Your sustainable journey to the Saas Valley
If you want to travel consciously and sustainably, you've come to the right place. Because sustainability plays a central role in the car-free village of Saas-Fee and in the entire Saas Valley. The careful handling of our environment and resources is in the foreground. Especially here in the Saas Valley, the changes caused by climate change are visible and tangible.
Protect our nature during your trip - we'll tell you how!
1: Preparation & Accommodation
Try to get most of your information digitally. There are many digital sources of inspiration to help you find your perfect destination. Here you can find information about the holiday region Saas-Fee/Saastal.
Book your hotel or holiday flat on our website or directly with the accommodation.
2: Arrival
Leave the car at home and travel by public transport. There are direct train connections to Visp from all major Swiss cities. From there, bus 511 takes you to the Saas Valley every half hour. This journey takes about 50 minutes.
From Zurich, Geneva and Basel the journey takes three hours, from Bern two hours.
Thanks to SBB Supersaver Tickets and Supersaver Day Tickets, you can benefit from particularly low fares when travelling by public transport.
You don't need to worry about luggage transport. SBB will collect your luggage and take it directly to your hotel in the Saas Valley.
3: Mobility on site
Cable cars and post bus free of charge!
From your first overnight stay, you will receive the SaastalCard, which allows you to use the mountain railways in summer and the PostBus all year round in the Saas Valley free of charge during your stay! You also benefit from up to 30% discount on numerous activities.
- During your stay - as well as on the day of arrival or departure - you can use 9 mountain railways free of charge (excl. Metro Alpin).
- Metro Plus Ticket: The SaastalCard or the Magic Pass entitles you to purchase the Metro Plus Ticket (pedestrian ticket Felskinn - Mittelallalin). For a one-time fee of CHF 50.- (children 6-16 years CHF 40.-) you can use the Metro Alpin without restrictions during your stay. The Metro Plus ticket includes admission to the VirtuAllalin.
- The SaastalCard includes the post bus in the four municipalities of Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Balen and Saas-Almagell as far as Mattmark (not valid for arrival and departure by post bus).
4: Sustainable summer experiences
Sustainable hiking means that we do as little damage as possible to nature while we are out and about. We'll give you some tips on how to make your hiking tour sustainable.
- Take your waste home with you. Even biodegradable waste like banana peels or apple peels are not as harmless as you think. A banana peel takes one to two years to decompose, an apple peel about two weeks. But imagine everyone throwing something like that into nature. The wrapper of a cereal bar practically doesn't decompose, so this waste stays around for a very long time. It is also interesting to note that human excrement takes about a month or more to decompose, paper tissues even up to five years. Another problem with faeces is that they are often eaten by wild animals, which can then fall ill.
- Stay on the paths. If you leave the paths and go off the beaten track, you destroy the ground under your feet. Tree roots can also be damaged.
- Barbecue only at designated fireplaces.
- Keep your distance from grazing cows and wild animals and do not feed them.
The increasing number of mountain bikers has a direct impact on nature. Therefore, a considerate approach to nature is very important. Find out in advance about the chosen route and pay attention to the information, signposting and prohibitions on the trail. Always stay on the existing paths. This way you will protect the sensitive habitats of plants and animals. Keep the environment clean while biking and take your waste home with you.
On the tour over the mighty Fee glacier, you become aware of the consequences of climate change together with the mountain guide. On the glacier nature trail you can also learn at 12 stations how a glacier shapes the environment and how climate and glaciers are connected. Since this summer, you can learn everything about the formation, characteristics, habitat, dangers and much more about the glacier in the Allalin Ice Grotto at 3,500 m above sea level.
Climbing is said to reduce the size, abundance and genetic diversity of plants. However, there is much you can do to minimise the impact of climbing on nature. Climb only in designated areas and respect barriers and restrictions. Use existing ascents and descents to protect sensitive habitats for plants and wildlife. Avoid heavily overgrown rocks, do not remove plants from crevices, avoid rock nesting sites and avoid noise. Keep the climbing area clean.
Yoga is about mindfulness, about consciously feeling and harmonising body and mind. Those who are mindful in the yoga class usually continue this in their lives outside the studio. Nature should also be perceived mindfully. Connectedness to nature also arises above all when you do yoga outdoors and listen to the wind, the rustling of the leaves or the birds flying by.
South in the Saas Valley is the largest earth dam in Europe, the Mattmark Dam. The dam, which is used to generate electricity, is a real place of power and fascinates not only with its technical details but also with its wild and romantic location.
PostBus journeys are included with the SaastalCard from the 1st overnight stay onwards!
- View Mattmark dam
- Mattmark Reservoir Circular Trail
- Exhibition Mattmark
- Hike Monte Moro
5: Regional shopping
From the small village shop with fresh groceries to the exclusive boutique and numerous sports shops, you will find everything your heart desires. Most shops are personally run and offer friendly and competent advice in several languages.
If you cook for yourself, you should buy sustainably. That means ...
- paying attention to the origin and season of fruit and vegetables.
- with animal products such as meat, eggs and milk, regionality plays an important role in sustainability.
- support local grocery shops.
Alpine Manifesto
The Alpine Manifesto outlines ten simple points on how we can treat the Alpine landscape, its people and all living creatures with respect. The 10 guiding principles enable people to travel in the best possible way and enjoy Alpine experiences.
This manifesto, supported by AlpNet, a network of tourism partners from Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany, is more than just an appeal to responsibility: it is an invitation to explore and enjoy the Alps to the fullest while protecting them.
10 guiding principles
As one of the largest natural areas in Central Europe, the Alps provide a valuable habitat for more than 30,000 animal and 13,000 plant species, making them a true hotspot of biodiversity. We treat this diversity with the utmost respect and care to ensure that it is preserved for future generations.
A successful alpine experience balances the satisfaction of both the local community and visitors. We strive for harmony, respect the needs and traditions of the locals, and at the same time enjoy our time in their home.
The ‘Leave No Trace’ principle is crucial for preserving the pristine beauty and ecological integrity of the Alps and promotes a deeper connection with and respect for nature.
The warmth and diversity of accommodation in the Alps offer visitors high-quality options that prioritise a respectful approach to nature. If we decide to spend the night outdoors, we only do so in places where it is permitted. We observe local regulations, respect private property and protect wildlife habitats.
The terrain in the Alps is varied and sometimes challenging, with steep slopes, narrow paths and rocky passages. Good preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable alpine adventure. We take the unpredictable weather and challenging terrain into account by carefully planning our tours and ensuring that we are physically and mentally prepared.
The Alps are timeless, and generations before us have developed ways to enjoy this extraordinary landscape. We honour the legacy of those who came before us by using the well-maintained network of paths and trails. This not only protects the environment, but also ensures our safety.
7. We respect the operating times and rules of snow sports facilities and cross- country ski trails.
The Alps offer space for relaxation and are a paradise for snow enthusiasts. Compliance with the rules of snow sports facilities ensures safety and enjoyment for everyone. We share the slopes and thus create a pleasant experience for all.
Local producers in the Alps offer a wide range of products for us to discover. Buying these local products strengthens the Alpine economy and promotes sustainable farming. We appreciate the unique offerings of the region and thus contribute to a vibrant and resilient community.
We minimise our carbon footprint by using sustainable mobility options. This not only protects the climate, but also improves our experience by reducing stress and allowing us to enjoy the journey to the fullest.
The Alps are a constant source of inspiration. We appreciate and respect the beauty of the Alps and ensure that our presence does not detract from the experience for others. We take only memories home with us and leave the landscape as we found it for future visitors.