Story & Photos NICK M.

The small village of Saas-Fee in Switzerland boasts luxury ski resorts alongside an eco-friendly tourism model.

Made famous as the backdrop to iconic Christmas music video Last Christmas by Wham!, Saas-Fee is a Swiss town known not only for its luxurious ski resorts but also for a green lifestyle that finds harmony with nature.

Saas-Fee is located in the Valais canton, about 200km away from the Swiss capital of Bern. Renowned for its winter sports, especially during Christmas, Saas-Fee draws visitors with its pristine white landscape, cozy wooden houses, and expansive pine forests on the mountainside. However, this town in the Alps is also recognized as an icon of green living and environmental conservation, exemplifying a balance between tourism and nature preservation.

The emission-free village

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee has developed a sustainable tourism model where preserving the natural environment takes precedence. The town has taken significant steps to minimize negative environmental impacts by restricting private vehicle use and encouraging the use of electric transportation – a commitment that has earned Saas-Fee recognition as an emission-free village. In an era where modernity and transportation pose a constant threat to the environment, this region is setting the standard for success regarding eco-friendliness and has made Saas-Fee a green, fresh and peaceful destination perfect for a restorative journey.

The brilliant shades of late autumn foliage

One distinctive feature of Saas-Fee is the prohibition of fossil fuel-powered cars. The village has been car-free since 1951, contributing to the preservation of the region’s clean air while creating a tranquil and safe space for both tourists and locals. To navigate the village, residents and visitors walk, cycle or use electric vehicles. Public transportation, including buses and cargo vehicles, isalso powered by electricity.

Renewable energy use and biodiversity conservation

Saas-Fee prioritizes clean and renewable energy, with many houses and resorts equipped with solar systems and implementing projects to enhance the use of wind and water. The village has also established natural conservation areas to protect the biodiversity of the region, which is home to many indigenous animal and plant species. Tourists can participate in guided trekking tours at the protected Allalin Nature Reserve to explore its unique ecosystem without disturbing the natural environment.

Locals tend their cows

Sustainable ecotourism development

Saas-Fee’s ecotourism offers visitors the chance to experience nature through activities like trekking and mountain climbing, while maintaining a balance with the environment.

The village also features restaurants that provide organic and local foods, emphasizing sustainable dining and supporting the local farming community. Numerous hotels in Saas-Fee adhere to environmental protection principles, from renewable energy use to minimizing waste and recycling.

The year-round snow-covered Allalin mountain, towering at 4,027m, features the largest winter sports complex in the region. To reach this peak, visitors experience a nearly 30-minute cable car ride combined with the world’s highest underground funicular railway, traversing the heart of the snow-covered mountain. At the top of Allalin, there is a rotating restaurant considered the world’s highest at 3,500m and listed in many magazines for its breathtaking scenery.

Saas-Fee is not just famous for its skiing areas; it boasts some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe as well. Taking the cable car to the summit of Hannig at 2,340m, visitors can descend on foot along a scenic route, enjoying the vivid backdrop of snow-capped mountains and pine forest.

Regular environmental protection and sustainable development education programs in   Saas-Fee help visitors understand the importance of conservation. This breathtaking Swiss village is a perfect blend of development and environmental protection, evidence that humans can live in harmony with nature while maintaining a modern lifestyle with all the necessary amenities.