 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all. I am going to be on Saas Fee for the annual ski trip for a week this January. Any fellow members around? It will be my seventh trip there, I love the place!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@psyxologos, Not going but it does have a particular charm. I've only been very early season for a week and then a quick half day on a trip to Zermatt. Have you tried the Gletschergrotte restaurant? It's my favourite with excellent food and service. Enjoy your trip. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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My wife loves the Taboggan run - its really long and fast, I almost broke my wrist but luckly not. It is a lovely place, I bet very expensive now Swiss Frank has moved maybe 20% against sterling in last year...!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Saas is on my bucket list of places I really want to ski. Been a few times in Summer for the climbing, but the one time I had a ski holiday booked there I ended up in hospital the week before getting my gall bladder removed. Lovely town and some great mountains so definitely will be going sometime in the next year or two.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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It really is good just the price is the issue when you compare it to the rest of Europe and Eastern in particular.
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Swiss Frank? Is he related to Swiss Tony?
I love Saas Fee and, despite its altitude and remote location, is one of the less expensive Swiss resorts (still pricey, especially by Austrian and Italian standards though). But @adrianlawrence, I don't think you can seriously compare Saas Fee with anywhere in Eastern Europe!
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True you can't compare to the East!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| adrianlawrence wrote: |
| My wife loves the Taboggan run - its really long and fast, I almost broke my wrist but luckly not. It is a lovely place, I bet very expensive now Swiss Frank has moved maybe 20% against sterling in last year...! |
Funny enough, no. I mean, compared to previous years, I would say it is actually cheaper this time. Hotel Saaserhoff, two rooms (three adults, a child and an infant) all for £3200 for 7 nights. Flights, transfers and half board. Not bad, I think.
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| LOTA wrote: |
Swiss Frank? Is he related to Swiss Tony?
I love Saas Fee and, despite its altitude and remote location, is one of the less expensive Swiss resorts (still pricey, especially by Austrian and Italian standards though). |
It is snow sure, it is relatively quiet compared to other resorts, and I just love the village, the restaurants and the people. I have been there 7 times in the last 8 years. I have been to Zermat, Obergurgl and Isgl and I dare say that Saas Fee comes on top on all accounts. The runs are great fun (not too challenging if you are an expert, but the off piste is great, I am told. Just do not go off on the glacier, for obvious reasons), the price is lower than most resorts, the mountain is not huge but gives you enough variety, the nightlife is vibrant but not chaotic, the village is pretty, the views are breathtaking, what is there not to love? 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@psyxologos, could I have some advice from a Saas Fee regular?! (Slight thread hijack here!)
It's my first trip to Saas Fee, booked up for early March. I'm taking my Dad who can just about ski an easy blue at the moment. He'll have a few lessons whilst he's there but I've got a few questions!
1. Previously used the free magic carpet beginner slopes in the likes of the 3V, is there an equivalent in Saas Fee?
2. At the end of the week, as a "victory lap" I'm looking at taking Dad up Alpin Express 1 and 2, then skiing back down an easy blue from there to 1 and getting the bubble back down. I'll obviously scope this out before hand but any recommendations of easy blues?
3. I see there are green dotted lines up the Hannig peak - are these walking routes?
4. Any recommendations on non-skier activities there and nearby...for example is there a pedestrian pass and walking guide (and do they have and good venues for dinner)
Thankya!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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1. There are two great nursery slopes, but I'm not sure what the lift arrangements are. Ski schools are very good.
2. The area above Alpin Express 1 is lovely, but the run down from the top of Alpin Express 2 has a nasty start. Better get off at 1 and use the not-bubble lifts. The other lovely blue I remember is from above Langfluh. However, do not try and ski Langfluh to Spielboden.
3. There is no skiing on Hannig. (Dangerous) toboggan only.
4. I don't know all the current details but there are a lot of good hotels to eat at and some walking in the area.
** Caveat - I have not stayed in the resort for a couple of years, but have passed through it more recently.
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Sat 19-12-15 0:05; edited 1 time in total
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@fxf, In answer to your questions:
1. The only magic carpet is in the Snow Bunny area for children. The nursery slopes have button and T-bar lifts.
2. I would disagree with the nasty start from Alpin Express 2 or Felskinn (the same drop off point). From either you have to make a relatively long walk down a tunnel to reach the piste (the quick way down without walking is a black). From the exit of the tunnel there is a zig-zag path to reach the piste, but you need to stay right, and go back under the lifts to reach the top of the blue runs.
Depending on the snow conditions there is a long blue zig-zag path below the Alpin Express drop off, and you can stay on blue runs all the way back to the village. This run is best done away from peak periods as it gets busy as the mountain runs funnel into it.
3. There is officially no skiing on Hannig, only walking and toboggan. The walking paths do cross the toboggan roads in places. You can also night time toboggan which adds a new dimension.
