The Sass-Fe resort is located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 3,600 meters. Saas-Fee positions itself as an ecologically clean resort surrounded by the pristine nature of the Alps.

Experienced skiers call the Swiss Zas-Fes “average” among the ski resorts of Switzerland , while others value it for its modernity and convenience. But, unequivocally, both agree with the fact that he conquers his species.

Unbelievable descents, fabulous landscapes, clean air and gorgeous tracks – this is why skiers of the world love Zas-Fe. In addition, it is here that the largest high-altitude metro in the world, the Metro Alpine, is located. Its speed is impressive, in just three minutes it lifts skiers from a height of 3,000 meters to 3,500 meters to the top of Mittel-Allalin.

 

The world’s only rotating high-altitude restaurant is located above Zas Fe.

In Zas Fe, as well as in Zermatt , the movement of motor vehicles is prohibited. In terms of its ecological parameters, the large number of deer and squirrels that feel more than comfortable here, the resort fully lives up to the name “Pearl of the Alps”.

A few years ago, the Free Republic of Rest Zas-Fe was formed, which began to issue “passports” to all its citizens (resort guests). These electronic cards give the right to use numerous special offers and free services during their stay in the Republic.

Pearl of the Alps or “Pearl of the Alps” – write guides about Zas-Fe. And this is not just a figure of speech, another beauty, like the “Pearl of the Crimea, the Riviera or the Mediterranean”. Located in the depths of the Zastal valley, this resort really resembles a pearl. This “village” does not belong to the resorts that flaunt the incredible length of ski tracks, the power of lifts or the scale of the housing stock capable of accommodating tens of thousands of guests. By its parameters, Zas-Fe is a medium-sized resort: everything here is harmonious, everything has a real human dimension. Isn’t this a condition for a calm, comfortable rest?

Village by village?

Old photo – Zas-Fe, beginning of the 20th century

The settlement of Zas-Fe was first mentioned in the 13th century. A church was built here in 1535, a post office was opened in 1871, electricity was brought here in 1923, and a water pipe was installed in 1930. Three years later, the first hotel appeared here, after which the resort began to develop rapidly. Today, Zas-Fe welcomes about 8,000 tourists at a time.

It should be noted that the village of Zas-Fe is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, so the resort is one of the highest in Switzerland. Another feature is that you can ski here all year round, thanks to the mild climate and the presence of a glacier.

Where to settle

The Saas-Fee ski resort cannot be called budget. The cheapest room for two will cost from € 85 for two, for a hostel for two you will have to pay € 68, for apartments they will ask for from € 90, and the most expensive hotel room costs € 515 per day.

If you are planning a vacation in Zas-Fe, take care of housing in advance.

Zas-Fe attracts guests not only with first-class ski slopes, but also with excellent resort-type hotels, which will make your vacation unforgettable.

Chalet Haus Perla 5 stars

The luxury penthouse apartments Chalet Haus Perla are located in the center of the car-free village of Sass-Fe, directly opposite the Alpine Express cable car. The windows offer a panoramic view of the Zas-Fe glacier. A spa tub is available in one of the 2 bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is connected.

Haus Perla apartments are tastefully decorated in a country style using cherry wood. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace and a spacious terrace.

It takes only 2 minutes to walk to the main street of the Zas Fe resort. Numerous shops, cafes and restaurants work on it. The Alpine Express cable car can be reached in literally 1 minute.

There are regular buses from the village of Zas-Fe to the village of Zas-Grund, as well as the bridges of Brig and Visp.

Upon arrival, guests are issued with a civil passport. Its owners can ride public buses for free, and also receive discounts on the use of facilities for active recreation.

Château A & B 4 stars

The Château B apartment complex is 500 meters from the center of Saas-Fee, the local bus station, the Staffelwald and Seeboden ski lifts, and the Alpine golf course. A wellness center with various saunas, a steam bath, a hydromassage bath, a solarium and exercise machines is at guests’ disposal.

The spacious apartments of the Château B complex have a balcony or terrace, a modern kitchen with a dishwasher and a dining area, as well as a living room with a sofa and cable TV. Some apartments have a fireplace. Sleeping areas, a bathroom and free Wi-Fi are at guests’ disposal. Bed linen and towels are included in the price of accommodation.

Guests of the complex can use a common laundry room with washing machines and dryers. In addition, a garden and a heated ski storage room are at your service.

A ski school, a children’s playground, a supermarket and restaurants are a 2-minute walk from the Château B apartment complex. The distance to the village of Saas-Grund is 3 km, to the city of Pispa – 36 km.

Upon arrival, guests receive a free Citizens’ Pass, which entitles them to free travel on public buses in the region and also includes several discounts.

