Saastal

Saastal is a valley located in the Valais Alps of Switzerland. It is also the name of the district in which the valley lies. The valley is known for its high mountains, including Dom (the highest mountain entirely within Switzerland), Weisshorn, and Mischabel group. The Saastal is comprised of four main villages: Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell, and Saas-Balen.

Geography: The Saastal is a U-shaped valley carved by glaciers. It branches off from the Rhone valley near Visp and extends southwards. The valley floor ranges in altitude from approximately 1,000 meters to over 1,800 meters. Glaciers are still present in the high alpine regions of the valley.

Tourism: Tourism is the primary industry in the Saastal. The valley is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. Saas-Fee, known as the "Pearl of the Alps," is particularly well-known for its car-free village center and glacier skiing. The Hannigalp in Saas-Fee is a family-friendly resort renowned for its fairytale theme. Other attractions include the Allalin Ice Pavilion, a glacier grotto, and numerous hiking trails with stunning views.

Transportation: The Saastal is accessible by road. Public transportation options include postal buses that connect the villages within the valley and to Visp, where there are train connections to other parts of Switzerland. Saas-Fee is a car-free village; visitors must park their cars in parking facilities located outside the village center and use electric vehicles or walk within the village.

History: The Saastal has a long history of settlement and agriculture. In the past, the valley was relatively isolated, with inhabitants relying on farming and animal husbandry. The development of tourism in the 20th century significantly transformed the economy of the region.