4. There are many marked winter walking routes throughout the Saas-Valley. There are also snow shoe tours and when conditions allow torch light evening walks. The village ice rink has curling and there are often ice hockey matches. Saas-Fee also holds the World Ice Climbing competition in January. You could also make a non-skiing day trip to Zermatt.
In terms of eating the mentioned Gletschergrotte restaurant can be walked to from the village, and all the lifts have restaurants at the top. The ultimate of course being the revolving restaurant at 3500m, which can be reached by non-skiers during the day. There is also the Bodmen restaurant which is a short walk down the track to Saas-Almagell. There are many good places in the village, but it may be best to book in advance during the weekends especially if the snow is poor elsewhere, as Saas-Fee always has snow and can draw the crowds.
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You know it makes sense.
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I think there is some sound advice in the previous answers. A long, easy course is the one that leads to the village from Langfluh. The blues at the glacier are the easiest. Especially number 10a (if I remember correctly) that runs parallel to the very very VERY long t bar. I mean VERY long t bar. The run is very long, extremely wide, and one of the easiest blues you can imagine. I too think that there is no nastiness from Alpin Express 2. Just a short and not too narrow path that leads to the 5, 5a, 4, 4a and 8, all very nice blues running either side of the snow park.
I would recommend the curling, the tobagoning really scared me the only time I attempted it. Pitch black and a very steep narrow slope after a meal was not great fun. I might try it when we go this January as my mum will be turning 60 and want to dare her!
As for restaurants, there are plenty on the mountain that serve very reasonably priced, good quality food. Any of them will be an enjoyable experience. At the village I like the steak restaurant in one of the basements (I keep forgetting which, but it is easy to find) run by a Dutchman who studied in the UK. He can cook and is fun to talk to.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I bow to wiser (snow)heads. My concern was that the tunnel exit led to a path that was often narrow and busy, and led to a sharp turn. Once through that I agree it's lovely, but I've seen that track put more nervous skiers off and get them in an unhelpful state of mind to enjoy the lovely pistes.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@fxf, There is some good advice. Just a couple of comments. The pistes from the bottom of the Längfluh chairlift are really not suitable for someone happy on easy blues. The section from there to the top Spielboden station is a black (an easy black but a black nonetheless). Below Spielboden the pistes are easier (rated red, I think) but there are still a couple of short sections that can catch out the inexperienced. Sounds like Felskinn - Morenia is more suitable for your Dad. If the lessons go well you could always take him to Mittelallalin then down to Längfluh and download from there. It would certainly make a great "victory lap" but really just depends on his level of confidence (and the ability of both him and his teacher!)
The only other comment is that, dependent on the weather of course, it is quite unlikely that the ice rink will be seeing much activity by March as it is natural ice. There is the artificial rink in Saas Grund which is only a short (and free) bus ride away. As an added bonus, in Saas Grund is the Hotel Bergheimat which has the best pizzas in the Saastal!
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Sat 19-12-15 12:37; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@fxf, Who is your Dad having his lessons with?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I just realised I said Langfluh, when I meant to say Plattjen. So, the sentence 'A long, easy course is the one that leads to the village from Langfluh', should read: 'A long, easy course is the one that leads to the village from Plattjen'.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I would not recommend Plattjen for a nervous beginner. The red at the top although it is wide, and not too steep, it is exposed and can be icy. Below that you get the short blue piste, but the rest of the blue is a very long 4-5m wide path that takes you back to the village.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@PowerAdict. I respectfully disagree. Yes, it is a narrow(ish) path, but it is virtually flat and it sees very light traffic, so I am not so worried about a novice using it. I remember in my first trip ever, this was my go to piste as it was virtually empty and helped me master connecting turns as there was nobody there and the speed was very low, with it being nearly flat.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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One more suggestion, if you haven't already booked ski school I would recommend Eskimos over the Swiss ski school. Guaranteed lower group sizes with Eskimos and better instruction IMHO. They used to have a slightly earlier lesson start time too which meant you avoided the mass ski school rush ... not that should be a problem in Jan.
Saas Fee is fantastic, love the place though the Swiss Franc has kept us away for a couple of years now 
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@rowlski I have the opposite view. The Swiss ski school, if you speak German are much better as they employ some local guys that are amazing. I was, a few years ago, taught by a guy in his mid sixties, a Saas Fee local, and the guy was amazing. He knew the mountain like the back of his hand, he was no nonsense and I learned a lot. Not to say that Eskimos are not good, I quite like their demeanour on the piste, I just always thought of them more snowboard oriented, that's all.
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@psyxologos, my German really isn't that good!  Eskimo's definitely not just a snowboarding outfit, I was quite impressed in the afternoon when I saw their head instructor drilling the rest of the ski instructors on mountain. The lady teaching my (ski) group was absolutely excellent - German lady with impeccable English who had been living in Saas Fee for 5 or 6 years.
