Saas-Fee To Host Again The Ice Climbing World Cup

From 12 to 19 January 2013, Saas-Fee will once again play host to the Ice Climbing World Cup. This year the famous week-long iceclimbing event will be even more spectacular thanks to new climbing features. Audiences will also be able to witness the first-ever youth world championship. The evenings will be packed, too, as athletes and spectators get together for the already-legendary Ice Parties.

Athletes from around the world will compete on ice walls up to 30 metres in height, leaving spectators enthralled. This year the Saas Valley also has the honour of hosting the first youth world championships in the history of ice climbing. Held in Saas-Grund over two days, the event will showcase around 50 young athletes competing in "Speed" and "Lead" disciplines.

This year, the Ice Night ski-touring race (Swiss Cup) is open to both professional and amateur skiers. So whether you’re an elite athlete, or an upand-coming talent, or ski just for fun, you are very welcome to take part. The race starts on the Saas-Fee village square, where spectators can enjoy raclette and wine while they wait for the competitors to return to the finish line.

It is not only participants that will enjoy the Ice Climbing World Cup & Swiss Masters event; spectators are also guaranteed to get their money’s worth. The new climbing features make for more difficult, even more spectacular routes that will really put competitors to the test. So that the event is a treat for the palate as well as the eyes, various food stalls will be offering Valais specialities, and the Vins de Chevaliers wine cellar from Salgesch will be hosting a tasting at the wine bar. And there’s no need to worry that you might get chilly. At the World Cup Ice Parties, the electric atmosphere during the live climbing demonstrations is sure to keep anyone warm!

This action-packed event will keep you energised all week long. With competitions from morning till night and wild parties until dawn, it probably won’t even occur to you to hit the sack.

Program 2013

•  12.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Youth Woldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Grund
• 13.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Youth Woldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Grund
• 16.01. SAC Ice Night Ski-Touring Race (Swisscup), Saas-Fee
• 18.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Worldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Fee
• 19.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Worldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Fee
• 18. & 19.01. World Cup Ice Parties

Livestream and additional information available from: www.iceclimbingworldcup.ch

or www.saas-fee.ch

Saas-Fee Named Best Swiss Ski Resort

by Raúl Revuelta

Yesterday the results of a questionnaire for "Best ski resort" with over 40‘000 guests were presented. Saas-Fee / Saastal was voted best Swiss ski Resort. Internationally it was even voted to second rank out of 55 top ski destinations in Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland. In terms of snow reliability, slope preparation and cosiness, Saas-Fee / Saastal hit top status. Together with Aletsch Arena and Zermatt, 3 of the first 5 ranks are taken by valaisian destinations.

Right on time for the start of the winter season 2012/13, Saas-Fee / Saastal is climbing to the top with the best ski resorts of the Alps. The independent guest satisfaction study "Best Ski Resort" is counted as one of the biggest and most significant studies in the alpine area and has questioned more than 41’000 winter sport guests. The guests appreciated the high snow reliability, great slope preparation and the cosy feeling of Saas-Fee / Saastal. The top placement in these three categories led to the gold medal in Switzerland. Internationally, the winter sports guests voted Saas-Fee / Saastal onto second place out of 55 ski resorts in the European alps.

Snow is guaranteed
"About 70% of all ski slopes in Saas-Fee are guaranteed for snow", says Rainer Flaig, CEO of the Saas-Fee cableways. The top rank in snow security is due to the unique glacier area and the unmatched height of the area, which is offering fun in the snow up to a height of 3’600 meters altitude. Above this, Saas-Fee cableways invested strongly into the artificial snow production over the last years.

Slopes are fulfilling highest demands
Also in the area of slope preparation, Saas-Fee / Saastal is in first place across Europe. "The Saas-Fee cableways has strongly invested in the infrastructure for preparing the slopes. This top rank was achieved with the help of our highly qualified and experienced teams who secure the quality of the slopes. That even in summer the slopes are living up to the highest expectations are demonstrated through the numerous national and youngster teams, which train in Saas-Fee for competitions regularly since many years", said Flaig.

Authenticity essential
The car free vacation resort in the southern canton Valais convinces also in the category cosiness (1st place) and ambience (2nd place). Pascal Schaer, Director Tourism, is convinced: "The top ranks achieved in these two categories clearly shows that authentic and decelerated vacation resorts are en vogue. Further are the historic and landmarked `Stadel’ made out of sun blackened larch wood, the narrow alleys and stone covered roofs are unique for the guests experience. Here it shows that product quality and authenticity are looked for by guests".

Saas-Fee / Saastal even more attractive in winter 2012/2013
In the coming winter season, Saas-Fee / Saastal is raising the attractiveness even further. Already for the coming weekend on November 10th /11th 2012 the slopes and facilities are going back in service up to Morenia (2’500 meters altitude). Additionally the Saas-Fee cableways is the only Swiss mountain cable car and railway company which lowers their prices for kids and adults – according to a questionnaire of 20 of the largest Swiss ski resorts conducted by a Swiss TV broadcast. The 6-day destination ski pass is lowered by over 10%, daily passes by 5.5%.

Saas-Fee / Saastal is on course for growth
Pascal Schaer is optimistic for the future:"After the decline of the overnight stays, the downward spiral was stopped in summer 2012. The successfully initiated ‘cable cars and bus included’ in the past summer has made the Saastal the largest all-inclusive destination in Switzerland. This was crowned by a guest growth of over 30%. The big challenge is now to return to the growth path also in the Euro area and to unlock new guest segments". This has already begun in the far markets, were the guest numbers in summer show a drastic increase from Japan (+78%) and Russia (+22%).

