We like our car free resorts, and lesser known Saas Fee, only an hour away by train from Zermatt and a 40 minute bus ride, is just that. Half the price and size of Zermatt with a glacier that’s open in the Summer months for racers to practice and improve their skills, this charming quaint village is well worth a visit if you’re travelling as a family or are a less experienced skier. The majority of slopes are undemanding and beginner-friendly unlike Zermatt which has a much larger ski area and geared towards the experienced skier. It’s worth mentioning that the village is home to a 3,000 foot bobsled run should you wish to try your hand at another sport during your stay in Saas Fee.
The Capra (goat in Latin, named after the local Walliser goat), is a chalet-like feel boutique hotel which opened its doors in 2014 and is the place to stay if you’re looking for a true five star experience in a lesser known, easy going resort. You’ll be whisked away by their electric car at the bus station (or from Visp should you request a private transfer) to the hotel which is no more than 3 minute drive away. The slopes are also a short distance away and they’ve gone to the lengths of building a private ski room with individual lockers by the slopes so you don’t have to walk to the hotel with all your kit.
Whichever category of room or suite (there are 24 in total) you opt for you’ll want to kick off your shoes immediately and take a peak at the view from your balcony (all rooms have come with one). The beds are incredibly comfortable with linen you won’t want to climb out of. All bathrooms are electronic so no tinkering with shower heads and bath plugs needed. With a press of a button you know where the water is coming from and at what temperature. The Junior suites come with a built in bunk room, two bathrooms and a living room complete with a sofa bed. A fun quirk is the hotel’s mascot, the Walliser Goat, and there’s a code of conduct when handling the small wooden goat. If you leave one outside your room it means ‘do not disturb’ and if you put it on your bed, you’d like a linen change. The most impressive thing about the Capra is their 700m2 spa, The Peak Health Retreat which comes complete with a yoga studio. No expense was spared here. Unlike other offerings that concentrate solely on nutrition and fitness, Peak Health’s goal is for a holistic and sustainable improvement in multiple key areas of life, including better sleep, stronger mental focus, higher energy, and a more positive outlook. Like most spa’s, it’s on the lower ground floor however a staggering amount of light is allowed in due to high windows which reflect the snow that’s gathered on the ground from the resorts regular snow dump. The swimming pool is beautifully finished with an outdoor plung pool which doubles as a Jacuzzi. The salt sauna leaves you walking out reinvigorated as does the sauna, steam room and relaxation room. It all works beautifully and is swish in design. You could spend a good few hours here. And if you’re after some time to yourself or with a loved one you can book the private spa for 90CHF per hour which comes with a plunge pool, sauna, steam as well as a food and drink service. On the subject of food, there are two restaurants and a delicious breakfast included with your stay however it’s worth eating out too as the village is home to a number of local restaurants well worth a visit including Restaurant Chuestall just above the Capra.
All in all it’s a wonderful destination to escape to, mostly frequented by people from Zurich and Geneva because the village is quiet and a reminder of how a Swiss ski resort used to be. The Capra will guarantee you the best night sleep you’ve had in a long time.
Usual things to know:
- The Capra opens from the 1st week of December to end of April and last week of June to end of September
- Longer sunny days from February through to April
FACTBOX
Signature Double Rooms start from 490CHF
www.capra.ch / +41 279 581 358
