The village of Saas-Fee feels like a hideaway in the Swiss Alps, and right at the heart of it is The Capra.

The view of Saas-Fee from my Deluxe Suite Balcony at The Capra

The Capra’s central yet elevated location allows for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains that dwarf the charming town’s quaint rooftops, and makes it the perfect home-base for discovering everything Saas-Fee has to offer. Because of its size and location, Saas-Fee is known to be one of the most authentic villages in Switzerland– a quality I certainly found to be accurate during my visit in April 2025. Surrounded by four 4,000+m peaks, the peaceful village offers access to impressive skiing on ideal conditions throughout their lengthy season. As a passionate skier and someone who will extend her season at every opportunity she gets, I was thrilled to visit The Capra in Saas-Fee.

Continue reading to learn more about my experience staying at The Capra (with my dog!) and skiing in Saas-Fee, as well as more detailed comparisons that describe what sets the village apart from other destinations in the Swiss Alps.

Authentic Switzerland: Staying at The Capra in Saas-Fee

My stay at The Capra was the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The five-star property provides a luxurious experience without any of the fuss, and their impressive and impeccable caliber of hospitality mirrored the authenticity that Saas-Fee is known for. Staying at The Capra is a reminder to appreciate and prioritize the most important things in life: connection to nature, connection to self and well-being, and connection to each other. And I can attest that enjoying these things from the beauty of the Swiss Alps and from the comfort of a hotel such as The Capra only makes the commitment to these values more impactful. Continue reading to discover more about what I loved from my stay.

The Capra Saas-Fee is a dog-friendly hotel. The library is one of many amenities offered by the hotel and is a relaxing place to unwind.

Amenities at The Capra Saas-Fee

The Capra is a luxury property that was designed to truly make guests feel at home and at peace in the mountains. I immediately felt at ease upon entering the chalet-style hotel– a space that exudes warmth, comfort, and solace from wintry alpine weather as well as the stress of every-day life. The design reflects a thoughtful balance of refined and rustic materials, with cozy textiles and ambient lighting that invite guests to unwind in absolute, uncomplicated comfort. One of my favorite places to relax was beside the fireplace in the library, which also doubles as a cinema with a hidden projector system.

Brasserie 1809 at The Capra welcomes visitors and hotel guests alike for modern alpine cuisine in an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu offering is local, comforting, and elevated, in true Swiss style. The knowledgable staff can create expert pairings from the hotel’s wine cellar, which features a selection from around the world as well as regional varieties which were a personal favorite of mine.

When staying at The Capra, the adventure can begin even before stepping foot outdoors– for kids and teens that seek stimulation indoors, the hotel has an impressive and spacious Fun Lab with games, entertainment, foosball, and table tennis. And for the adults that also seek more stimulation, a program of invigorating treatments and experiences can be found at the hotel’s expansive spa and gym.

The Peak Health Spa at The Capra Saas-Fee offers an integrated and holistic approach to well-being. The indoor pool was one of my favorite places to relax.

One of the most impressive amenities offered at The Capra in Saas-Fee is their Peak Health Spa. Their customized program is designed to be integrated throughout The Capra experience, and is focused on creating real improvements and benefits that last long beyond your stay on the property. From curated meal planning and personalized treatments that help optimize your health and wellbeing, the tailored experience involves a holistic, research based approach that goes further than temporary relaxation.

The Capra Saas-Fee welcomes dogs, and provides a comfortable bed and water bowl. My dog Gigi quickly settled into our Deluxe Suite.

Dog-Friendly Hotel in Saas-Fee: The Capra

My pomeranian Gigi loves the snow and the mountains, and I wouldn’t even think of visiting the Swiss Alps without her! Not only is The Capra a pet-friendly hotel, but they warmly welcomed her with kind smiles and thoughtful amenities that showed they really cared about our comfort.

In fact, as soon as I arrived to the hotel we were comfortably seated in the outdoor lounge to take advantage of the loveliest springtime weather while reception came out to us with a tablet to begin the check-in process. I was asked if I would like a refreshing welcome beverage personally crafted by the hotel’s bartender, and I was delighted when it was brought out to me alongside a dog bowl of fresh water for Gigi– a memorable gesture that immediately signaled the highest standards of hospitality.

Our Deluxe Suite was also equipped with a bowl of water and a large, plush dog bed which Gigi loved and settled into quickly. I felt comfortable leaving her in the room for short periods of time while out skiing or dining in the hotel’s restaurants. Because our spacious room had a large living room and balcony in addition to the bedroom, evenings spent relaxing on the sofa with my dog by my side was the perfect way to wind down from adventurous days outdoors. The Capra treats pets like they are part of the family, and I would certainly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting Saas-Fee with their dog.

Guests at The Capra are each assigned a locker in their ski cabin room, which is located near the ski area’s GOndola and accessed by the hotel’s free shuttle service.

The glacial landscape at Saas-Fee offers an impressive, high-altitude ski experience.

