A Winter Wonderland Adventure in Saas Fee: Sustainable Mobility, High-altitude Skiing, and Ice Caves
In the heart of the Valais region lies the picturesque village of Saas Fee, a winter paradise that offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a unique and eco-friendly approach to mobility. From electric cars traversing the snow-covered streets to the highest underground funicular in the world, Saas Fee provides an unparalleled winter experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the charm of this Swiss village, its innovative transportation methods, and the unforgettable adventures it has to offer.
Eco-Friendly Arrival
As we entered the village of Saas Fee, the first thing that struck us was the need to park our car at the entrance. The village operates a unique system where a terminal station allows travelers to drop off their luggage conveniently, and a phone call to the hotel ensures a prompt pick-up. Within minutes, a small, square-shaped electric car arrived to transport us to our accommodation. The village, covered in snow, revealed a scene of people moving about on foot, in electric cars, and even on electric bicycles—a testament to Saas Fee’s commitment to avant-garde, pollution-free mobility that has been in place for decades.
Switzerland – Swiss hamlet near eternal snows – Saas-fee, the Fee Glacier and the Alphubel, Switzerland
High-Altitude Skiing Expedition
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep, we geared up for an extraordinary skiing expedition up to 3,500 meters above sea level, starting from the village situated at 1,800 meters. The journey commenced with a ride on the Alpin Express, leading us to the intermediate station nestled at 3,000 meters in the rocky enclave of Felskinn. A short tunnel transported us to the base of the highest underground funicular in the world—the Alpine Metro.
Exploring the Alpine Metro of Saas-Fee
The Alpine Metro, opened in 1984, serves as a nostalgic yet thrilling experience. Technically a funicular due to its cable system and steep incline, it covers a distance of 1,447 meters with a vertical climb of 465 meters. In just 3 minutes and 20 seconds, the skier ascends from 3,000 to 3,500 meters. As we ascended, the metro’s vintage feel combined with the breathtaking views from the windows made it a unique and memorable journey. Emerging from the upper station, we found ourselves in a rotating restaurant offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Alps, where we could identify peaks such as Jungfrau, Dom, Monte Genero, and others.
Metro alpin in Saas-Fee
A 360-degree panorama of the Alps
Augmented Reality and Ice Cave Exploration
To enhance our mountain identification skills, we utilized the Swisstopo app‘s augmented reality feature, allowing us to recognize and name the surrounding peaks simply by filming them with our smartphones (panorama).
Following this, our adventure continued with a visit to the Grotte de Glace Allalin—an ice cave boasting a 70-meter tunnel leading to the world’s largest ice pavilion. The cave’s 5,500 cubic meters offered a captivating journey through 2,000-year-old ice, intertwined with stories of mysticism, folklore, and legends.
Skiing Descents and Après-Ski Bliss
The highlight of our day came with the thrilling descent from 3,500 meters to the village at 1,800 meters. The vast, powdery slopes provided an endless skiing experience, with wide trails inviting us to carve our way down the mountain. After completing three descents, we embraced the quintessential après-ski experience. Saas Fee’s charm continued as we enjoyed local wines with friends, reminiscing about the day’s triumphs against the backdrop of the snow-covered village.
Skiing right next to the glaciers. It’s an incredible experience in Saas Fee
An enchanting landscape with snow on the fir trees beside the ski slopes of Saas-Fee in Switzerland
Swiss cheese
After a day of skiing adventures, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of indulging in a delicious fondue or raclette at one of Saas Fee’s excellent restaurants. These establishments, steeped in the cozy ambiance of the Swiss Alps, offer an authentic gastronomic experience. Seated by the window, I admire the snow gently falling, transforming the landscape into a magical scene. The soft lights within the restaurants create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for savoring traditional Swiss dishes while sharing convivial moments with friends. This culinary touch and the wintry ambiance further enhance the immersive Alpine spirit of Saas Fee, making every meal a memorable experience in the heart of this enchanting village.
Source : Pinterest
Saas Fee’s commitment to sustainability, innovative transportation, high-altitude skiing, and mystical ice adventures create an unparalleled winter experience. The inclusion of the Magic Pass, encompassing ski lift subscriptions, adds convenience to the overall adventure. Until our next visit, Saas Fee, thank you for providing a winter retreat filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking scenery. We eagerly anticipate our return to this alpine wonderland.
Webcam in Mittelallalin Saas-Fee
See the incredible panorama live on the revolving restaurant’s webcam :
Source : saasfee.ch
Saas-Fee
PROS
- Sustainable Mobility: Saas Fee's reliance on electric vehicles and underground funiculars contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system.
- Breathtaking Panoramas: The Alpine Metro and rotating restaurant offer unparalleled 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps, providing a visual feast for visitors.
- Unique Skiing Experience: The high-altitude skiing adventure from 3,500 meters down to 1,800 meters provides skiers with a thrilling and extended descent.
- Cultural Exploration: The Grotte de Glace Allalin allows visitors to explore a 2,000-year-old ice cave, offering insights into local mysticism, folklore, and legends.
- Convenient Magic Pass: The inclusion of the Magic Pass in Saas Fee's offerings simplifies access to ski lifts and enhances the overall convenience for winter sports enthusiasts.
CONS
- Limited Accessibility: Saas Fee's car-free policy may pose a challenge for visitors who prefer personal vehicles, as parking is located at the village entrance.
- Weather Dependency: Harsh winter weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, may impact travel plans and outdoor activities, potentially causing disruptions.
- Cost of Living: Saas Fee, being a renowned winter destination, may have a higher cost of living, including accommodation, dining, and recreational activities, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers.
