved Christmas classic with a series of Wham! inspired festivities designed to transport fans back to the romantic snow-capped setting of ‘Last Christmas’. A car-free resort still happily home to longstanding family-run boutiques, cafes and restaurants rather than big-name international brands, the village remains virtually unchanged from the days it welcomed George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie. Can you believe the festive favourite turns 40 in 2024?!?

Saas-Fee is located at the foot of ‘four-thousanders,’ or mountains 4,000 meters above sea level. As such, there is always plenty of snow; on the highest peaks, snow exists even in summer. Due to its 150 kilometers of pistes, it attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you are looking for a little more direction, ski schools and private lessons are available throughout the winter season.

The Capra is a chic and petite boutique hotel that first opened its doors in 2015 but has undergone steady development over the past years, and was fully completed in 2023. It is a serene place to stay, with only 38 suites and rooms, and feels very much like you’re checking into your own private chalet.

On the peak of Mittelallalin, overlooking Saas-Fee, you can find the world’s biggest ice grotto, accessible by cable car all year-round. It contains an array of information on life on the mountain and the history of the glacier itself. Once you have visited the grotto, why not relax and grab a drink or a bite to eat in in the world’s highest revolving restaurant, Allalin, offering truly stunning panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding ice world.

Saas-Fees’ scenery has an ethereal quality to it. In winter, freezing temperatures facilitate the formation of icicles and a thick blanket of snow over the village, which sparkles throughout the night. However, in warmer months, this is swapped for rolling green hills and spring colors. A number of guided tours are on offer including sessions of abseiling over gauges, mountain climbing and biking, a hike into neighbouring Italy and even assisted glacier hiking — not for the fainthearted!

Bodmen is a traditional Swiss restaurant a short walk out of the village and set aside a hill overlooking the valleys. It simply oozes character. The menu is traditional Swiss, and includes the usual array of cheese fondue, rosti and, of course, a varied selection of sausages. It offers an incredible dessert menu too, with a truly impressive variety of ice creams.

The younger generation of the village live by the adage: ‘You haven’t been to Saas-Fee, unless you’ve been to Popcorn.’ Popcorn encompasses a shop selling trendy branded ski wear all year-round, a club that is popular with the avid free-styling skiers and snowboarders and a hotel with affordable rates, allowing you to ‘stay longer and party more.’ The best part is without a doubt the all-day breakfast, perfect for the late risers.

Located at the base of the mountains is an ice rink, providing the opportunity to ice skate amid beautiful surroundings while also being an ideal location for curling. If you have never played this game before, fear not, as you will pick it up quickly. It is also the perfect activity for groups of friends to follow with warm mulled wine.

After all the vigorous work of skiing and hiking, why not soothe those aching muscles and relax and unwind at Aqua Allalin? With a range of facilities and treatments available from whirlpools, saunas and baths, you will be spoilt for choice. And, of course, enjoy all of this within the glorious surrounding alpine views.