Reserve Saas-Fee/Saastal for winter only and you’re missing out on one of Switzerland’s most adventurous summer playgrounds. We were surprised too, and delighted, here’s why.
Fun at Kreuzboden © Saastal Tourismus AG/Puzzle Media
Of course the homeland of some of the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps is a bit of a winter sport legend. But it turns out that all 18 of its 4,000m high peaks, along with immense glaciers, pretty villages, big skies and gloriously clean, fresh air, are just as appealing in the warmer months of the year.
In fact, when you take a closer look at Saas-Fee/Saastal you might find yourself thinking it’s almost more fun for families during summer.
It’s certainly very easy to see why Saas-Fee/Saastal is known as The Adventure Destination and not just because there are no fewer than eight worlds of adventure here. Although that in itself is an exciting prospect, particularly for any kids keen on feeding marmots, getting close to mountain goats, going on the summer toboggan run or trying out anything from monster scooters and a bike skills park to a rope park and toboggan run.
As well as all its summer activities, Saas-Fee/Saastal is also the proud holder of a “Family Destination” label, only awarded to Swiss destinations which put children and parents at the heart of everything they do.
Free with your SaastalCard © Saastal Tourismus AG
Saas-Fee/Saastal gives you its mountains for free in summer
Way ahead of its time, Saas-Fee village has been car-free since 1951. But that won’t curb your freedom, because anyone staying here overnight gets a free SaastalCard which lets you use the area’s extensive network of cable cars, as well as buses in the Saas Valley, free of charge.
So you can go anywhere you please during your stay and it won’t cost you anything. Plus, the SaastalCard also gives you discounts on local activities, of which there are many.
Meeting the marmots, Saas-Fee/Saastal
Marmot season lasts all summer long in Saas-Fee/Saastal
From May onwards, the marmots of Saas-Fee emerge from their long hibernation hungry to be fed peanuts, carrots and dandelions by their adoring public.
The area’s cutest, fluffiest residents are technically ground squirrels, although considerably bigger than their tree-dwelling relatives. And the marmots of Saas-Fee are particularly sociable, so expect some encounters your kids will love.
Marmots are the fluffy alarm bells of the mountains! When they see a shadowy eagle circling high above, an immediate whistling alarm goes off. But don’t worry, they no longer see humans as grim enemies at Spielboden and Stafelwald. They might even be considered our furry friends, especially when we have tasty snacks like carrots or peanuts with us.
You can buy marmot food at the tourist office in Saas-Fee and at the Spielboden mountain restaurant.
Saas-Fee Rope Park © Saastal Tourismus AG/Filme von Draussen
Take on the challenge of the Saas-Fee Rope Park, if you dare
Every vine-swinging legend has to start somewhere, and at the Saas-Fee Rope Park, kids can learn the basics of tree travel on rope courses designed just for them.
Unlike a lot of parks, children as young as four can go tree-to-tree at Saas-Fee Rope Park: wearing harnesses and helmets, of course. Not that the safety equipment cuts down on the fun.
Although it’s not just little ones that get all the fun. You can bag some for yourself on the big rope course which is made for older kids but comes with different levels of difficulty, so it’s more than challenging enough for parents too.
Another big draw at the Saas-Fee Rope Park is the new zipline, which is the longest in Europe, and soars for over 210m across the dramatic Fee Gorge.
Summer hiking, Saas-Fee/Saastal © Saastal Tourismus AG/Filme von Draussen
Hiking adventures start young in these summer mountains
No surprise that hiking tops the summer adventures in Saas-Fee/Saastal. Walking around in the sunshine surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery? How could you possibly resist?
In other good news, many hikes are easily doable with kids who’ll be more than happy to stride out on a promise of marmots, fairy tales and playgrounds. Try these five family hikes for starters.
- Murmeli translates as marmot, and The Murmeli Trail on Spieldboden is all about Saas-Fee’s cutest residents. At just half a kilometre long, it’s a gentle hike for kids and spotting all seven “Eddie the Marmot” information boards is a great incentive to keep going. Plus, there’s a very good chance of seeing the real thing on this trail. Then the journey to Spielboden is a highlight in itself, especially if you land in one of the Eddie gondolas and you can listen to stories about the funny marmot and his friends.
- The Mattmark Circular Trail is another popular family trail that’s also well liked by joggers and cyclists, and the path on the right side of the lake up to Distelalp is pushchair-friendly.
- Follow the Fairy Tale Trail Saas-Fee through the larch-wood between Mälchbodu and Bärufalla where kids will be enchanted by prettily decorated signs telling the tale of Pia and her magical day with the forest dwarves. A fun playground is an added bonus on this hike.
- Hike the Suone Unnerwasser trail for some fun learning about the ancient, and vital, waterways (Suone) of the Valais. Spotting the five information points along the route is like a game for younger kids. Although, conservation-aware older ones will be interested to know how the Suone are gradually being brought back to life across Saas-Fee/Saastal, and everyone loves the prospect of more marmots at the end of the walk.
