The history of the Saas Valley (Saastal) dates back to ancient times. Archaeological finds indicate the presence of Celts and later Romans, who used the local mountain passes. However, Saas-Fee emerged as a distinct administrative entity during the Middle Ages.
In early documents, the region was mentioned as part of the larger Saas community.
A key historical milestone is 1392. It was then that the single Saas commune was officially divided into four independent settlements: Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Balen, and Saas-Almagell. This marked the beginning of the "Pearl of the Alps'" own history.
Key Factors of Establishment
For centuries, the settlement's development was shaped by its relative inaccessibility and harsh high-mountain climate.
Geographical Isolation: Situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters and surrounded by glaciers and four-thousand-meter peaks (including the Dom massif), Saas-Fee was a natural fortress, but this significantly limited external contact. Until the construction of the motor road in 1951, it could only be reached on foot or by mule.
Political Context: Like much of the region, the valley historically fell under the sphere of influence of the Bishopric of Sion and was subject to the laws of the Canton of Valais.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
Before becoming a famous resort in the 19th century, Saas-Fee was a modest mountain village with a traditional way of life.
Agrarian Economy: Survival was based on subsistence farming. Locals engaged in livestock farming (raising cows and sheep) and agriculture under extreme conditions.
Architectural Heritage: A characteristic feature of the early period was the speicher—wooden barns for storing grain and dried meat, set on stilts with stone discs to protect against rodents. Many of these have been preserved to this day.
Religious Traditions: The deep religious conviction of the population is reflected in the creation of the Chapel Path (Kapellenweg), leading to a sanctuary in neighboring Saas-Grund, and the construction of their own parish church.
Timeline
Key Milestones in Saas-Fee History
1392 — Official division of the Saas Valley into four independent communities, marking the start of Saas-Fee’s independent history.
1858 — The first ascent of the Dom (4,545 m), the highest peak located entirely within Switzerland.
1881 — Opening of the first hotel, "Dom," marking the beginning of the mountain village's transformation into a tourist resort.
1893 — Consecration of the new Parish Church of the Sacred Heart, which remains the village's architectural landmark today.
1923 — Electricity is brought to the village, giving a boost to infrastructure development and comfort.
1951 — Completion of the motor road from Saas-Grund, connecting the isolated resort to the outside world.
1954 — Launch of the first cable car to Spielboden, beginning the active development of alpine skiing.
1980 — Opening of the "Metro Alpin," the world's highest underground funicular, leading to the Allalin Glacier.
1984 — The group Wham! films the music video for the hit "Last Christmas" here, bringing the resort global pop-culture fame.
1991 — Launch of the modern Alpin Express cable car, significantly improving access to the ski areas.
2016 — Large-scale modernization of the lifts and the opening of the new gondola to Spielboden.
Milestones
Stages of Transformation and Development in Saas-Fee
The transformation of an isolated agrarian village into a world-class resort took place through several key stages that defined Saas-Fee's modern appearance and economy.
Transition to a Tourism Economy (Late 19th Century). The construction of the first hotels (including the Dom and Grand Hotel) marked a shift in the economic paradigm. Locals began moving away from subsistence farming toward the service industry and mountain guiding, laying the foundation for future prosperity.
Breaking Transport Isolation (1951). The completion of the road from Saas-Grund was the primary driver of economic growth. This allowed for the transport of building materials and the arrival of mass tourism, leading to a construction boom and the expansion of residential properties.
"Car-Free" Urban Concept (1951). Simultaneously with the road's opening, the community made a strategic decision to ban private vehicles within the village itself. This created a unique urban environment focused on pedestrians, ecology, and the preservation of an authentic atmosphere, which became the resort's main marketing advantage.
Technological Mastery of the Glacier (1954–1980). The construction of cable cars and the launch of the "Metro Alpin" (the world's highest underground funicular to an altitude of 3,500 m) opened access to the Fee Glacier. This enabled summer skiing, turning Saas-Fee into one of the world's few year-round ski centers and ensuring stable income regardless of the season.
Media Breakthrough and Cultural Status (1980s). The filming of the music video for Wham!'s "Last Christmas" was a turning point in the resort's popularity. Saas-Fee became established in popular culture as the ultimate "Christmas fairy tale" destination, attracting a new wave of international visitors.
