Saas Fee, Switzerland - a perfect base for a family actiivty holiday

publication date: Jul 25, 2008

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author/source: Anne Coates

Flying into Geneva and making an almost seamless transition to the train, meant we had spectacular views of Lake Geneva as we made our way to Visp where we transfered to a coach. This part of the journey took us through stunning mountainous territory.

Last stop was Saas Fee a very picturesque  typical Swiss town that was literally breath-taking! The high altitude making it more difficult to breathe! Saas Fee is vehicle-free apart from the little electric cars and taxis so the town is relaxing (and pollution-free) to walk around.

Club Hotel La Collina is a smallish, well appointed hotel. Our room was at the top so we had fabulous outlook from the balcony - and my breathless state climbing the stairs wasn't because I was unfit! Anyway while I was in the hotel  I made the most of the leisure facilities which included sauna and steam rooms, jaccuzzi and small swimming pool. The area opened out into a little play area for children.

On the first day a group from our party went of to ski on the glacier while  a few less adventurous souls went up another mountain to feed the marmots. These enchanting creatures have become so used to tourists they literally eat out of your hand. It must have been too early for them when we went as only two appeared - just as we had almost given up hope of seeing them!

It had been gloriously sunny but as we made our way to join the skiers the weather suddenly changed. The glacier was closed for skiing and it was some time before the cable cars were in operation again. We met up at the world's highest revolving restaurant - it takes one hour to make the full revolution - for lunch and tales of blizzard-like conditions.

The Ice Pavillion was next on our agenda and the children in our party loved the ice slide and igloo as well as Disney-type figures sculpted in the ice. The whole thing is really quite spectacular - if a little icy!

And so back to the hotel and some spa activity!

Dinners in La Collina are a set menu of three courses with a vegetarian alternative. They also offer upgrades like steak and cheeseboard plus they are very happy to cater for  special diets. The evening meal is served with red or white house wine which was very drinkable. There's also afternoon tea if you're hungry after all the activities and a bar but some of the drinks were rather expensive.  Breakfast is a buffet of cereals, fruit, croissants, bread, cheese and ham plus a selection of juices and hot beverages.

All the staff at La Collina were very friendly and it was a very comfortable place to be with children.

Activities on offer:

• Glacier Hike: suitable for all levels. Price £28 per person
• Alpine Gorge: price per person £55.
• Adventure Forest: - fun for all the family (children must be min 1m10 tall). Price per adult £13, £9 for children.
• Summer skiing: equipment and clothing available to hire locally. £32 per adult, £19 per child (price is for one day lift pass).

Anne and Olivia were guests of Crystal Holidays. Price for an adult is £480 in July and August and £50 reduction for children aged two to 11 years when sharing a room with one adult. Price includes return flights from Gatwick, transfers, seven nights half board in the Club Hotel La Collina and daily packed lunch.

For more information and booking contact Crystal Lakes on 0871 230 8180 or visit www.crystallakes.co.uk