Zermatt. A Gastronomic Paradise in the Swiss Alps

By Raúl Revuelta

There is no greater pleasure after a long day of skiing than sitting down to enjoy a traditional raclette.
But Zermatt (Valais) offers much more than that. Twenty Zermatt Restaurants have been included in the latest edition of the most popular Swiss restaurant guide, the Gault Millau 2013.

The Omnia, the "Heimberg" Restaurant, and the Hotel Matthiol have entered for the first time in the prestigious guide.

"The residents of Zermatt and their guests are spoiled by the very best mountain restaurants in the Alps. Hotels with ambitious chefs…" The Gault Millau (GM) is full of praise for Zermatt in its 2013 edition. The restaurants included in the 2013 guide (18 up to now) have amassed a total of 248 points (246 up to now). The publishers of the Gault Millau write in their press release: "Gastronomic power continues to rise as before in Zermatt: the cuisine in the wonderful restaurants lining the ski runs is consistently good. There has been some change in the village but the density is impressive". The Gault Millau tasters have designated the boys from the isle of Capri as the undisputed "top dogs", who never cease to "amaze us every year" in the Mont Cervin Palace (Le Capri Restaurant).

The Omnia has been waiting a long time for its Gault Millau entry and now it's a case of "Welcome to the Club!" states the restaurant guide, referring to the 14-point performance by its chef Patrick Weber. The "Heimberg" Restaurant was also able to climb up the rankings. Christian Geisler garnered praise with the entry, "What the young chef from Salzburg, Christian Giesler, serves up, deserves to earn great praise", gaining the "Heimberg" 14 points (13 up to now). The press release goes even further: "Christian Geisler is the shooting star in the village. … we expect great things from him".

The Restaurant Dolce Vita is a new addition, although without an entry with points, as Roland Kilian only works in the Dolce Vita in Zermatt in winter. Like other chefs in Zermatt practically overwinters here like a migratory bird. He is now here for the second time (2012/2013 season).

The Hotel Matthiol also managed only an entry, as Chef Maria Gross is moving on with Patrick Zeh stepping into her shoes. He first needs to prove himself.

Nine Zermatt hotels included Tourists continue to seek out beautiful hotels where they can enjoy outstanding food. Of the 100 hotels designated by Gault Millau as "Gourmet Hotels", nine of them are now in Zermatt. This is because the Hotel The Omnia is now in the club, too. Zermatt has a total of over 150 restaurants, 50 of which are mountain restaurants plus a further 50 bars and nightclubs.

The 20 best restaurants in Zermatt
	Gault Millau points
Hotel Alpenhof, Restaurant Le Gourmet	15
Hotel Cervo	13
Restaurant China Garden	13
Restaurant Dolce Vita	-*
Findlerhof Mountain Restaurant	14
Restaurant Chez Heini	13
Restaurant Heimberg	14 (+1)
Hotel Matthiol	-*
Hotel Mirabeau, Restaurant Le Corbeau d’Or	15
Hotel Mont Cervin Palace, Ristorante Capri	16
Hotel Mont Cervin Palace, Grill “Le Cervin”	14
Restaurant Myoko	13
Hotel The Omnia	14 (new)
Hotel Post, Restaurant Portofino	13
Hotel Schönegg, Restaurant Gourmetstübli	15
Hotel Riffelalp Resort, Lounge / Al Bosco	13
Hotel Sonnmatten	13
Restaurant Zum See bei Max und Greti	14
Chez Vrony Mountain Restaurant	13**
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Restaurant Prato Borni	13

*Two Zermatt restaurants have not been awarded points but have still been included. This is because the chef's successor must first prove himself (Matthiol) and because Roland Kilian is "only" working as a guest chef (Dolce Vita). However, he has cooked his way to 16 points in his former Rebstock Restaurant in Tschugg (Berne).

**Chez Vrony (picture attached) is one of a few restaurants that serves their own organic produce. The cattle eat nothing but the grass that grows on the mountain pastures. The dried meat, homemade sausage and mountain cheese served at Chez Vrony is all made according to time-honoured recipes handed down from one generation to the next, just like the restaurant itself. Indeed, all dishes on the menu are natural and authentic regional fare, but are often combined with a cosmopolitan touch.

Gault et Millau is one of the most influential French Restaurant guides. It was founded by two restaurant critics, Henri Gault (1929–2000) and Christian Millau in 1965. Gault Millau rates on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 highest (Restaurants below 10 points are almost never listed). The points are awarded based on the (1) quality and freshness of produce, (2) creativity and professionalism in food presentation, (3) harmony of the menu, (4) timing of service, (5) presentation and salubriousness of dishes, and (6) consistency of performance.