Infrastructure Modernization (21st Century). The launch of the Alpin Express system and the renewal of the lift network in the 2010s were aimed at increasing capacity and comfort. These investments allowed the resort to compete with larger Alpine ski areas while maintaining its compact and cozy feel.
Architecture
Traditional Alpine Architecture (17th–19th Centuries)
The historical core of Saas-Fee took shape long before the arrival of tourists. The architecture of this period was dictated by the harsh climate and an agrarian way of life.
Style: Vernacular architecture (Walser style).
Key Features: Use of larch wood, which turns black over time when exposed to the sun, and massive slate stone roofs to protect against snowfall and heavy winds.
Iconic Structures:
Speichers and stadels (Speicher / Stadel) — wooden barns and granaries set on wooden stilts with stone discs ("mouse stones"). These structures are the resort's hallmark and are protected as historical monuments.
Old residential houses in the village center, built using traditional log construction techniques.
The Era of Resort Establishment (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
With the development of mountaineering and tourism, the village's appearance began to change. The first public buildings appeared, designed to serve guests and the growing community.
Urban Development: The formation of a central square and increased density around the religious center.
Notable Buildings:
Parish Church of the Sacred Heart (Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu) (1893) — the architectural focal point of the center. The building combines traditional Alpine forms with Neo-Gothic elements.
Hotel Dom (1881) — one of the first examples of hotel architecture in the region, setting the tone for subsequent tourist developments (stone base, wooden upper floors, carved balconies).
Modern Regionalism and Strict Planning (Since the 1950s)
After the construction of the road in 1951, Saas-Fee experienced a building boom. However, authorities enacted strict urban planning regulations to avoid chaotic urbanization and preserve authenticity.
Style: Modern Chalet style (Neo-Chalet), Functionalism (in transport infrastructure).
Development Highlights:
"Car-Free" Concept: The absence of wide avenues and parking lots within the village has preserved narrow, winding streets designed for pedestrians.
Uniform Design Code: All new buildings (hotels, apartments) are required to have gabled roofs and facades dominated by wood and stone. High-rise construction is prohibited.
Engineering Architecture: Cable car stations (such as the Alpin Express) are examples of functional architecture integrated into the mountain landscape using concrete and glass, yet often hidden or styled to blend with the surroundings.
Notable People
Historical Figures and Tourism Pioneers
Johann Josef Imseng (1806–1869) — Priest and Switzerland's "First Skier".
A legendary pastor who played a key role in developing tourism in the valley. According to local chronicles, in 1849 he fashioned homemade skis from barrel staves to reach a dying parishioner in Saas-Grund more quickly. This act is considered the beginning of skiing history in the region. Father Imseng also encouraged local families to open guest houses for the first travelers.
Alexander Burgener (1845–1910) — "King of Mountain Guides".
A native of the Saas Valley who became one of the most famous mountaineers of the 19th century. He made over 40 first ascents in the Alps (including the Grand Dru and the Zmuttgrat on the Matterhorn) and led expeditions to the Caucasus and South America. His legacy cemented the region's reputation as the home of elite mountain guides.
Matthias Zurbriggen (1856–1917) — Pioneer Mountaineer.
An outstanding mountain guide from Saas-Fee who gained fame far beyond Europe. In 1897, he made the first solo ascent of Aconcagua, the highest point in South America. His name became a symbol of the endurance and professionalism of the local people.
Figures in Culture and Art
Carl Zuckmayer (1896–1977) — German Writer and Playwright.
The author of the famous play "The Captain of Köpenick." In 1958, Zuckmayer chose Saas-Fee as his home to escape the bustle of the city. He lived the last 20 years of his life here in the "Vogelweid" house, calling the area his "last paradise." The writer is buried in the local cemetery, and his presence drew many intellectuals of the time to the village.
André Gide (1869–1951) — French Writer and Nobel Prize Laureate.
A frequent guest at the resort in the early 20th century. Gide stayed for long periods at the Grand Hotel, enjoying the isolation and mountain air, which he considered healing. His stays in the Swiss Alps were reflected in his journals and work, helping to popularize Saas-Fee among the European bohemia.
George Michael (1963–2016) — British Pop Singer (Wham!).
Although the singer did not live here permanently, he inscribed Saas-Fee into pop culture history forever. In 1984, the music video for the hit "Last Christmas" was filmed here against a backdrop of snow-covered chalets and cable cars. This event made the resort recognizable worldwide and still attracts fans wishing to see the filming locations.