While green meadows, larch forests and marmots shape the summer atmosphere down in the valley, a completely different world begins higher up. Even in summer, snow still lies above 3,500 metres, glaciers stretch across the mountain landscape and the air suddenly feels noticeably fresher. This contrast is exactly what makes summer holidays in the Saas Valley so special.

Whether you enjoy being active, are travelling with your family or simply want to switch off for a few days: in summer, the Saas Valley gives you the opportunity to find your own rhythm.

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Why Saas-Fee/Saastal in Summer?

Most people mainly associate Saas-Fee with winter holidays and skiing. However, in summer the region reveals a completely different side. The Saas Valley offers beautiful scenery, varied activities and a pleasant climate. Thanks to the high altitude, instead of oppressive heat you can expect fresh mountain air, plenty of space to breathe and an impressive alpine backdrop with 18 four-thousand-metre peaks. Whether hiking, biking or relaxing on a restaurant terrace, the scenery makes every moment special.

Another advantage is the mobility on site. With the SaastalCard, from your very first overnight stay you can use the mountain railways (excluding Metro Alpin) and the PostBus throughout the Saas Valley free of charge. This allows you to discover different places spontaneously without constantly organising tickets.

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Hiking

The Saas Valley is a classic hiking destination, but also surprisingly diverse. From easy panoramic trails to demanding alpine tours, there are routes for every level.

One highly recommended trail is the Gemsweg above Hannig. The Hannig cable car first takes you comfortably up to the sunny mountainside. From there, the trail leads for around 2.5 hours along the slopes above the former moraine of the Fee Glacier towards the restaurant Gletschergrotte. After a short break, the route continues across the ski slopes to the Bodmen irrigation channel and back to the village of Saas-Fee. Along the way, you are constantly rewarded with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. With a little luck, you may even spot chamois early in the morning.

If you enjoy scenic high-altitude trails and prefer a more alpine experience, the Almageller Höhenweg is highly recommended. The hike starts at the Kreuzboden mountain station and leads above the valley towards the Almagelleralp. Particularly beautiful are the views of the Mattmark reservoir and the surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks. After around 2.5 hours, you reach the cosy Almagelleralp, which is perfect for a short break or snack, before continuing downhill to Saas-Almagell. For those looking for more adventure, the route can be combined with the spectacular suspension bridges on the Adventure route.

For experienced hikers, the Glacier Trail offers a true high-alpine adventure. This demanding T4 alpine hike connects Saas-Fee with the Mattmark area and leads through impressive glacier landscapes. The tour requires sure-footedness, a head for heights and very good physical fitness.

Practical tips for your hiking tours:

• Dress in layers – temperatures between the valley and the mountains can differ greatly
• Start early, especially on sunny days – mornings are often the calmest and clearest
• Bring enough water and sun protection
• Check the weather forecast before every tour or hike
• Pay attention to current snow conditions on alpine hikes

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Family Time in the Mountains

The marmots at Spielboden are a highlight for many children. With a little patience, the animals can be observed from very close up – often one of the memories children remember most.

For action and fun, the Feeblitz in Saas-Fee is a great choice. The summer toboggan run is especially popular on warm afternoons and adds variety between hikes and excursions.

Many of these activities can easily be combined and are simple to reach thanks to the cable cars.

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Experience High-Alpine Adventure

An excursion to Mittelallalin is definitely one of the most impressive experiences in the Saas Valley. Even the ride on the Metro Alpin, the world’s highest underground funicular railway, is an experience in itself. At around 3,500 metres above sea level, you are welcomed by a high-alpine landscape with glaciers, ice and breathtaking views of numerous four-thousand-metre peaks. On clear days, the visibility stretches incredibly far.

Those who wish can combine the excursion with a visit to the revolving restaurant or the interactive experience world VirtuAllalin. There, the history of the glaciers and eternal ice is presented in a modern and exciting way.

The Saas Valley also offers many sporting activities in summer:

• Bike trails around Hannig and Kreuzboden
• Mountaincarts at Hannig
• Via ferratas for different difficulty levels
• Trail running routes with views of glaciers and reservoirs

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Especially popular are the culinary trails, where regional specialities are combined with easy walks. Valais classics such as raclette, dried meat and regional products often take centre stage.

Those looking to relax after an active day will find wellness areas with mountain views in many hotels. This combination of activity and relaxation is exactly what makes holidays in the Saas Valley so special for many visitors.

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Summer in the Saas Valley is pleasantly mild. Thanks to the altitude, temperatures are usually much more comfortable than in lower regions.

In Saas-Fee, summer daytime temperatures generally range between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. At higher altitudes such as Mittelallalin, temperatures can remain only a few degrees above freezing even in midsummer.

Due to the thinner air and high altitude, UV radiation in the mountains is stronger than in the valley. Sun protection, sunglasses and enough water are therefore especially important.

Typical summer conditions in the Saas Valley include:

• Pleasant temperatures in the valley
• Fresh air at higher altitudes
• Cool mornings and evenings
• Rapid weather changes in the mountains

That is why it is always worth bringing a light jacket and weatherproof clothing.

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How to make the most out of your holidays

A major advantage in the Saas Valley is the simple and flexible mobility. With the SaastalCard, the cable cars (excluding Metro Alpin) and the PostBus throughout the Saastal are included from the first overnight stay.

This allows you to plan your holiday days very flexibly. Instead of staying in just one place, you can easily combine different altitudes and activities.

Tips for making the most of it:

• Plan varied days with different altitudes
• Use the PostBus for routes you do not want to walk back
• Combine hikes with cable car rides to experience new perspectives

Arriving by public transport is also easy and uncomplicated. This makes the Saas-Fee/Saastal perfect for relaxed yet sustainable holidays.

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Conclusion

Summer holidays in the Saas-Fee/Saastal do not mean rushing from one activity to the next. Instead, active experiences and peaceful moments naturally alternate. One moment you are standing on a glacier at 3,500 metres above sea level, shortly afterwards you are sitting on a sunny terrace in the village.

This contrast is exactly what makes the Saas Valley so special. Between hiking trails, mountain railways and viewpoints, many small memories are created: the whistle of a marmot by the trail, the cool mountain air in the morning or the final rays of sunshine on the snow-covered four-thousand-metre peaks. Often, it is precisely these simple moments that stay in your mind long after the holiday has ended.