Based on this rating, high ranking restaurants may display one to four toques.
The Swiss guide was established in 1982. Recognition is highly prized and requires a minimum of 12 points summarised as follows:

12 points. Good kitchen offering conventional and traditional cuisine
13 - 14 points. Very good kitchen with more than conventional cuisine
15 - 16 points. High level of cuisine and quality
17 points. Award for the best quality and consistency
18 points. Award for exceeding quality of cuisine and creativity
19 points. Award for a groundbreaking and outstanding cuisine
20 points. Never awarded

Now Ski Vail Resorts and Verbier on the Epic Pass

By Raúl Revuelta

Vail Resorts announced an unprecedented partnership with Verbier, that will enhance the already incredible value of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, providing three days of free access to the Verbier ski resort, including Les 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland, for new and renewing 2012-2013 Epic Pass holders. In addition to unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding at eight world-class mountain resorts in the United States, Epic Pass holders will now have the opportunity to extend their winter from the U.S. to Europe, and experience four additional premier mountain resorts including the illustrious Verbier resort, as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon, Switzerland. This exciting new partnership allows 2012/2013 Epic Pass Holders to ski for up to 3 Free days at Verbier, including the 4 Vallées and for annual 4 Vallées pass holders to ski for up to 3 Free days at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.

The unrestricted three free days of skiing and riding will be reciprocated for Les 4 Vallées season pass holders, allowing more European guests to experience Vail Resorts, including the award-winning application EpicMix.

"Vail Resorts Epic Pass holders already receive an incredible experience with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ seven world-class resorts in the United States, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, as well as Arapahoe Basin, but we wanted to further enhance the value for our British guests by offering Epic Pass holders three free days of skiing at the legendary Verbier ski resort, including Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland", said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts. "Verbier, including Les 4 Vallées, offers a truly exceptional ski and snowboard experience that offers the same incredible terrain and outstanding guest service that we provide at our seven world-class resorts. Now for the 2012-2013 ski season Vail Resorts Epic Pass holders can expand their experience of a lifetime from the U.S. to Europe, and we are thrilled to welcome Verbier pass-holders to our resorts".

"We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Vail Resorts, providing an exceptional added value for our pass holders and Epic Pass holders alike", said Eric A. Balet, chief executive officer of Téléverbier SA. "Our passes provide unparalleled benefits and access to the best skiing in Europe, and now in North America. We are thrilled to be working together with Vail Resorts to provide our clientele such incredible added value and excited that our pass holders will benefit as a result of this strong partnership".

The  Verbier "4Vallées" ski area connects the resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. Comprised of 92 lifts and 412km of ski runs, it is the largest ski area located entirely in Switzerland. The "4Vallées" ski area attracts snowsport enthusiasts of all ages and levels, and offers a magnificent setting thanks to its unparalleled sun exposure, and great snow quality. From Mont-Fort, the ski area’s culminating point (3,330m), visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc.

Vail Resorts is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. Vail Resorts operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and now Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the GrandTeton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resorthotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estateplanning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly heldcompany traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Esquí estival en los Alpes

Publicado en el diario La Razón

Saas Fee Ride 2011

By Raúl Revuelta

Next Saturday July 23rdth will see a new edition of the Saas-Fee Ride. The competition will be held in the stunning glacial terrain park of Saas-Fee, the famous car-free glacier village at the foot of the Mischabel chain. The event took place for the first time in 2003 when Warren Smith, the event Director, established it to breach the gap between the winter seasons.

The Saas-Fee Ride 2011 is laying on a freesports festival packed with on-slope action from some of Europe top New School freestyle skiers from various international teams. Athletes will gather in Saas-Fee on the 23rd July 2011 to compete in a world class Big Air competition and a Rail Jam expression session.

The Saas-Fee Ride is going to be a unique summer freeski event with the Saas-Fee terrain park at 3300 meters providing the venue. You can enjoy latest international new school freeski tricks & action on the ‘Fee Glacier’ above the beautiful and ancient Saas-Fee, where you may want to lay back and relax in the calm of the noise free mountain village, surrounded by a unique scenery of 13 summits of 4000 meters.

Big Air might well be considered the most spectacular discipline in new school freestyle. Competitors jump off an enormous kicker (jump) and demonstrate their wildest tricks in the air: horizontal and vertical twists are not a rare sight. The best competitors achieve jumps of up to 25 metres.

This year edition also introduces a Rail Jam into the competition. Rails is one of the fastest growing aspects of skiing today and the Saas-Fee snowpark will be hosting one of the highest levels of performance.

The Saas Fee Ride is going to be a unique summer freeski event with the Saas Fee terrain park at 3300 meters providing the venue. The Saas-Fee park is renowned for its perfectly shaped kickers, world cup half pipe and innovative rails. The park team will work throughout the months of May and June to ensure a world class standard for the summer event.

A 3 minutes News Feed through Ride Freesport will be aired on Monday 25th of July through the website of the eventand will include the most spectacular action of the day & the winners interviews.Downloads of the full Internet TV broadcast resolution (720x576) news feed will be available through Vimeo and Youtube. Check out the Saas-Fee website for links to view the web media.

Saas Fee Ride - 24 minute TV program from Ride Freesport on Vimeo.

Saas-Fee Mountain Cleaning Day

By Raúl Revuelta

Today is cleaning day in the Pearl of the Alps!!!

Saturday 30 June 2012 will be Saas-Fee’s third Mountain Cleaning Day. This special event aims to raise participants’ motivation and awareness about looking after the environment. During the colder months of the year, our slopes attract thousands of winter sport fans and, inevitably, their litter. Both previous events saw participants collect over a tonne of waste from the Saas-Fee slopes. Their sacks were filled with cigarette butts, tickets, plastic bottles, babies’ dummies, snowboards and countless other items – showing just how necessary Mountain Cleaning Day is for keeping our environment spic and span.

