There’s a little village high in the Swiss Alps that first experienced stardom way back in 1984 when Wham! filmed the, now famous, video to ‘Last Christmas’ here. This was not the intended destination for the film crew but a lack of snow led to Saas-Fee being chosen. Today it’s a place that exists mid-way between reality and imagination, surrounded by snow-covered peaks that remain delightfully car free. The high altitude boasts summer glacier skiing as well as alternative mountain-based activities, making it the ideal choice for a visit year-round.
Alan has recently returned from a visit where he was a part of the AITO Famference 2026. Not a conference full of meetings and also not a fam trip full of activities, but with a schedule that would rival the Swiss rail network - which, naturally, performed perfectly in providing a seamless arrival to Saas-Fee. The Famference is a yearly highlight of the AITO diary. It is a more relaxed event, where informal networking is combined with experiential exploration for the 40-ish tour operators and specialist travel agents that took part.
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With bases at the Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa (Relais Chateaux) and the Capra Hotel, Alan and the rest of the group took part in activities as varied as mountainside hikes and descents down on monster-trotties (scooters with large wheels), canyoning, glacier visits and even visiting the Mittelallalin restaurant, the highest revolving restaurant in the Alps, set 3500m high.
With traditional Valais-style wooden chalets, some of which are now luxury hotels, charming squares, interspersed with tiny historic granaries known as Spycher, there are few places that retain such a true and authentic Alpine character. Outside of the traditional winter-sports activities of skiing and snowboarding, the summer months provide ample opportunities for adventure seekers, those who prefer a luxury spa, or simply relaxing in the stunning Alpine scenery. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing and glacier adventures combine with one of few places in Europe where glacier skiing continues even during the height of summer. Smaller visitors are not forgotten either with adventure playgrounds, themed trails, mini golf and encounters with wildlife, including the local marmots that visitors can feed. The car free village makes it all even safer and family friendly.
This visit demonstrated that Saas Fee is a wonderful Alpine destination. It affords a perfect contrast between adrenaline fuelled mountain adventures, and blissful serenity where you allow the stunning vistas and the picture-perfect town to let your edges breathe. For Alan and the AITO group, the Famference was the perfect lens through which to discover this. Proving that in a world of often hurried travel, Saas-Fee remains a place where the mountains truly welcome you and time can slow down.
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For your own Swiss holiday inspiration:
Switzerland
Zurich, Geneva, Luzern, Lakes, Mountains
Switzerland is the ultimate destination for those seeking luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. From world-renowned ski resorts to tranquil alpine retreats, the country combines spectacular scenery with refined comfort, offering an unforgettable holiday experience for couples, families, and discerning travellers.