Hotel La Collina 3 stars

Hotel La Collina is located in Saas Fe, a 10-minute walk from the Alpine Express Cable Car. A sauna and a hot tub are available. Transfer services are available upon request.

All rooms at La Collina Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Bathrobes are available at an additional cost.

In winter, guests can visit the indoor pool with a waterfall. The lounge bar with a fireplace is open until 21:00. The hotel has a coffee vending machine throughout the day. In summer, guests can relax on the deck chairs in the garden.

Ski equipment can be stored on the premises or directly on the ski slope. The distance to the bus station is 200 m. The hotel is located right on the central parking lot (sector B).

Upon arrival, guests are issued a card valid in the summer period (from June to October), travel on public transport and cable cars in the Zas Valley (except for the Metro Alpin underground funicular) (in addition, there is a free ski bus in summer). In the winter period (from October to April), travel on public transport is free, and discounts apply to some types of active recreation.

Schweizerhof Gourmet & Spa 4 stars

With a great view of the Sass Mountains, free Wi-Fi and a great spa, the Schweizerhof Gourmet Spa Hotel enjoys a quiet location in the center of Sass Fe.

In the 1,000 sq.m. health and spa center The Wave. m has an outdoor sauna with a panoramic view, a swimming pool, a hydromassage bath, a steam room and a relaxation room with a view of the glacier.

Guests can relax in the lobby with an artificial waterfall, and in the evening – visit the bar and admire the starry sky. The Schweizerhof’s restaurant serves fine Swiss and international cuisine.

Upon arrival, a card is provided which allows free use of public transport and cable cars in the Zas Valley during the summer (June to October) (except for the Metro Alpin underground funicular). Benefits do not apply to summer skiing. In the winter period (from October to April), travel on public transport is free, and discounts are provided for some types of active recreation.

Tracks and lifts

The conditions for a skiing vacation in Zas-Fe are simply excellent, both professional athletes and beginners who are just starting to master a new sport like to rest here. Resort guests have more than 100 km of tracks, half of which are “red” tracks. Another 25% of the tracks belong to the “blue” category, the most difficult “black” tracks are also present at the resort.

The beginning of many popular routes of medium difficulty is the Felskinn station, located at an altitude of 3,000 meters, which can be reached by the Alpin Express lift. An excellent half-pipe is also located here, which is definitely worth paying attention to snowboard fans. Vacationers can get to the top of Allalinhorn by subway, which has become a real local attraction. There is another first-class half-pipe here, several “red” and “blue” trails start.

It is also worth noting that next to the Mittelallalin metro station, the most important attractions of the region are the revolving restaurant and the ice grotto. The longest “red” track begins not far from the station, the length of which is 14 km. The slopes of Platte Mountain are popular among novice athletes. One of the main advantages of these routes is that they end directly on the territory of the resort.

More experienced athletes can try the pistes of the nearby Saas-Almagel area, which is famous for its steep descents and is home to popular unmarked pistes. Professional athletes choose “black” tracks for training, which start at the top of the Langfluh glacier.

Zas-Fe belongs to the Zastal ski area. This also includes the villages of Zas-Grund (1,559 m), Zas-Balen (1,580 m) and Zas-Almagel (1,672 m), where a general ski pass is valid. A free bus runs between the villages.

The total length of Zas-Fe trails is 100 kilometers. Of them, 30 km are blue tracks, 50 km are red and 20 are black. For extreme skiing, the resort offers skiing on unprepared slopes, but to learn more about them, hire a guide.

Remember, the glacier is dangerous, so any off-piste skiing is prohibited on it. The height difference here is 1800-3600 meters. A separate track has been built for beginners.

As a rule, there are no queues for lifts at the resort. At most, you will have to wait 10 minutes, this is in the height of the season or during the weekend.

Known far beyond the borders of Switzerland and even Europe, the Freestyle Park in Zas-Fe operates almost year-round, hosting the best riders from all over the planet and numerous competitions, including the stage of the Snowboard World Cup. The main line-up (large springboards and halfpipe) is based on the same place, dictated by the landscape, from year to year. Other pieces can move. Figures are updated daily – or rather, every night. This winter promises excellent snow, favorite old and new figures, the signature halfpipe plus the all-time popular musical chillout, as usual open right here in the park.

In November, the resort hosts the SAAB Crossmax Series Skicross competition, the RipCurl freeride in mid-December, and the Ice Climbing World Cup in early February.

The main line-up is based on one place, but other figures can move. Artificial snow is available for the convenience of skiers.

Although the resort has a small ski area for children and beginners (in the lower part of the resort), the Zas Fe valley is more suitable for trained skiers: the red runs have a very impressive height difference in places, and there are not so many simple blue and green runs in the resort.