 

Celebrity involvement

The organisers of Mountain Cleaning Day have moved away from the conventional community action projects that Saas-Fee has seen over the years to instead present an event with a difference and attract as many participants as possible. Participants are divided into various groups, each led by a famous person. A couple of big names have already stepped up. Once again, snowboarder Gian Simmen, who won Olympic gold in the halfpipe event in Nagano, will prove he’s not above grabbing a bin bag and helping out. He’ll be joined by rising freestyle star Elias Ambühl, who achieved international fame with his victory at the legendary freestyle.ch races and his third place ranking in the Big Air event at the Winter X-Games in Aspen. Other celebrities will be announced soon.

Chill & Grill

The main aim of Mountain Cleaning Day, supported by the Summit Foundation, may be to leave the Saas-Fee slopes spic and span, but the organisers spare no effort in rewarding the volunteers for their help. Once the cleaning is finished, they put on a big barbecue in the Wolfsgrube and all participants receive a Roxy/Quiksilver gift.

30th anniversary of the Allalin Races – Feel the burn on the glacier

Legendary Allalin Races celebrate 30th anniversary in 2012.

by Raúl Revuelta

On 13 and 14 April it will once again be time to say: on the slopes, get set, go!

The two-day event will see over 1,000 participants race the almost 9 km course, descending from 3,600 metres into the valley at 1,800 m. World-famous skier Silvan Zurbriggen will once again be at the starting gate. For 30 years the Allalin Races in Saas-Fee have been part of the Super Vier –a series of the top four amateur downhill races in Switzerland.

Each year the races and after-parties attract ambitious amateur racers as well as winter sports fans who join in simply for the fun of taking part. Alongside the races, there will, of course, be a colourful and varied programme of events. An array of charmingly decorated wooden chalets will be offering a feast of delights at the festival site. They include a wine/champagne bar, a raclette hut, a barbecue lodge or an Asian food stand.A fun party atmosphere is guaranteed, with live music starting from 11 a.m.and going on into the night. There are also many attractions for kids, including face painting and a bouncy castle. To top it off, Silvan Zurbriggen –the famous World Cup skier from the Upper Valais – will be mingling with the crowds on Saturday. Zurbriggen will take part in individual races before giving interviews and even conducting a few of his own on the village square. Fans of all ages will then be able to pick up an autograph from the star skier.

Just over 1,000 participants have registered so far for the 2012 Allalin Races.This gives the organisers strong hopes of surpassing last year’s number ofparticipants and seeing the event’s popularity continue to rise. A total of 552 skiers have already registered for the individual races. The categories with the highest numbers of participants are "Individual Men’s 18 –35" and "Individual Men’s 36 – 50", each with almost 200 on the starting list. At the moment 373 people are registered for the team races. They make up 66 teams in the "Team Race", 23 in the "Fun Team Race" and two in the "Team Snowboarding Race". In addition, 144 skiers have signed up for the His and Hers Race.

This year, most participants in the Allalin Races are from Switzerland (over 90 percent), whilst 5.8 percent are from Germany. The rest come from Italy, the UK, Spain and Austria. Among the Swiss participants, the highest proportion comes from Berne (43 percent), considerably more than the 12 percent from the Valais region. Close behind are the skiers from Aargau, who make up just under 11 percent, and from Zurich, who make up 8.9 percent. Hardly any skiers from Eastern Switzerland have registered.The oldest male participant comes from Germany. Born in 1936, he is participating in the highest glacier downhill race in the world at the grand oldage of 76. The oldest woman, born in 1949, will be competing at the age of63. The youngest male competitor is 16 and the youngest female 19. Invitation to all over-all winners from the past 30 years For the 30th edition of the Allalin Races, the organisers have come up with a very special idea. All the over-all winners from the past 30 years have been personally invited to this special occasion. For several of the former competitors this is sure to be a happy reunion with like-minded people and a chance to indulge in unforgettable memories of lightning-speed descents, comic moments and fierce competition. It will certainly be a great opportunity for all involved to enjoy the races in a jovial environment and to be up close tothe action once more.

Allalin Rennen. Un apasionante descenso de 9 kilómetros en Saas-Fee

Por Ski Paradise

Este año la legendaria carrera del Allalin celebra su 30 aniversario. Para conmemorar la ocasión la edición de este año contará con la presencia de los ganadores de la prueba en las pasadas 30 ediciones. Los próximos 13 y 14 de abril más de 1000 participantes tomaran la salida en esta prueba cuyo trazado alcanza los 9 kilómetros, descendiendo desde los 3600 metros del glaciar hasta los 1800 metros del Valle.

Desde hace 30 años la Allalin Rennen de Saas-Fee forma parte de la Super Vier, las 4  pruebas de descenso para amateurs más importantes de Suiza.
El evento estará acompañado una vez más de un ambicioso programa de actividades donde corredores y fans podrán disfrutar de un ambiente festivo. Un conjunto de chalets de madera acogerán un bar donde disfrutar vino y champagne, una cabaña dedicada a la raclette el plato típico del Valais, una barbacoa y un restaurante asiático. El ambiente festivo estará reforzado por la música en vivo desde las 11 de la mañana hasta bien entrada la madrugada. Los organizadores no se han olvidado de los más pequeños que podrán disfrutar de un programa de actividades diseñado especialmente para ellos.

