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Saas Fee information |
Saas Fee
General Overview Then I was struck by the strict adherence to the old days in the Swiss mountains; the almost shed - like buildings and the carefully natured structures which were still being used as dwellings and in some cases even businesses. It was a marriage of the old and the new, with the old being every bit as prized and cherished as were the leaps into modern day tourism. Dear reader if you were to visit Saas Fee anytime soon I bet that you too would be pleased at this presentation. Little seems to have changed, at least not in my mind's eye anyway. Car free in that it has no combustion engine powered vehicles, Saas Fee retains, no, make that delights in its portrayal of typical Swiss village life. It presents itself as a throwback to more tranquil and less aggressive times when it comes to attracting tourists, but as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Yet, when it comes to being a well turned out tourism destination, no matter what time of year, this dandy little resort is a thoroughly modern millie. It has honed all its edges, polished every facade and treasured every natural asset. And oh what natural assets it has. We could start with the Dom, which at a height of over 4,500 meters above sea level is the highest mountain housed completely within Swiss borders. Bet you thought it was the Matterhorn didn't you? Yep, that's higher all right, but don't forget, a good portion of that famous landmark is in Italy. The Dom though only lends to the cosmetic value of Saas Fee. One can't actually ski on it. Natural assets in Saas Fee do not start and stop on the mountains however. The village, which I am tempted to describe as "picture postcard" is a heck of a holding for any resort portfolio. It is not bright lights and loud music mind, but it is a show stopper none the less. This journal does not hesitate in placing Saas Fee high on the list for anyone looking for great skiing in a true Swiss atmosphere. Saas Fee most often seems to be compared with its near neighbour and fellow car free village Zermatt, when it come to choosing ski resorts. They do indeed share a lot of similarities, but many would say that deep in their heart of hearts the two are as individual as any two resorts are likely to be. And, in an area blessed with an abundance of super star ski resorts, these two, Saas Fee and Zermatt, seem to have more than their share of saleable items. This section of Switzerland's Canton Valais has indeed been blessed by mother nature. We cite again the year round resorts of Saas Fee and Zermatt, a mere 30 kms or so up the road from Visp. Complete with glacier skiing, car free villages and striking natural beauty, these two resorts, seem to have every richness that mother nature could possibly endow. To be sure there are a number of other dazzling little resorts in the immediate neighbourhood, but Saas Fee and Zermatt are the big names. The stars. What the local powers have done with each of these resorts is also optimal. Saas Fee, for example is a exceptionally beautiful resort, that, although geared up professionally to cater for visitors, takes pride in its traditions and old style Swiss beauty. It is one of the fortunate, few destinations that offers year round skiing, a car free village, and, basically a 365 day season. The Village of Saas Fee is dynamite to look at no matter what the season. As all conventionally powered vehicles must be checked at the edges of town, this resort too is promoted as car free. However I ask the question again. Is an electric car any less a car? This question deserves asking and deserves an answer as anyone who has either been bumped by an electric car, or impatiently honked out of the way in the middle of the village's beautiful narrow streets will attest. That having been said, Saas Fee retains its special feel and special persona, and no amount of rude or dangerous drivers of battery powered taxis can alter that. Saas Fee is livelier than your average Swiss entry after the sun goes down. The village presents a wide array of restaurants, night spots and gathering holes, the only thing you need bring is the money. Aw heck, you really don't need more here than you do in most other first class ski resorts anywhere. |
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