Saas Fee, Switzerland

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For Ramblers, Hikers & Bikers

The Saas Valley is home to several attractive villages, of which Saas Fee is the highest and prettiest, with Saas Almagell, Saas Grund and Saas Balen dotted on the lower plains of the valley, and all are connected by a network of walking trails.

The 350kms of marked footpaths offer walks for everyone, whether you wish to stroll between the numerous cafés admiring the scenery, or enjoy more challenging hikes into the highlands. Guided walks are available for high altitude hikes and for in-depth 'fauna and flora' days, where the local marmots are always a favourite with the children. Mountain bikers have over 70kms of dedicated trails to explore, covering a wide variety of terrain. Bikes can be transported up the mountain on two of the lifts to access the best downhill rides, for which a guide is recommended - this can be arranged in resort.

Traffic-Free Saas Fee

The peaceful setting of the village is further enhanced by the lack of cars on Saas Fee's small, picturesque, cobbled streets, with only the special electric 'milk-float' taxis buzzing to and fro. Private cars are left in a secure car-park at the entrance to the village, and a member of the Esprit team will meet you here on your arrival day. It is approximately ten minutes' downhill walk to your Chalet Hotel, but with luggage, you may prefer a ride in an electro-taxi - a great introduction to Saas Fee for the children! (As both are optional elements, carparking and taxis are not included in our prices.) And if you don't feel you need a car at all, you can transfer to Saas Fee by train and bus direct from Geneva Airport.

The FREE Esprit Welcome Wander

The Free Esprit Welcome Wander takes place on Sundays and is a family friendly walk, suitable for all ages, to introduce you to the local area. It offers a great opportunity to meet fellow guests and to plan the week's activities. The gentle walk will culminate at a scenic spot to enjoy a complimentary light packed lunch. You may then leave your younger children in our child carers' capable hands and enjoy a further hour's walk if you wish.

A 6 day Hiking Pass is available which covers all lifts in the Saas Valley (except the Metro Alpin) and the bus service down to Stalden. Adult £95. Family of 2 adults and any children under 16 years £186.

Attractions, Activities and Great Days Out from Saas Fee

Fun Family Activities

Saas Fee offers a superb setting for family activities. Our selection below should provide all members of the family with fun and excitement to suit all levels of preferred action.

Summer Skiing

Take the early cable car to the Allalin Glacier at 3,500m above sea level where you will enjoy breathtaking scenery and the chance to brush up your technique or perhaps learn for the first time on the 20km of slopes. A half day pass per adult is £50, children (under 16) £35, not including equipment hire.

Ice Grotto

explored up at the Mittelallalin glacier at 3,500m where you can also find the world’s highest revolving restaurant. Cable car including ice grotto entrance - Adults £4, children 9-15 yrs £2.50, children under 9 free.

Animal Treasure Hunt

A lovely way to combine learning about the region’s animals with an easy family walk and there’s the bonus of a potential prize too! Buy your ticket and quiz sheet from the tourist office and set off to locate posts which inform you about 8 different Alpine animals from the marmot to the chamois and eagle.

Adventure Forest

or walk over suspension bridges between the trees. The trail ends with two dramatic zip wires over the Fee Gorge. Height restrictions apply. Open from 9:30am to 7pm. Adults £15, children (under 16) £11.

Almagellerhorn Adventure Trail

An ideal family hike which includes a spectacular 60 metre long rope bridge suspended over an impressive gorge, so not for the faint-hearted! It takes approximately one hour to complete but a longer walk can be taken by linking up with the Alpine Flower Trail. Adults £7, children £3.50

Mountain Treks

The Saas Valley has 18 peaks over 4,000 metres so there is a wealth of trails and routes to choose from. We recommend that you explore with the aid of one of the qualified guides who will advise you on a route best suited to your ability.

Climbing

For families Furggstalden is a great place to start with its own climbing park where full instruction is given and the gradients are reasonable for beginners. Alternatively try out the mini Via Ferrata for over 10’s only where you climb with the assistance of rails, ladders and ramps.

Mountain Biking

The Saas Valley has over 70kms of marked trails of varying levels. A detailed bike trail map is available from the tourist office and several shops have a selection of bikes for hire, including helmets. Prices from £15 per day.

Our Esprit Representative can organise your activity choices in conjunction with our suppliers, when you arrive in Saas Fee.

Great Days Out from Saas Fee

Brig

This lovely old town at the foot of the Simplon Pass definitely deserves a visit with its 17th century Stockalper castle, and is close to one of the largest glaciers in the Alps, the Aletsch glacier. Combine your visit with a trip to the Brigerbad thermal Spa Centre. Half day entrance: Adults £9, children 6-15 years £5.

Zermatt

A visit to this area would not be complete without seeing the mighty Matterhorn which towers over the chic, traffic free resort of Zermatt accessed via a short mountain train ride of 10 minutes. This renowned resort retains a quaint ambience with its distinctive architecture, lively cocktail bars, glamorous boutiques and classy restaurants.

Hohsi-Land

Playzone: Above neighbouring Saas Grund is the Hohsi-Land playground, complete with a water-park, a themed trail for children and a zoo with potbellied pigs, dwarf goats and more. Reached via cable car; adults £22, children £11.

All above prices are approximate and are meant as a guide only. Your Esprit representative will be glad to assist in arranging any of these or other activities you may wish to try.

Child Care

Esprit Classic Child Care

All Esprit Child Care is based in Chalet Hotel Annahof.

Nursery – runs all season, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am-6pm in our own Esprit Nursery.

Alpies Club for children aged 3-11 years – runs all season, from 9.30am – 6pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, including lunch and all drinks.

FREE Cocoa Club is run six evenings a week from 7.30 – 10.00pm. All children over 3 years of age not yet asleep in bed are welcome to attend.

FREE Baby-Listening/Child-Patrol Service every night (7.30 – 11pm) during our adult-only dinners plus one night (7.30pm-11pm on staff day off, normally Tuesdays), when parents can dine out in the village and enjoy a local speciality meal.

NB: We make every endeavour to run to the above programme and days of operation, but these are subject to change due to local conditions, weather etc.

Twin Centre Ideas

The Swiss charm of Saas Fee makes an ideal combination with any of our resorts in France. Alpe d'Huez and Belle Plagne have Alpies Clubs and a host of activities for you to try.

575 miles from Calais to Saas Fee.
Fly-drive: Fly to Geneva and take a hired car from there to the resort. Travelling time from Geneva to Saas Fee is about 2½ hours.

Swiss Rail Transfer Ticket and Half Fare Card

Why not fly to Geneva and then take the train from the airport? It could not be easier. Trains run direct from Geneva airport to Visp where you change for the connecting bus to Saas Fee. It is called a Swiss card and covers the journeys from and to the airport and gives up to 50% discount on any additional train, bus or boat journeys as well as on most mountain railways. For the children you will receive a Family Card which entitles up to 4 children under 16 years old to travel free of charge when accompanied by one parent. Adult £145.