Saas-Fee is best known for its beautiful ice fields of glaciers and the stunning 4000-meter (over 10,000′) peaks that surround this magnificent valley. It’s also a car-free alpine village that provides a true luxury ski holiday for families and couples. Saas-Fee is one of the best Swiss Ski Resorts for snow reliability, slope preparation (grooming) and quaintness in its ski village.
Hotel Bristol is an ideal location to stay on a ski trip to Saas-Fee, very close to the ski lifts, overlooking the slopes, and within the historic car-free village. We were picked up at the car park garage, and whisked to this slope-side hotel upon our arrival in Saas Fee. This traditional Swiss hotel is relaxing for a ski holiday, comfy and enjoyable, with everything you need – ski room, breakfast buffet, and 4-course dinner each night, plus a clean neat room with a mountain view balcony.
The Hotel Bristol dates back to 1963, started by the Bumann family – one of the founding families of the ski area of Saas-Fee in the 1950’s. Now Bristol is owned and operated by Reto Bumann, 3rd generation innkeeper, his three children are often happily playing around the hotel.
This traditional hotel is just 100 meters from the slopes and a short walk to several of Saas-Fee ski lifts. From your balcony at Bristol, you overlook the beginner slopes and Ice Hockey Rink, with magnificent mountain views above.
Bristol is cozy, traditional, not fancy, but its affordable. A small reception area leads to Bristol’s slope view dining room and terrace, and a tiny lounge off the dining area is called “the bar.” A yoga retreat completes the property in a separate wing where classes are offered mornings and evenings to locals and guests alike.
With half-board, your stay includes a bountiful breakfast buffet, and a 4-course menu prepared each evening, making your stay easy and relaxing. We loved the breakfast, a help-yourself spread of meats, cheeses, yogurt and fruit, and boiled eggs. Fresh coffee is made to order. Our dinners during our stay ranged from classic Weiner Schnitzel to Steak with noodles, Rack of Lamb, and Fondue chinois. A plentiful salad bar, plus a creative starter and dessert, make for a lovely evening meal after a big day skiing. You can order Swiss and French wines from the bar, or a cocktail. The Chef actually drives the electric shuttle to and from the transportation center at times, and shovels snow too. The entire Bristol team is super friendly and accommodating, speaking local German, French and English.
Our Hotel Bristol room was clean and neat, offering private bath, comfy down duvets on our bed, ample built in closet space, TV, speedy Wifi, and a desk. The best was the grand balcony overlooking the lower mountain ski slopes, kids learning area, T-Bars and trams.
As you return from your day on Saas-Fee’s ski slopes, you enter Bristol’s convenient downstairs ski room and boot dryer storage area. While not glamorous, this gear storage area is well-situated and saves space in your room, plus your boots are nice and dry for your ski morning.
Family suites are also available, and Bristol is a kid and pet-friendly property. While Bristol’s decor has not been updated, it has a pleasant atmosphere, and quickly feels homey. A décor reno here would go a long way, but the rates reflect good value.
Bristol does offer a chic newer chalet apartment – Bristolina next door. There are very few hotels as close to the slopes at Bristol, and you can easily walk to the village, the cute shops and cafés. Saas Fee’s best après ski is right across from Bristol on what we called “après ski row” – the Black Bull Snowbar, Rudi’s, High Life Après Ski Club, and The Muehle.
You will find Hotel Bristol is a well-located and affordable ski lodge to stay in the beautiful Swiss ski resort town of Saas-Fee. Neighboring Zermatt, also car-free, is bigger, busier and pricier. Saas-Fee ski terrain is fun and superbly scenic with its glimmering glaciers for a few days ski holiday. Of note: Saas Fee has many English-speaking clients and hosts.
Upon arrival and departure at Saas Fee, the Bumann family and Bristol team will whisk you to and from the parking garage or bus, in their electric van – the only cars allowed in Saas Fee village.
The beautiful Saas-Fee valley also has skiing at nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell just down the mountain road. Saas-Fee is on the Swiss Magic Pass so you can include it on a Swiss ski safari, also skiing nearby Grimentz Zinal, Leukerbad, Nax Mont Noble, Anzère and many more.
More on Skiing Switzerland
Our Guide to Skiing the Alps
Top Ski Resorts in The Alps
Top Swiss Ski Hotels
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