Saastal

Saas-Fee was my first ski holiday in Switzerland, so it has a special place for me – even though my chalet got broken in to during my stay! Saas-Fee is high so there is skiing almost all year-round, ecologically it is the best resort in the Alps, it is car-free, lively and very scenic. The runs are good, not as good as Zermatt, but together with Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell this is a really worthwhile holiday destination.

Ski Area Saastal
Resorts Saas Almagell, Saas Balen, Saas Grund, Saas-Fee
Ski Region Valais
Piste (km) 100
Top run (m) 3600
Bottom (m) 1800
Max Drop 1800
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 25
Red (km) 50
Blue (km) 25
Lifts (#/hr) 30600
My Rating 5
Alpine 5
SnowPark 4
Nordic 3
Hiking 3
Family 5
Apres Ski 5
Free Ride Y
Snow making Y
Fun park Y
Snow park Y
Half pipes Y
Spa

In Brief

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Crans Montana

A sprawling, busy resort with few queues, good mountain restaurants and lovely cruisy runs set against beautiful views South across the Rhone Valley. Needs good snow conditions though, so probably best for January through to February half-term when higher, north-facing resorts can be grim. By road it’s pretty easy to get to, but by public transport you need to transfer from Sierre’s main station to another funicular station then take a bus and make a short walk.

Ski Area Crans Montana
Resorts Crans, Montana, Aminona
Ski Region Valais
Piste (km) 140
Top run (m) 2462
Bottom (m) 1500
Max Drop 962
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 20
Red (km) 80
Blue (km) 40
Lifts (#/hr) 36520
My Rating 5
Alpine 4
SnowPark 4
Nordic 4
Hiking 3
Family 3
Apres Ski 4
Free Ride Y
Snow making Y
Fun park Y
Snow park
Half pipes
Spa

In Brief

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Zermatt

There are lots of little things to complain about with Zermatt. If there weren’t, it would be perfect. Winter sports resorts simply don’t come any better. What sums the resort up for me is eating the splendid fish soup at Cafe Etoile on the Cervinia side, under the Matterhorn on a sunny spring lunchtime, after a run down from the Breithorn.

For the most up-to-date information on the resort, visit my page in my full database here: Zermatt

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Quattre Vallées

Brash, a bit nouveau, perhaps over-rated… you can’t dismiss Verbier, Switzerland’s answer to the big ski circuses of France is a post-war invention, but the resort is nonetheless surprisingly attractive and the skiing and snowboarding is BIG. The off-piste and marked trails are demanding, but there is something here for everyone although I don’t think it is a great place for beginners or early intermediates. Nendaz and Veysonnaz are better for families, Verbier for party animals.

Latest updated information is at 4 Vallées.

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