In total, the resort operates, in addition to the high-speed metro, 26 lifts with a total carrying capacity of 26,410 people per hour, including 7 gondolas (funiculars), 2 chairlifts and 17 cable cars.

And, of course, there is a long toboggan run for those who do not own skis.

To explore all the slopes above Zas-Fe, even a not very strong skier needs one or two days. Then, having identified the beginners, if they accompany you, to the ski school, where experienced trainers will work with them on the spacious central slope, you can ski to your heart’s content on the tracks you like. Descents in the upper part of the region are not particularly difficult, but it is not recommended to go away from the marked tracks. A glacier, like a living creature, moves very slowly, but it still moves, deep cracks are formed in its body, which are difficult to notice. Be careful. The descents from Felskinn and Langflug generally correspond to their “red” labeling and are quite suitable for skiers with average skiing experience. Experts will like the descent of Felsenthal, a steep, not very long “black” section above Spielboden, as well as the professional FIS sports track in the Platten sector (2570). Those who are not confident in their abilities can bypass its lower “black” section on the forest “blue” path Waldweg.

Off-piste skiing in this area is possible both between the upper station of the 6-seater gondola and the Berghaus, and in the lower, forested part of Platten. Although sometimes this leads to unforeseen costs – an unplanned repair of the “slide” after hitting a sharp stone will cost 50 CHF. Those who like off-the-beaten-track walks are advised to get up early, get up early, go up to the intermediate station of the Metro Alpin, where only the first train stops, and go down to Saas-Almagel via Britanniahutte (3030). This is a trip with a height difference of one and a half kilometers – for experienced professionals.

Zas -Fe has an endlessly long ski season. Absolutely all tracks are closed only from the second week of May to the end of June – the lifts are undergoing preventive maintenance at this time. In July, they resume work from the very morning; you can ride until two in the afternoon, later the slope becomes wet. At the service of all those who cannot live without snow, 20 km of tracks from an altitude of 3,600 m are pulled up there by two anchor buoys. National teams from different countries conduct their summer training on the Allalin glacier: there is a rare opportunity to observe the world’s best skiers and boarders up close.

Ski pass and Après-ski

A two-day ski pass for skiing in Sass-Fi, Sass-Grund, Sass-Balen and Sass-Almagel for adults will cost 145 Swiss francs, and for children 73. A six-day pass will cost 379 and 190 Swiss francs, respectively.

You can buy a ski pass for separate skiing areas, it will be cheaper, but it will also limit your skiing to one area. The resort has a system of discounts for families with children.

After a great ride from the top of Langfluh (2870 m), on the slopes of Platjen (2570 m), Felskinn (3000 m) or after the steep black descent of Langfluh-Spielboden, you want to rest and catch your breath. And it is best to do it in a restaurant with a glass of warming mulled wine.

If you still have the strength, be sure to climb Mount Allalin. An ice grotto was built here and ice figures with an area of ​​5,500 square meters were placed. m., by the way, it was included in the Guinness Book of Records. Right next to it, you will see a chapel. In the southern part of the city, you will find the Zas-Fe museum , where you can get to know the city better.

Fans of active recreation will like indoor tennis courts, sports centers with swimming pools and saunas, table tennis and billiards.

Don’t miss the grand musical show at an altitude of 2,400 meters under the open sky – the Schneegaudi snow party in early April.

Along numerous trekking trails, there are shelters where you can rest, spend the night, and eat delicious food.

Restaurants

Gourmet Stubli (in Hohnegg), Vernissage (at Hotel Ferienart), Cheminee, Swiss Chalet and, of course, Fletschhorn Waldhotel – these are the main addresses that connoisseurs of “haute cuisine” should go to in Saas-Fee. Fletschhorn is well-deservedly rated with a Michelin star and 18 Gault Millau points, and many regulars feel that these regalia are clearly not enough. The chef of the restaurant, Markus Neff, never ceases to amaze with his ingenuity and unexpected combination of familiar products. And two professional sommeliers are ready to help in the selection and to tell a lot about any wine from the 30,000 wine collection. Menu costs from 160 CHF, hot dishes from 60 CHF.

Other great places for gourmets are Gourmet Stubli (in Hohnegg), Le Gourmet (at Hotel Ferienart), Cheminee and Swiss Chalet. You can have a good dinner in a traditional style at Domstubli (at the Dom Hotel), which is considered one of the most fashionable and stylish in terms of design and atmosphere. “Rural” cuisine in Alp Hitta, Arvu-Stuba, Zur Muhle: the menu includes Welsh specialties, fondue, raclette; everything is very tasty. The Bodmen mountain restaurant, located in the forest, a decent distance from the resort, recreates the atmosphere of an ordinary country house: a cuckoo clock on the wall, old copper dishes, hand-embroidered tablecloths and – most interestingly – a children’s playroom with straw floors, wooden toys and live rabbits! Drinks include local schnapps plus a large selection of vintage wines and liqueurs.

