Lessons (2008/09 prices)

The Skischule Saas-Fee (027-9572438) has approximately 100 instructors. English is no problem.

Private lessons cost CHF70 an hour for one person with CHF10 for each additional person up to four different people. Five hours of lessons including lunch break cost CHF350 for one, CHF380 for two persons and CHF410 for three people or CHF440 for four people.

Group lessons (three hours a day) are CHF54 for a day; CHF188 for five days.

Special ski mountaineering off-trail adventures have been organized in the past for climbs to the top of the Alphubel and Allalin. These treks start with a two- to four-hour climb and end with long, high altitude powder cruises through virtually virgin snow. Tours are limited by both the weather and the availability of qualified instructors. From mid-February through the end of the season the treks depart approximately once a week.

“The Haute Route” is a classic ski adventure tour between Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Courmayeur and Chamonix. These trips are organized from mid April to the end of May. For this tough, physical trek participants should be in good shape and must be able to ski in deep snow. The mountain climbing school conducts a different special tour from early May until the first week in June. Contact: Mountain Life Office, CH-3906 Saas-Fee; (027-9574464, or the tourist office at 027-9581858). The classic “Haute Route” costs approximately €1,100, including guides, accommodations in mountain huts, meals, hotel expenses during the tour, and mountain railway and bus.