Car-free winter wonderland with skiing, sledging, delicious food and family friendly adventures. Saas-Valley | Canton of Valais | Switzerland
The "it" factor
What makes it special:
Car-Free Alpine Charm – Saas-Fee’s cozy village with great restaurants.
Glacier & Revolving Restaurant – Ski year-round at 3,500m with stunning views.
Epic Sledging – Long runs, including a 6 km descent.
Family-Friendly Fun – Saas-Fee’s Beginners’ Village & Kians Adventure Land.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Some beginner ski facilities may be limited in off-season.
Saas-Almagell isn’t slope-connected to Saas-Fee but is a short bus ride away.
Sledging routes may require walking if snow is low.
Want the highlights? Skip the reading and dive into our video with the full 5-day itinerary!
The fun factor
Saas-Fee is a car-free village nestled in the stunning Saas Valley in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Together with Saas-Almagell, Saas-Balen and Saas-Grund, it forms the heart of this picturesque alpine region.
This destination is packed with endless opportunities for family fun, offering activities that cater to all ages and adventure levels.
To make planning easier for you, we’ve explored and highlighted the best winter activities for families. Use these tips to design your perfect Saas-Valley family getaway!
To help you choose and plan, we’ve detailed Saas-Valley adventures below:
Destination: Saas-Fee
Learn to ski or sledge at the beginners' village
Saas-Fee
The Saas-Fee Beginners’ village is a great place to start skiing, especially for families with young learners. It’s conveniently located right in the village, so there’s no need for gondolas or complicated logistics.
With 5 pull lifts, 3 gentle hills, a separate magic carpet area, and a carousel for practice, it’s thoughtfully designed to make learning as approachable as possible. The slopes are groomed, and the standout feature for us was the staff. When our daughter tried the pull lift for the very first time, they were incredibly kind and patient, walking her through it until she felt confident.
There are a couple of practical points to note. When we visited, the magic carpet slope didn’t have any added features or obstacles - they are set up only during high season. Sledding also shares space with skiers here, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you plan to bring a sledge. And while the area is well-designed for learning, there’s no bar or café overlooking the slopes for parents who want to relax while their kids practice.
Even so, the Beginners’ village is a fantastic spot for those first steps on skis—simple, welcoming, and effective.
Give ice-skating a go
Saas-Fee
Just next to the village, you'll find two ice rinks offering something for everyone. One has a natural, scenic vibe, perfect for simply skating around, while the other is designed as a hockey field. From the cozy café-bar nearby, you can rent hockey sticks and pucks—just like we did! While our hockey skills were far from impressive, we had a blast giving it a go.
If skating isn't your strong suit, don't worry! The rink provides little seal-shaped aids to hold onto, making it easy to enjoy the fresh air and the fun of gliding on the ice, even as a beginner. It’s a great way to soak up the crisp mountain atmosphere, whether you’re a pro or just starting out.
Explore the glacier & dine at 3,500 meters above sea level
Saas-Fee
The Fee Glacier, part of the Allalin glacier system, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering a year-round snowy landscape. The glacier is not only a playground for skiers and snowboarders but also a hub for unique experiences, including access to the world’s highest revolving restaurant, Allalin, perched at an incredible 3,500 meters.
Getting to the restaurant & glacier is surprisingly easy—even with a stroller! You have two options to reach it. We opted for a journey that included two gondola rides followed by the world’s highest underground metro . The ascent to the glacier was smooth, and the panoramic views from the top were absolutely breathtaking.
At the glacier, be prepared for strong winds and chilly temperatures. We ventured out to explore a bit but soon retreated to the comfort of the Allalin restaurant, where we enjoyed a drink with a stunning view. Our little one was kept entertained with crayons and coloring. If you want to secure a table, it's best to reserve at least one day in advance via email – details here.
From the glacier, red slopes lead down to the valley—they’re manageable, and we even spotted kids skiing. Since our child isn’t quite there yet, we took turns enjoying the incredible ride down. The snow quality was fantastic, making it an unforgettable skiing experience.
Things to Note:
Weather Conditions: The viewing platform might be closed due to strong winds, as it was during our visit. However, the restaurant offers an excellent alternative for soaking in the views.
Limited Kids’ Activities: The ice cave is currently closed, and there aren’t specific activities for kids at the top. If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, the Morenia restaurant (one station lower) has a play corner to keep little ones entertained.
4. Take a Ski-Free Adventure on Hannig Mountain
Saas-Fee
On the other side of the village, there’s a sunny mountain with amazing views of the Saas peaks. Thanks to its south-facing slopes, it gets plenty of sunshine and feels like a little winter escape. It’s a great spot if you’re not skiing but still want to enjoy the mountains. You’ll need to take a gondola, or hike to get there, and it’s not connected to the main ski area, which makes it feel a bit more tucked away. We like coming here when we want to take a break from skiing and just relax in the sun, soaking in the views and the quieter side of the mountains.
At the restaurant, you can pick up a free bobsled kit, and of course, we couldn’t resist giving it a go! Inside the box were two mini bobsled toys, a shovel, flags, a water spray, and everything needed to build our very own bobsled track.
We found the perfect snowy spot, carved out turns, sprayed the surface to make it icy-fast, and then sent the little bobsleds racing down. It turned into a full-on competition! Such a simple but brilliant way to turn a winter day into something unforgettable—and the best part? It’s completely free!
