Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 19/43

Always up high with no altitude difference to conquer. The stage from Gspon to Saas-Fee involves a scenic hike along mountain slopes above the Saas Valley. You go through forests, across alpine pastures and past old granaries and stables, enjoying a view of the Valais 4,000-metre peaks.

From the Gspon mountain station, the trail initially leads out of the small village and onto a white-red-white marked mountain path. The route climbs through open meadows and pastures towards the Simelihorn. After around six kilometres, it reaches its highest point at approximately 2'280 m. Rockier sections and open woodland characterise this high-altitude stretch.

The long descent into the Saastal then begins. The mountain path traverses open slopes before repeatedly entering the forest further on. Towards Saas-Grund, the terrain becomes lower and more settled; this is the lowest point of the hike. Broader hiking trails now replace the mountain path.

Finally, the route climbs once more to Saas-Fee. On the Kapellenweg, it passes directly by the Maria zur Hohen Stiege chapel before reaching the destination at the bus terminal. A good five and a half hours should be allowed for the 17 kilometres, with around 900 metres of ascent and 1'000 metres of descent.