Skiing in Saas-Fee Switzerland

It’s no secret that I’m ski-obsessed, and I always try to extend my season as long as possible. Because Saas-Fee’s ski area is located at high altitude and on a glacier, conditions are snow-sure throughout the winter season and well-into spring. I visited The Capra in mid-April of 2025, and while the springtime weather down in the village was lovely and comfortable, the conditions on the mountain were glorious: the accumulation of the season’s snowfall made for perfect pistes that were best enjoyed under the sunny and clear skies. The main ski area is served by gondolas from the village and chairlifts at mid-mountain, while the glacial terrain at the highest altitudes is served by t-bars or pulley lifts.

An observation deck near the glacier is accessed by the world’s highest funicular and serves as a starting point for high-altitude skiers, but also welcomes regular travelers and anyone wishing to view the scenery from above. There are several eateries and restaurants found throughout the ski area, with my favorite being Spielboden which is managed by The Capra.

Saas-Fee is centrally located within an hour’s drive from four other Swiss ski areas, including Grächen-St. Niklaus, Blatten–Belalp, Riederalp, and Zermatt. For those who wish to experience more terrain surrounding Saas-Fee, The Capra can arrange “Ski Safaris” to neighboring ski areas or coordinate guided off-piste or heli-ski excursions.

Carina Otero enjoying the views in between ski runs on the *Feegletscher.*

What are the differences between Saas-Fee and Zermatt?

Saas-Fee and Zermatt are often compared to one-another because they are both car-free villages in the Swiss Alps– but having spent time in both, there are several key differences I noticed. And just to note: as a skier, my perspective is based on the time I’ve spent in these villages during the winter and spring seasons.

While Zermatt is an iconic winter destination visited by international travelers and skiers from all over the world, Saas-Fee is a destination favored by local Swiss outdoor enthusiasts– allowing it to retain its authentic charm. I think the most exaggerated differences I noticed between the two destinations were due to this: because Zermatt has the Matterhorn, the town welcomes all types of travelers ranging from extreme winter-sport enthusiasts to tourists simply interested in seeing a view of the iconic peak and checking it off their bucket-list, whereas Saas-Fee seems only attract nature-lovers who truly wish to take in the beautiful and peaceful alpine surroundings.

Zermatt had no shortage of souvenir shops and designer boutiques in addition to their numerous gear stores and international dining options. By contrast, I noticed the shopping in Saas-Fee felt much more local, with a number of unique galleries and stores selling regionally-made crafts and wares. Everything was so local and charming I even felt like I was somewhat limited (in a very positive, and not-overwhelming way) when it came to searching for the souvenir magnet I promise to get for my mother from every destination I visit!

Both Zermatt and Saas-Fee offer impressive high-altitude skiing and are located relatively close to each other (about a 45-minute drive) so conditions and weather could be considered somewhat similar. Zermatt’s ski area is bigger, boasting a 2,200m vertical and 200km of pistes, which are also connected to 150km of pistes on the Italian side of Cervinia. Saas-Fee’s 1,800m vertical features 150km of pistes, but usually tends to be much less crowded than Zermatt.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor of Zermatt and are looking for something new, or already know you would simply prefer a more-authentic and less-commercialized experience, Saas-Fee may be a great destination for you to consider for your ski trip in the Swiss Alps.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland is a car-Free village. The parking structure is located just at the entrance of the small, walkable village, and The Capra Hotel offers convenient and complimentary shuttle service.

How to Get to The Capra in Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Even though Saas-Fee is a car-free village, I found that it was still very convenient to drive there myself during my road trip through the French and Swiss Alps. A spacious and well-organized parking structure is located right at the entrance of the village, and complimentary transfers are easily coordinated by The Capra’s shuttle service. I opted to park my car in an outdoor space on the top level because I visited in April when the springtime weather in the village was more-than-agreeable, but there are also indoor parking spaces located in the same structure if you wish to have your car more protected from the elements.

It’s also possible to reach Saas-Fee by bus or private transfer from the Visp train station, which is accessible by train from the nearest major airports: Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. Visit Saas-Fee’s official website here to learn more about all the transportation and arrival options, as well as discounts on parking at train stations. To arrange a private transfer to the hotel, you can simply contact The Capra Saas-Fee once you’ve made your booking reservation.

My pomeranian Gigi was happily welcomed to the Capra in Saas-Fee. As soon as we arrived, we both received welcome drinks.

Slope-side dining at Spielboden by The Capra offered panoramic views and delicious food.

Breakfast was definitely a highlight during my stay at The Capra in Saas-Fee.

Gigi feeling right at home in our Deluxe Suite at the Capra Saas-Fee.

Are you planning a ski trip in Switzerland and wondering if a stay at The Capra in Saas-Fee is right for you? Feel free to leave a comment below and ask me anything about my wonderful experience staying here with my dog!

One of my favorite details at the Capra Saas-Fee: A lighting installation leading to the spa mirrors the mountain range that surrounds the village

About the author

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

Discover Ski is Not Lost

CARINA OTERO, AUTHOR OF THE SKI IS NOT LOST BLOG

This post contains affiliate links and at no cost to you, I may earn a commission which allows me to keep this site free for all readers. I only recommend properties, products, brands, and services that I personally use and believe in.

Blog

The Capra Saas-Fee: Sublime Skiing in a Charming Swiss Village