Today we’re heading over to Saas Fee which is known as the Pearl of The Alps, to join Florian Leven who is the General Manager of The Capra Hotel.
The Capra is a luxury boutique wellness hotel which combines five star luxury with the warm cosiness of an alpine swiss chalet. A favourite with ski connoisseurs every winter, Saas Fee is known as one of the most charming and beautiful regions in the Swiss Alps and has the advantage of being a perfect low season escape during the fall months of September through November when the plethoroa of 4,000 metre peaks surrounding the resort, explode with colour as the browns, reds, and yellows of the autumn appear.
Join us as we hear from Florian, why The Capra makes a perfect low season, luxury break.
Florian’s Tips
And Florian has kindly provided us with some more of his hints, tips and facts to help you get the most out of your low season break to The Capra in Saas Fee below:
Explore Saas-Fee and its surroundings, take planned shorter hikes, as many restaurants are closed (especially in Spring) during the low season. The Capra is happy to prepare lunch boxes for your hike and enjoy the Peak Health Spa in the afternoon
Low Season in Saas Fee is the perfect destination for guests who are seeking to:
- Be out and united with nature
- Enjoy gentle, relaxed walking and hiking routes
- Focusing on oneself and wind down
- Have no fear of missing out or feeling guilty that you should be visiting museums and filling your day with activities. During the low season months, you get to solely focus on yourself and relax.
- Enjoy our Peak Health Spa equipped with a Steam Room, Finnish Sauna, Salt Sauna, Experience showers, Lap pool with counterswimming facilty, and an outdoor pool with hydrotherapy features
- Exclusively for our guests we also provide 2 treatment rooms and 1 beautician room
- Seclude yourself an enjoy reading in the Capra Lounge & Bar in front of our wooden open fireplace
Want more outdoor activities? Don’t worry!
Saas-Fee hiking is spread across 350km prepared trails with some even being themed. Hiking in spring can be more challenging due to the snowmelt, caused by the warm weather and sub-zero nights. One highlight is the Suonen Hike – a historic irrigation system in the valley channelling the meltwater to the alpine pastures. Mini mill wheels with wooden hammers attached were strategically placed along the Suone, to warn the Suonen-warden about defects. A leak meant the hammering noise stopped and alerted the warden.
If you are looking to connect more with the Ibexes or Chamois, take a hike in the early mornings or evenings for a high possibility of encountering these beautiful animals. On 3 occasions myself, I have come as close to 15meters to these wild animals.
Via Ferratas, are a great way to see the exceptional views of the valley. If weather permits, the gears and safety equipment can be arranged. A truly unique experience!
You’re a fan of climbing? There’s a variety of peaks for you to climb including the two 4,000m peaks (Alalinhorn 4,027m and Alphubel 4,206m). For those looking for an extra challgenge, take a day trip to the following destinations:
- Mischabel Hut 3,340m – online guide states about 4.5 hrs one way (1,450m elevation), one of our guests made it in 4 hrs return
- Britannia Hut 3,030m – online guide states about 4hrs one way (1,207m elevation)
The Mattmark Damm (2,300m elevation) was a true highlight for me. It is around 11km from Saas-Fee. Recently, I took part in the Mattmark Memorial Half Marathon (inaugurated in 2019) with 500 participants this year. There are options of participating in the half marathon of 21km or a shorter run around the Mattmark Lake at 8km. The winner this year ran 1hr 35min (M) and 1hr 47min (F) for the half marathon and the winners of the Mattmark Lake Run finished roughly 29min (M) and 37min (F). This race takes place every year in early September. You’re looking to join? Mark your calendars as this race will return on September 9, 2023. Don’t forget to have a look below at the pictures!
Still not enough excitement? Well, other activities include mountain biking to Kreuyboden Saas-Grund with a Biking Skill Parcour or enjoy the Stomping Grounds, a pre-season meeting of Snow Boarding elites.
Autumn is also a perfect time to visit Saas-Fee, the warmer afternoons and beautiful scenery is unlike any other. The changing of larks reflects over the whole of Saas-Fee with beautiful orange, yellow and red hues. This reminds me of the Indian summers in New England on the East Coast of the USA.
As a rule of thumb, the Gondolas operate from mid-December to mid-April for the winter season. For the summer season they are open from mid-June to mid-October. In between those two seasons there will be limited offerings. However, fear not – The Capra wellness area has you covered for more relaxing activities.
Planning to join us in the winter season for skiing? Come enjoy the beautiful mountains with around 150km pists at a 1,800m – 3,600m elevation. Thanks to its high elevation it is also possible to ski in the summer (pending weather conditions).
Below are some photo’s which Florian kindly sent from the recent Mattmark Memorial half marathon.