I've used the Swiss school too and whilst they were decent I preferred the much smaller group sizes with Eskimos. I don't doubt there are excellent instructors in the Swiss school too.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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You could also look at Optimum Snowsports. They are a (predominantly) English school, specialising in private lessons and very small groups. Totally geared towards the individual learner, sounds perfect for Dad. Sounds like, maybe, he might benefit more from a couple of private lessons than a week of group classes? I have no connection with Optimum but they could be perfect for him.
Snow here is excellent (at the moment) and much better than many other ski stations but we need a lot more before the toboggan run will be open. That can, of course, all change with one good snowfall. 
Hope you have a great holiday
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thanks @CJS4, he had private lessons last time. I felt maybe he might benefit from being a part of a group to see and learn from the mistakes others are learning? Hard to tell - can only get him to try both ways and see what he likes. Just going to take it easy and see what he fancies. I did spot google says you've got some powder - a nice sprinkle for Christmas!!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@CJS4 is Platjen open? I am starting to worry about the snow quality and quantity, and never thought I would worry about snow in Saas Fee. Please can you give a short report as to how things are at the moment? Many thanks!
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@fxf, yes, private or group lessons is always a matter of personal choice. Just sounds, from what you have said, that Dad maybe needs work on confidence as well as technique. There are many excellent teachers in all the schools in Saas Fee so really it comes down to personal choice. I'm sure he will have fun whatever he chooses.
Don't wish to question the great google but I haven't seen the powder yet. It will come one day😃
@psyxologos, no, Plattjen isn't open yet. Should have been last weekend but it does need a lot of snow to be skiable. Generally the conditions are, comparatively, excellent. Apart from Plattjen, Egginerjoch, Mittaghorn, Morane and Gletscherpiste are closed. They are all ready to go, so just awaiting the elusive snow. At the top the pistes are as perfect as you could hope for, the runs to the village are still good though largely artificial snow. I think you said that you are coming in January. If so, don't worry. It may not be the best winter ever but it will be a whole lot better than a lot of other ski stations. You know Saas Fee, you'll have a great time
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You know it makes sense.
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@CJS4 Thanks for the update. I know about the pistes, I was just wondering whether they are closed because there are stones showing or the people at Saas Fee are still working on perhaps using snow cannons to increase the volume of snow. Yes, I am coming 16/1. I know Saas Fee, I have had plenty of weeks of lovely skiing there. It is just that this year there seems to be a general lack of snow, and even Saas Fee has been affected. I notice there are a couple of days before the 16th (as well as Sunday the 17th) forecasted to snow, but you never know. Last year we did not ski as we had a newborn, but this year we are all coming, including my 5 year old daughter's first even skiing holiday, so I am extra nervous. If you do not mind me asking, are you working there or holidaying? You can reply in a pm if you do not want to say in the thread. I just need to ask a couple of questions with regards to a couple of things, that's all.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@psyxologos, pm sent 
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Poster: A snowHead
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We've been out here since the 18th and out til the new year. If you get out early and ski down after lunch I'd say it's pretty good, a few stones starting to appear on the home run but all in all everything open is genuinely skiable. Several top to bottom runs have been done most days.
Our plattjen theory is that they are holding some pistes back to cope over new year in case the spielboden side gets a bit thin but you never know.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thanks for the update @lampygirl! Keep them coming please, if possible!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Nice theory @lampygirl, truth is, Plattjen takes a lot of snow to be skiable and it just hasn't arrived this year. The Luftseilbahnen would love to have ski areas to keep in reserve but it just ain't happening!! For Saas Fee, in common with most of the Alps, it's the worst start to a season for many years and, whilst we have much better snow than many stations we just have to hope that the weather patterns change asap. If there were ski areas that could be kept closed for no good reason the Luftseilbahnen would be really happy but it just isn't so. I wish that it was!! If you want proof, just take a walk up Plattjen and see what you think!!
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Things seem to be looking up. @CJS4 how does the new snow already on the ground (and the snow coming this Thursday, hopefully) translate to piste conditions and openings? Platjen in particular...
Thanks a lot and a happy new year to all!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@psyxologos, things are certainly looking up Plattjen open today but only the main pistes, the Waldweg blue run is not open so only for "good skiers" (whatever that is!) The itineraries are still not open, but will have to see what Thursday brings! I didn't ski yesterday but friends who work on the hill say conditions are great. You can look forward to having excellent conditions for the week after next.
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Thanks @CJS4 I got a message today that Platjen is open, so happy days. The Waldweg is one of my favourites, but I know that it is harder to get a proper base with it being amongst trees etc, so hopefully Thursday will bring an improvement to this. I have not used the itineraries yet, I was hoping to do so this year. see how it goes! I would be grateful if you could post an eye witness report on or after Thursday, just to wet my appetite a bit more. As if I am not excited enough already...
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FAQ
Just have to see how things go. I obviously want to make his learning experience a positive one, so in his case that does mean lessons (I have only had one, so it's a bit of an alien concept to me!!) but it's nice to be able to take him out again in the afternoons to have a practice! 