- Go for a change of pace on The Almagell Adventure Trail which crosses two dramatic suspension bridges and rewards you with gorgeous views over the Saas Valley’s 4,000-metre peaks. This trail requires surefootedness and a head for heights, so it’s probably best for over sixes.
Bike Skills Park Kreuzboden © Saastal Tourismus AG/Puzzle Media
Get ready to ride at Bike Skills Park Kreuzboden
Cycling keen kids, and parents, are in for the ride of their lives this summer at Bike Skills Park Kreuzboden above Saas-Grund.
Three short trails around 380m long give you plenty of scope to skill-build, practice moves and take in the sensational mountain scenery all around. And in other good news, you’re transported up to the park by conveyer belt, so you conserve energy for the real biking bit.
The Feeblitz © Saastal Tourismus AG/Puzzle Media
The Feeblitz toboggan run puts a smile on everyone’s face
Staying with spirit of speed and racing through awesome scenery, the Feeblitz toboggan run is one more unforgettable family experience that’s all part of the adventure in Saas-Fee.
Kids over the age of eight can ride the toboggan solo, and younger kids get to ride in tandem with a parent, so nobody misses out on the excitement. And you’ll see why it’s described as a mountain-rollercoaster, because even getting to Feeblitz, on steepest toboggan lift in the Alps, is a thrill.
Monster Scooters © SaastalTourismus Puzzle Media
Cruise the mountains on monster scooters
If you haven’t tried Monster Scooters yet, beware, you might never settle for ordinary scooters again.
Designed with fat tyres to take on most terrains, Monsters make light work of the mountains and kids love them, you can even scoot tandem with younger ones.
The 11-kilometre route from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund offers endless fun and fantastic views of the majestic landscape.
The Foxtrail scavenger hunt © Saastal Tourismus AG/Puzzle Media
Are you up for the Foxtrail scavenger hunt this summer?
Find your true family team spirit on the Foxtrail this summer. No ordinary scavenger hunt, this one is a real challenge, packed with secret messages and brain-twisting puzzles.
Learn the secrets of Imseng, the pioneering 19th century priest who introduced the beauty of Saas-Fee to the world. Explore his historic house for hidden clues, get the local marmots to help you out and be prepared to do some climbing.
This is said to be one of the most exciting scavenger hunts in Switzerland, are you ready to take the challenge? Just remember, it’s all about teamwork, and having fun.
Kreuzboden playground, Saas-Fee/Saastal
Adventure around two new playgrounds this summer
Take advantage of your free SaastalCard and hop on the cable car up to Kreuzboden Adventure Land this summer.
Kids will love adventuring around the suspension bridges and climbing walls, before cooling down in the waterpark, and running wild in the enormous new playground opening for summer 2024. Then, if you want a quiet moment, head for the petting zoo at Kreuzboden mountain station.
We know Saas-Fee/Saastal is just one big family playground, but Hannig takes that literally this summer with yet another exciting new children’s playground, as well as a lovely mountain restaurant, the Mälchbodu fairy trail and cute goats on the Alpe Hannig. If all that isn’t enough to convince you to take the free cable car up Hannigberg, the fact that it’s called the Sunny Mountain should do the trick.
The world’s highest revolving restaurant, Allalin
Let kids loose on the high altitude adventure terrace
Adventure isn’t limited to summer skiing on the view point Allalin. As well as being home to the highest revolving restaurant in the world, it’s also where children have the freedom of the recently designed adventure terrace with its fleet of Bobby Cars, bouncy castle and slack lines.
Heaven for five year olds might not appeal so much to older kids, in which case they can don a pair of VR glasses and make like professional snow groomers for a bit: a surprisingly enthralling experience.
Ice Cave, Saas-Fee/Saastal
Take the train to the magical Ice Cave Allalin
Hop on the Metro Alpin – the world’s highest underground railway – and head up to another magical experience: Ice Cave Allalin, one of the largest ice caves on earth.
Wander through caverns decorated with dazzling ice sculptures. Take a breather on ice-hewn benches. Immerse yourself in the history. And prepare to be captivated by the art, artistry and mysticism of this extraordinary place.
Saas-Grund Village ©SaastalTourismus Levin Studio
Where to stay this summer in Saas-Fee/Saastal
Now you know what to do, it couldn’t be easier to find a base for your summer holiday in Saas-Fee/Saastal. And we think you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the wide choice of places to stay and the equally broad price range.
Of course, there are luxurious spa hotels, and even they feature family rooms. But mid-range to budget hotels and self-catering apartments are very high quality in Switzerland, and also in Saas-Fee/Saastal.
Then just add to the equation, the fact that you aren’t paying ski season rates at this world class resort, plus cable cars and buses are free with your SaastalCard, and a mountain break could turn out to be one of your most affordable summer holidays yet.