La carrera individual contará con la presencia del  esquiador de Copa del Mundo Silvan Zurbriggen, quien firmara autógrafos , responderá a las preguntas de los medios y conversará con los asistentes.
Si bien la mayoría de los participantes procede de Suiza, la carrera contará con la participación de esquiadores procedentes de Alemania, Italia, Reino Unido, Austria y España que estará representada por el equipo Saas-Fee 4 Seasons y Raúl Revuelta.
El más veterano de los participantes llegará  desde Alemania. Nacido en 1936 cuenta en la actualidad con 76 años, lo que no le impide animarse a disfrutar de este apasionante descenso.

Esquí-verano en el Glaciar de Saas-Fee (Suiza)

Publicado en Skiamos Magazine

El verano nos agobia, los termómetros de nuestra ciudad marcan más de 30 grados, pensamos entonces en huir del calor y realizar una escapada a la perla de los Alpes Suizos. Regresamos pero esta vez en verano al precioso y encantador pueblo de Saas-Fee, para esquiar en su glaciar a más de 3500m de altitud. Una buena manera de soportar los largos meses de espera, que dura la llegada del invierno.

Como llegar: Nuestro viaje comienza en el aeropuerto de Madrid, desde donde volamos con la compañía Swiss Air hasta Ginebra. El trayecto nos lleva aproximadamente unas dos horas. En el mismo aeropuerto, cogemos un tren hasta la estación de Visp. Cuyo recorrido se hace de manera cómoda, atravesando y contemplando el lago Leman y las montañas que lo rodean. En esta época del año apreciamos el fantástico paisaje, durante un trayecto de 3 horas, con parada de 5 minutos en la ciudad de Laussane.  En la estación de Visp, un autobús de línea será el encargado de llevarnos en unos 50 minutos aproximadamente hasta el precioso pueblo de Saas- Fee, atravesando varios pueblitos de montaña. Es importante sincronizar todos los horarios, ya que cogiendo el vuelo de las 10.00 am de Madrid, la sincronización de llegadas está asegurada. No es necesario tener que esperar para enlazar el viaje.

La magia de Saas-Fee: Saas-Fee (1800m),la perla de los Alpes, es un cuidado y precioso pueblo enclavado en el corazón de los Alpes Suizos,  en donde los coches están prohibidos y solo pueden circular pequeños coches eléctricos.  Nos impresiona la grandiosidad de la vista del  glaciar desde todo el pueblo, sus casas de madera oscura  con sus pequeños huertos a pie de calle, y decoradas todas con flores de colores. Enseguida observamos la diferencia de tonalidades de la montaña de cuando estuvimos el pasado octubre. El paisaje cambia y la verdad que los 23 grados de temperatura, hacen que realmente nos demos cuenta que a pesar de que esquiemos, estamos aún en verano.  Lo primero que hacemos es pasar por la oficina de Turismo de Saas-Fee, para enterarnos de la cantidad de actividades que se pueden realizar.

Ski-Time 7.00 am – 13.00 pm: El glaciar se encuentra situado a una altura de 3.500m, y para llegar a él, tenemos un trayecto de más o menos unos 40 minutos con esperas incluidas (dependiendo de la gente que encontremos). Comenzamos el día con un buen desayuno a las 7.00 am con intención de comenzar a esquiar a las 8.30 am. Hay que tener en cuenta que estamos en verano y el día de esquí se asemeja más a cuando la temporada de invierno está avanzada. Nieve dura a primera hora y a partir de las 11.00 am comienza a transformar. Así que nos dirigimos al telecabina Alpin express que da acceso al glaciar y se encuentra muy cerca del hotel Du Glacier donde nos alojamos. Alcanza la cota 3.000m en dos recorridos de unos 25 minutos aproximadamente y un tren cremallera nos sube hasta la cota 3.500m en unos 5 minutos. Nuestro cuerpo nota la falta de oxigeno y algunos hasta notamos un pequeño mareo que se subsana en cuanto nos calzamos las botas de esquiar. Cuando salimos incrédulos fuera y vemos el paisaje que tenemos ante nuestros ojos, son inevitables las risitas y nuestras caras reflejan la alegría de poder volver a esquiar en el mes de Julio. Los seracs, y las impresionantes grietas ponen un toque de distinción al paisaje que nos rodea, ya que el color de la nieve en las paredes de roca es de un verde intenso. Muy diferente al la panorámica que obtuvimos el otoño del pasado año. Y es que lo bueno que tiene este glaciar, es que adopta un paisaje camaleónico para integrarse en cada temporada del año.

El glaciar cuenta con tres telearrastres dobles de ancla ubicados en tres zonas diferentes y que dan acceso a 20 km de pistas. Destacamos la zona del snowpark, situado a la derecha de los arrastres, cuenta con un half-pipe y varios big-jumps, barandillas etc.. en él pudimos ver el nivelazo de riders que tiene Saas Fee.

Las pistas con las que cuenta el glaciar están en unas condiciones perfectas para la práctica del esquí. Las grietas del glaciar son más visibles durante esta época, por lo que nos limitamos a esquiar en las pistas balizadas.  Las condiciones climatológicas nos permitieron disfrutar de dos días de sol, del que nos protegimos con una alta protección solar y de una temperatura agradable. Os recomendamos esquiar con vestimenta por capas, y con una mochila, así podréis regular la temperatura corporal en función del tiempo que encontréis. E importante es también hacerse con una pequeña botella de agua para evitar la deshidratación.