From the top of the mountain, you can sledge all the way down to the valley on an epic 6 km run! You can rent sledges either in the village or at the bottom gondola station before heading up. The ride itself is a mix of thrills and stunning sceneries— the start is steeper with some sharp turns, but as you go lower, the path flattens out, though it stays quite narrow in places and winds beautifully through the trees.
We had an absolute blast! It’s the perfect mix of speed and adventure, but a few things to keep in mind: Bring a helmet for everyone, make sure you know how to slow down and turn, and younger kids should definitely ride with a parent. There’s also night sledging, which sounds amazing, but we didn’t try it this time. Near the end, if there’s not enough snow, you might have to walk a bit—we did, and honestly, it just added to the adventure! More info and prices.
There’s also Eddie’s Interactive Adventure along the slope—though when we visited, it hadn’t been set up yet. Definitely a reason to come back!
Destination: Saas-Almagell
Just a 15-minute free bus ride away, you’ll find Saas-Almagell, a smaller ski destination where cars are allowed. You can take the free bus from the central bus stop in Saas-Fee. While it’s part of the Saas Valley ski area, it’s not connected via slopes. What makes it really special? It’s home to the most exciting kids’ slopes in the region—all gathered in Kians Adventure Land, where a friendly green dragon mascot sets the scene for a fun-filled day. We spent a day there and had an absolute blast!
Hit the Kians Adventure Land
Saas-Almagell
To get to Kians Adventure Land, take the Furggstalden chairlift from Saas-Almagell. The staff here is incredibly friendly, and if you have young kids without skis or very new beginners, they’ll happily assist in getting everyone safely onto the lift.
As soon as we arrived, we spotted a cute igloo—inside, there were couches and a TV playing stories where kids could take a break. We loved the igloo concept, though we weren’t as excited about the TV. A little screen time doesn’t hurt, though, and it’s a cozy spot for a mid-ski pause.
At the top, there’s plenty of fun for little skiers! A carousel to practice using ski pull lifts, a snow tube run (so much fun!), easy kid-friendly slopes with themed obstacles (when we visited, they had Paw Patrol and Ovomaltine setups), and even a slalom track where you can measure your speed.
For an extra charge (bring cash!), kids can also have a blast riding mini skidoos—their own little snowmobiles! There’s a dedicated round track for children 5 years and up, but it’s even better (and safer) to ride together with a parent. A super fun experience and a great little extra for kids who love a bit of adventure!
There are only pull lifts in the area, but if you ski a little further, you’ll reach another chairlift. You can also ski all the way down to the valley on a mix of red and blue slopes, making it a great spot for both beginners and more confident skiers.
Sledge down
Saas-Almagell
At Saas-Almagell, there's a 3-kilometer sledging run that starts from Furggstalden and winds its way down to the village. We didn't get a chance to try it this time, but it looked like a lot of fun! If you're up for some adventure, this could be a great addition to your day
The comfort factor
There are over 100 hotels and accommodations across Saas Valley, all listed here. We stayed at Hotel Allalin, which isn’t specifically a family hotel but still a great option. They offer a kids’ menu, family rooms with a separate kids' bedroom, a cupboard full of games, and super friendly staff. It’s perfect if you want a quieter stay while still keeping kids happy.
If you’re looking for a fully family-focused stay, Wellnesshotel Zurbriggen is a great choice, with dedicated kids' facilities and programs designed for families. We haven’t stayed there yet, but hopefully one day!
The value factor
Saas-Fee & Saas-Almagell Ski Pass (2024 / 2025)
Adults (from 20 years old):
from 11: CHF 72
from 12 CHF 68
full day: CHF 82
Youth (16-19 years old):
from 11: CHF 61
from 12 CHF 58
full day: CHF 70
Kids (6-15 years old):
from 11: CHF 36
from 12 CHF 34
full day: CHF 41
Kids below 6 years old: FREE
Saas-Fee Beginners Village Ski Pass (2024 / 2025)
Single rides available | Full-day tickets require a 2-day minimum.
Adults (from 16 years old):
2 days: CHF 60
Single ride: CHF 5
Kids & Youth (6-15 years old):
2 days: CHF 30
Single ride: CHF 3
Kids below 6 years old: FREE
Saas-Almagell Ski Pass (2024 / 2025)
Adults (from 20 years old):
from 12 CHF 47
full day: CHF 55
Youth (16-19 years old):
from 12 CHF 40
full day: CHF 47
Kids (6-15 years old):
from 12 CHF 28
full day: CHF 33
Kids below 6 years old: FREE
Glacier Exploration - Pedestrian Ticket (2024 / 2025)
Adults (from 16 years old): Full Price: 79 CHF
Kids (6 - 15 years old), Half-fare card, General abo: 39.50 CHF
Kids below 6 years old: FREE
Multiple days discounts and other passes available
Children up to 8.99 years free with a purchase from one parent 6-day pass with SaastalCard.
Saas-Valley Adventures - Practical Info
Saas-Fee
Arrival by car: Park at the Saas-Fee Parking (Dorfpl., 3906 Saas-Fee) | More info
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Visp. From there, you can take the PostBus (Bus 511 - direction Saas-Fee) every half hour directly to Saas-Fee | More info
Saas-Almagell
Arrival by car: Park at the Saas-Almagell Parking (Talstrasse 53, 3905 Saas-Almagell) | More info
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Visp. From there, you can take the PostBus (Bus 511 - direction Saas-Fee) every half hour directly to Saas-Fee | More info
More info: Ski Map | Webcams | Open facilities | Family Activities | Arrival | Tickets