Ski Blog

Richard Pryor visits Saas Fee

Where is it? In the valley next door to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, perched on a shelf of pastures at the base of a horseshoe of mountain peaks. Transfer times of between 3-4 hours from Geveva or Zurich. Sion airport is roughly an hour away but little used by the package tour operators. The skiing: High glacier skiing over 3500 meters. Poorly laid out system of lifts with walking between the top of the cable car and gondolas to reach the highest underground railway in Europe. This reaches the rotating restaurant with brilliant views all around. Being a glacier, off-piste skiing is strictly forbidden. With only two proper blacks, advanced skiers will find their opportunities limited. Lift pass covers Saas Grund (very pleasant, long lift up, two long reds down) and Saas Balen, which was shut when we visited. Apres Ski: Lively apres ski with a wide choice of indoor and outdoor venues Resort: Picturesque village set in bowl surrounded by mountain peaks. The entire village is car free and peaceful. However, this is spoilt by scores of electric milk float-type buggies that whisper through the narrow streets. The resort has a complete range of hotels, chalets and self-catering available. Who won’t like it: Very limited for advanced skiers. No off-piste, two good snow board parks but very limited beside that. Because of the glacier, all short lifts in the ski area are T-bars that can be re-positioned as the ice moves. Who will like it: Long cruisey reds, once at the top, very little poling even on the blues all the way down, limited main runs, so you can't get lost. The ski school is very good (I didn't use it), so ideal for mixed intermediate groups.