Las jornadas de esquí han comenzado a las 8.30 am y finalizado a la 13.00h, pero os podemos asegurar que la cantidad de bajadas que pudimos realizar durante los días esquiados, han satisfecho enormemente nuestras ganas de esquiar.

Después de esquiar

Arriba en el glaciar, aprovechamos para comer en el restaurante Allalin, el más alto del  mundo situado a 3500m, desde donde se observan unas vistas fantásticas de todos las montañas de los Alpes, Täschhorn (4491m), Dom (4545m), Allalinhorn (4027m) etc…Mientras comes, el restaurante realiza en una hora un giro de 360º, por lo que puedes disfrutar de las diferentes vistas, mientras saboreas un buen plato de pasta.

Otra actividad recomendable para hacer en el glaciar es visitar las grietas subterráneas que se encuentran bajo el citado restaurante. Una superficie de más de 5500 m2 que representa la profundidad que tiene el glaciar.

Si optáis por bajar al pueblo y comer allí, cualquier terracita es más que apetecible para poder relajarse un poco.

La tarde en Saas Fee, también da mucho de si. Para todos los amantes de la bicicleta de montaña, se pueden alquilar bicis en las tiendas del centro, hay muchísimos senderos de dificultad variada para poder dar un espléndido “paseo”.

El pueblo da mucho juego para poder visitarlo y fotografiar cada rincón; el río corre bravo con las aguas de color verde grisáceo que reflejan la tonalidad de la nieve del glaciar. Y las casas no pueden dar más colorido al paisaje con sus ordenadas jardineras, que nos llaman la atención por el orden que tiene tan riguroso a la hora de plantar. Y es que estamos en Suiza, donde el orden, la limpieza, la seriedad son palpables en todas los rincones de sus calles. Hay que andarse con ojo cuando se camina porque los coches eléctricos son tan silenciosos que algún susto ya te llevas.

Si lo que quieres es aventura al máximo, tendrás que contratar con anterioridad de al menos un día la excursión a la Gorge Alpine info@bergfuehrerbuero.ch (diversión asegurada con vías ferratas, enormes tirolinas, puentes tibetanos en un valle de enorme belleza) en la escuela de esquí suiza junto a la plaza de la iglesia. Ya que se necesita al menos unas 4 horas para realizar la actividad y tiene que estar organizado con guías asignados para poderla llevar acabo.

Donde comer/cenar

Después de un día de intensas actividades, lo que a uno le apetece es cenar en cualquiera de los restaurantes que encontramos en Saas-Fee. La cocina suiza, es algo que no te puedes perder… os sugerimos algunos de los que nosotros probamos como Steak House (donde degustar una carne exquisita), Zur Múhle (fondeu típica suiza o también la china) o el Bodmen (un poco más lejos del pueblo, pero merece la pena acercarse dando un paseo. Recomendamos pedir la tabla de carnes variadas).

Donde tomar una copa

También la noche de Saas-Fee tiene su encanto. Su pueblo silencioso cuenta con algunos lugares de marcha donde poder tomar una copa tranquilo, os destacamos el Alpen Pub, el Metropol o el Popcorn junto al hotel Ferienart Resort & Spa.

Desde SKIAMOS magazine queremos agradecer, como nos ha tratado Turismo de Saas-Fee, y prometemos volver, pero esta vez será en invierno para conocer su estación a fondo. ¡Gracias!

Algunos datos de interés:

Vuelos con Suisse Air ida y vuelta desde Madrid-Ginebra 109€ aprox.

Trayecto ida y vuelta Ginebra-Saas Fee con todo incluido 240€ aprox.

Hotel Du Glacier **** en habitación individual (vistas glaciar) 123€ día.

Consulta precios Skipasss en www.saas-fee.ch

Vacaciones en Saas Fee, la perla de los Alpes Suizos

Viaje recomendado por Skiamos Magazine

Nosotros tuvimos el privilegio de esquiar en el mes de octubre en el precioso glaciar de Saas Fee http://www.skiamosmagazine.com/viajes/viaje-al-glaciar-de-saas-fee-suiza-octubre-2010/, pero para todos aquellos que no concéis la estación, aquí os dejamos la información necesaria para preparar vuestras vacaciones de invierno.

Invierno – actividades al aire libre y esquí

Los esquiadores, aficionados al snowboard, esquiadores de fondo y senderistas no tienen de qué preocuparse. Un invierno en el Valle de Saas es un invierno de verdad. Gracias a sus zonas de esquí a hasta 3.600m de altitud y con un total de 145 pistas, Saas-Fee y el Valle de Saas en el sur de Suiza no sólo están libres de niebla, sino que además ofrecen nieve garantizada. Un lugar de nieves eternas ideal para practicar el esquí y el snowboard. Los aficionados a estos deportes encontrarán aquí pistas adaptadas a cada nivel, ya sean principiantes, amateurs o profesionales. Y todo ello hasta el 1 de mayo de 2011.

Deportes de nieve: pistas seductoras

Son amplias, están allanadas, están preparadas, tienen baches, son planas, escarpadas, difíciles, fáciles, siempre tienen nieve, pero, ante todo, las pistas de invierno del Valle de Saas son incomparablemente bellas. 145 kilómetros que cautivan por igual a principiantes y profesionales. Los practicantes del esquí libre y el snowboard podrán pasárselo en grande en el Freestyle Park. Atención a las familias: los niños nacidos hasta el 2002 pueden viajar gratis en el funicular en compañía de un adulto.

