Tour data
9.63km
1,785 - 2,203m
Distance
488hm
480hm
Ascent
03:30h
 
Duration
Brief description

Panoramic high-level hike that showcases Saas-Fee from different angles and reveals the power of the glaciers that sculpted this bewitching landscape.

Difficulty
medium
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Hannig, gondola summit station

Route
Am Biel
0.1 km
Unnerum Biel
0.1 km
Hallumatte
0.2 km
Blomattu
0.2 km
Undri Gassu
0.3 km
Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu
0.3 km
Saas-Fee (1,798 m)
0.3 km
Gletscherälpli
6.6 km
Gletschergrotte
6.7 km
Wolfsgrube
7.8 km
Chalmattu
8.6 km
Saas-Fee (1,798 m)
9.5 km
Blomattu
9.5 km
Reformierte Kirche
9.5 km
Am Biel
9.5 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

The Gemsweg (“Chamois Trail”) circular route reveals views of Saas-Fee from three sides as it leads through the spectacular glacial landscape that attracted the first international visitors more than 150 years ago and continues to bewitch guests today.

The hike begins at Saas-Fee. The first half of the walk leads uphill across the mountain slopes to the west of the resort, eventually reaching the crest of the former lateral moraine of the Fee Glacier. The ridge offers a fine view of the young landscape revealed by the retreating glacier: a stony valley decorated with a lattice of rivulets flowing into a glacial lake. Two centuries ago, all this lay under a river of ice: the atmosphere is magical.

Our trail follows the ridge downhill before traversing this new riverscape upstream of the lake. A climb through the forest leads to the Gletschergrotte, a mountain restaurant with sun terrace that offers a handy refreshment stop.

Beyond, the trail cross a pair of glacial streams along the way. It then goes down along the Feevispa river and leads you back to the village of Saas-Fee. 

The walk offers good chances of spotting wildlife including chamois. These agile and shy goat-antelopes can run at up to 50 kph and jump 2 metres vertically in the air. You’ll need patience and a keen eye to spot them!

 

Highlights 

Superb views of Saas-Fee, its mountains, glaciers and valley Encounter with the new landscapes sculpted by the Fee Glacier Panoramic gondola rides & restaurants at start and finish
Directions

From Saas-Fee, the trail heads up west, crossing the Torrenbach and Triftbach rivers before descending gently to Trift. After a steep downhill zig-zag section, the trail traverses the rocky slopes to reach the former lateral moraine of the Fee Glacier.

Our route follows the crest of the moraine downhill, but at the junction turns sharp right to cross the river bed upstream of the glacial lake. Beyond, the path climbs through forest and rocky slopes to reach the Gletschergrotte restaurant.

This latter section from river to restaurant is also the final stretch of Saas-Fee’s fascinating Gletscherlehrpfad (Glacier Trail): 12 information panels show how glaciers have shaped the landscape.

Beyond the restaurant, the trail crosses two more branches of the glacial river before going back to Saas-Fee via the south side. 

Highest point
2,203 m
Endpoint

Plattjen, gondola summit station

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

We recommend: 

good footwear clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket hat or cap sunscreen bottle for water picnic camera binoculars (optional) hiking poles (optional) printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download) 

For certain walks:

 Swimwear
Safety instructions

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page. Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife. Close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather. Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone. Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips

Visit the restaurant Gletschergrotte and taste local dishes from Valais. The restaurant’s name is due to a glacier grotto, which was accessible at this place a few decades ago.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Saas-Fee

Directions

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Visp. Turn south up the Vispertal valley, following signs for Saas-Fee.

Public transportation

Train to Visp; change on to postal bus to Saas-Fee.

Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Parking

Saas-Fee ist car free. Multi-storey car park at entrance to Saas-Fee.


Author
The tour Chamois trail is used by outdooractive.com provided.

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General info

Refreshment stop
Flora
Fauna
A lot of view
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