Various and tasty dishes are prepared at Kase Keller, where you should definitely try the garlic soup. Mimosa salad, which goes as a side dish to meat dishes, is considered a signature. There is a special children’s menu. La Rotisserie du Sport (Sporthotel) is a small cozy restaurant (grill, meat and fish fondue and a rich wine list). Connoisseurs speak well of La Gorge and the restaurants of the Saaserhof Hotel. oriental (in particular, Thai) cuisine at Le Mandarin (Feriart hotel). Italian – at Boccalino (inexpensive), Da Rasso and Don Ciccio.

In the world’s highest revolving restaurant on Mittelallalin, the menu is not very diverse, but the prices are quite reasonable. Berghaus Plattjen and Gletscher-Grotte, located on the descent from Spielboden (where, by the way, there is also a good restaurant) are suitable for a lunch break – on the left, slightly away from the track (you need to climb the path for 50 meters). Always fresh products, the most tender steaks with fried potatoes… The small room is furnished with great taste. There are self-service restaurants at Felskinn and Maste 4.

One of the most popular places for apres-ski is the Popcorn Plaza in the old hut on Langfluch (2870). A subsidiary of the “holding” Dom: live music, DJs, relaxed, soulful atmosphere. The bar of the same name in Zas-Fe itself is no less famous among partygoers. Along the way from the central roll-out, there are several outdoor terraces where apres-ski can be continued after sunset. For example, Nesti’s, Rendezvous, Waldesruh or Belmont. For later evening entertainment, we recommend Why Not pub, Metro Bar, Pic Pic, Poison, as well as Living Room all in the same Dom.

Sights of Zas-Fe

The highest subway

Twenty years ago, the inhabitants of the alpine village decided that they could not do without… the subway. And they built it for the greater convenience of the public, who ride and walk in the mountains, at an altitude of 3000 – 3500 meters above sea level, between Felskinn and Mittelallalin. You can reach the very top of Allalin (4027), covered by a glacier cap, from here with your hand, some five hundred meters vertically. To this day, Metro Alpin is the highest metro in the world; its competitor, the underground funicular in French Les Des Alpes , only takes you up to the 3,400 m mark. The length of the road is almost one and a half kilometers, the travel time is 3.2 minutes; the stepped carriage accommodates 115 people, the total capacity is 1500 people/hour. The upper station is decorated with commemorative plaques sent here as a sign of respect – business cards of the subways of New York, Stockholm, Budapest, Moscow…

Ice grotto and revolving restaurant

Right here on Mittelallalin there are two other attractions of Zas-Fe from the category of the most-most. The first is a man-made ice grotto with an area of ​​5,500 square meters, the largest in the world, which is why it is included in the Guinness Book of Records. Halls and galleries illuminated by multi-colored lights, sculptures of amazing animals, a children’s labyrinth, a scene of rescue operations: they are trying to pull a climber who fell into a crack to the top. The ice chapel, where marriage rites take place, is completely serious, with the handing over of all relevant documents… And all this in the thickness of a glacier, which is more than one thousand years old.

The second object, which a rare guest of Zas-Fe will pass by with his attention, is the world’s highest revolving restaurant. His menu has nothing from haute cousine – the usual goulash soup, pork steak with vegetables, a bottle of Dole or Pinot Noir. But you forget about food and drink, unable to tear yourself away from the fantastic panorama outside the window. Here, the highest mountain chain in Switzerland with the beautiful name of Michabel slowly floats by and a view of the entire Valais valley opens up. Here they are replaced by the Bernese Alps with Jungfrau (4158), Monch (4099) and Eiger (3970) – somewhere there, on Schlithorn, there is also a revolving restaurant, but it is located half a kilometer lower than the one here. Here, the peaks of Graubünden appear in the blue distance, followed by Italy, the valley of the Po River… The restaurant makes a complete turn in one hour, but this time lost for skiing is not a pity at all.

How to get there

The nearest airport from the resort is the Milan airport, it is even closer than the Zurich airport and the travel is definitely cheaper. From the airport, take the train to Briga or Vispa station and transfer to the PostBus bus (No. 511 – direction Zas-Fe ), they depart every half hour. In the same way, you can get to the resort from Geneva and Zurich, where planes also fly from Kyiv.

When renting a car, you should know that it is not possible to move around the village by car. An electric car will take you from the parking lots at the entrance to the hotel.