Senderismo en invierno: un placer crujiente

60 kilómetros se extienden a sus pies. La nieve cruje bajo sus zapatos, el sol ilumina un mundo de cristal de un brillo incomparable. Todo resplandece, destella, deslumbra, y usted respira regularmente, avanzando paso a paso. Nuestras rutas de invierno magníficamente preparadas le conducen a través de paisajes vírgenes del Valle de Saas. Un consejo: la ruta temática “los 18 cuatromiles del Valle de Saas” le lleva a más de 3000 metros de altura, tan cerca de las montañas gigantes que casi podrá tocarlas con la mano.

Rutas temáticas: conocimiento «en movimiento»

En las rutas temáticas irá conociendo muchos temas interesantes a lo largo del camino. El recorrido Sonnenweg (camino del sol) que baja desde Hannig hasta Saas-Fee hace honor a su nombre. Déjese acariciar por el sol y disfrute de su agradable calidez. La ruta temática Hohsaas le acerca a los 18 cuatromiles del Valle de Saas. Este recorrido le ofrece la oportunidad de contemplar las imponentes montañas alzándose frente a usted y también en paneles informativos, para que pueda hacer historia conquistando las más altas cumbres.

Caminar por la nieve: una experiencia natural

La naturaleza nevada tiene muchas sorpresas preparadas. Cambie el bullicio de la ciudad por el silencio. El Valle de Saas está sembrado de maravillosos circuitos para recorrer con raquetas de nieve. Los guías le instruirán en el arte de entregarse y amoldarse a la naturaleza hasta que, casi sin darse cuenta, pase a formar parte de ella. Tanto si opta por un recorrido corto como por uno largo, deje que su cuerpo y su mente disfruten de este agradable viaje de descubrimiento. La naturaleza se muestra como es, dándole también la oportunidad de ser usted mismo.

Eisstock: lo bueno del lugar

«Mälchstüehli umkehrt» o traducido al castellano: un taburete para ordeñar al revés. Así es como acertaría al describir el Eisstock una persona no versada en la materia. Esta práctica deportiva, que bien puede considerarse una tradición histórica, consiste en lanzar una especie de petanca sobre el hielo. Aunque no se puede negar una cierta similitud con el curling, puede que el Eisstock sea algo practicado más localmente. Además es divertido. Las pistas de hielo artificiales y naturales del Valle de Saas tienen todo lo necesario para que practique con el «Mälchstüehli».

Snow tubing: deslizamiento real

Cuando se practica el snow tubing, los neumáticos pueden patinar; es más, deben hacerlo. Sólo así, «deslizarse sobre la nieve» se convierte en una auténtica diversión. El snow tubing puede ser tremendamente adictivo. Los amantes de esta práctica pueden dar rienda suelta a su adicción en Saas-Grund (Gstein) y en la zona de esquí Furggstalden, por encima de Saas-Almagell. Ascienda cómodamente con el elevador, colóquese el casco y láncese con el neumático gigante hasta perder el aliento.

Gorge Alpin: un espectáculo seguro

Puede que no sea el más fácil, pero sin duda es el camino más espectacular desde Saas-Fee hasta Saas-Grund. Un guía le ayudará a sumergirse en la escarpada garganta Fee rodeado en todo momento de agua fresca, a través de serpenteantes puentes colgantes y vías ferratas y pasando junto a cascadas heladas. Además, los jueves Gorge Alpin se puede visitar por la noche. Lo más sobresaliente de la travesía son el balanceo entre las rocas y el impresionante paso de tirolina. Pero aquí nadie se cae de la cuerda.

Trineo nocturno: a la altura de Hitchcock

Montar en trineo es un deporte de moda practicado por grandes y pequeños. El descenso por la montaña es a veces tranquilo, a veces vertiginoso. En el Valle de Saas hay pistas de trineos para toda la familia. Los amantes de los desafíos encontrarán en los 11 kilómetros de recorrido en trineo desde Kreuzboden hasta Saas-Grund una diversión casi sin fin, y además por la noche. Porque montar en trineo bajo las estrellas es de lo más divertido. Los gritos de emoción rompen el silencio y le roban su aspecto aterrador. Pero no tema, Hitchcock también va sentado en el trineo.

Escalada en hielo: tipos extremadamente duros

La tentación más fría desde que existe el hielo. La escalada en hielo abre nuevos mundos y perspectivas. Para mayor seguridad, un guía le introducirá de forma profesional en las técnicas de esta práctica. Da igual que sea principiante o experto, en el Valle de Saas encontrará rutas de hielo para cualquier grado de dificultad. Grietas glaciares de un profundo color azul, cascadas heladas, toda una experiencia de la Edad de Hielo. Una cosa está clara: sin Suiza, no hay hielo. A todos aquellos que quieran tomar parte en esta experiencia, les espera una empresa de lo más dura. ¿Qué más quiere?

Eventos: un espectáculo en el hielo

El Valle de Saas es conocido por sus fantásticos eventos de invierno. Con actividades tan variadas como el campeonato mundial de escalada en hielo (Ice Climbing World-Cup), la carrera del Allalin (Allalin-Rennen), el descenso del glaciar en bicicleta (Glacier Bike-Downhill), y las carreras de trineos (Hornschlitten) y snowboard o el Schneegaudi en Kreuzboden, el programa consiste en participar, reírse, pasárselo bien y celebrar. Unos con otros o unos contra otros, pero siempre juntos. Éste es el secreto del éxito de los eventos del Valle de Saas.

Ice on Tour: A week of action, sport and parties

by Raúl Revuelta

From 14 to 21 January 2012, ice-climbing and ski-touring freaks from across the globe will once again flock to Saas-Fee. Again "Ice on Tour" will take place in the glacier village, a week-long
programme of action-packed sporting events and legendary iceclimbing parties in the multi-storey car park.

This January the renowned ice-climbing competitions will draw athletes and fans from all over the world. The decision to create an exciting events programme to accompany the Ice Climbing World Cup was made in 2010 – and it has proved to be a very good idea. In 2012 Ice On Tour, including the 13th Ice Climbing World Cup to take place in Saas-Fee, will once again provide both spectators and contestants with thrilling competition and wild parties right through from Saturday to Saturday.
This year’s Ice on Tour week kicks off with the SAC Swiss Ice Climbing Youth Swiss Masters in Saas-Grund. Climbers will compete in two categories (U22 and U18) in the disciplines Lead and Speed climbing. Everyone is welcome to join in, although a certain degree of ice-climbing experience is recommended.

There will also be musical entertainment and a bar serving drinks and light snacks to ensure the event has a party atmosphere.

Exciting night-time ski-touring races will take place on the Wednesday, when around 150 athletes will compete in three different disciplines. All races will start and finish on the village square in Saas-Fee. The "Race" discipline is aimed at those looking for a real sporting challenge; the "Fun" discipline will appeal to those who take the Olympic approach and believe it’s the taking part that counts; while in the "Kids" category keen youngsters can take on their own special course equipped with snowshoes. Before, during and after the races, spectators can enjoy hot drinks, Swiss raclette and "Icespaghetti" on the village square.

Registration for the Ice Climbing World Cup takes place on the Thursday and, in accordance with tradition, all participating athletes are invited to come and gather their strength at a big pasta party.
The action starts in earnest on the Friday and Saturday, when the spectacular ice-climbing competitions get underway on the 30-metre ice wall in Saas-Fee’s multi-storey car park – with up to 3,000 spectators. Afterwards, if previous years are anything to go by, there’ll be no time for resting as the hugely popular ice climbing parties are known to continue until morning!B

Bächli Ice Climbing World Cup; European and Swiss MastersThe ice-climbing competitions in Saas-Fee’s multi-storey car park are a great opportunity to see top Swiss and international athletes in action and to experience the party spirit of the ice-climbing scene. The competitions take place in a distinctive, one-of-a-kind location: Saas-Fee’s ten-storey car park.
With its spiral access ramp, this indoor venue provides spectators with shelter from the elements and an ideal vantage point to watch the action. Each year some 3,000 spectators get close enough to the climbers to see almost every detail of their ice axes and gripping fingers. Deep down at the bottom is the party zone where guests can let their hair down, hit the dance floor and celebrate the climber’s amazing performances. To make sure no one misses out on any of the sensational action on the ice wall, the climbs are also shown on various large and small screens throughout the venue.

The disciplines: Lead and SpeedIn Lead climbing, competitors have to master a long, difficult and unfamiliar route in a given amount of time. Routes can be anything up to 35 metres in height. Besides the ice wall itself, climbers must contend with obstacles such as overhangs, hanging ice blocks and tricky rock sections. Ice climbers consider this discipline the ultimate challenge. The winner is the competitor who covers the greatest distance in the allotted time. One way of measuring
this is by counting the number of carabiners that the climbers manage to clip the rope through.
As its name suggests, the competition’s second discipline is all about speed. As soon as the starting barrier falls, the competitors leap onto the 15-metre vertical wall of ice and scramble to the top at a breath-taking pace – just like Spiderman! Top athletes can complete the course in an incredible 13 seconds. In 2012 this discipline will be run in parallel for the first time.

A legendary party atmosphereWhen night falls, the ice-climbing parties get going in Saas-Fee’s multi-storey car park, ten floors below ground level at the foot of the competition ice wall. These parties have become the stuff of legend for the spectacular performances given by the pros that attend. Ice-climbing holds are fixed to the ceiling of the party zone especially for these shows. As the party gets later and crazier, more and more climbers start lining up for another opportunity to show off their prowess. Dangling upside down, they make their way across this unique course, once again reminding us of Spiderman. The spectators, who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, look on in incredulity as the climbers appear to stick to the ceiling like glue. Alongside the main party zone, which pumps out the latest chart and club hits, the Bacardi Bar offers the ultimate après-ski party atmosphere. For those who need to come down a little, the heated food tent with its wide variety of cuisine is a great alternative – as is the tavern, which serves a selection of fine Valais wines.

Program 201214.01.: SAC Ice Climbing Youth Swiss Masters, Saas-Grund
18.01.: Ice Night-Time Ski-Touring Race (Swiss Cup), Saas-Fee
20.01.: Bächli Ice Climbing World Cup, European & Swiss Masters, Saas-Fee Ice Climbing Party
21.01.: Bächli Ice Climbing World Cup, European & Swiss Masters, Saas-Fee Ice Climbing Party