Description

The Gemsweg ("Chamois Trail") links the top stations of two gondolas on either side of Saas-Fee: the Hannig, to the north-west, and the Plattjen, to the south-east.

The roughly semi-circular route reveals views of Saas-Fee from three sides as it leads through the spectacular glacial landscape that attracted the first international visitors more than 150 years ago and continues to bewitch guests today. The hike begins at Hannig, accessible from Saas-Fee by gondola.

The first half of the walk leads downhill across the mountain slopes to the west of the resort, eventually reaching the crest of the former lateral moraine of the Fee Glacier.

The ridge offers a fine view of the young landscape revealed by the retreating glacier: a stony valley decorated with a lattice of rivulets flowing into a glacial lake.

Two centuries ago, all this lay under a river of ice: the atmosphere is magical. Our trail follows the ridge downhill before traversing this new riverscape upstream of the lake.

A climb through the forest leads to the glacier grotto, a mountain restaurant with sun terrace that offers a mobile refreshment stop. Beyond, the trail initially follows a roughly level route through the forest, crossing a pair of glacial rivers along the way.

The path then climbs steadily beyond the treeline, eventually reaching the Plattjen ridge by the Berghaus Plattjen - said to be the oldest mountain restaurant in the valley.

The path then follows the steep ridge to reach the top station of the Plattjen gondola. The latter half of the walk, especially, offers good chances of spotting wildlife including chamois.

These agile and shy goat-antelopes can run at up to 50 kph and jump 2 metres vertically in the air.

You'll need patience and a keen eye to spot them! *Highlights* * Superb views of Saas-Fee, its mountains, glaciers and valley * Encounter with the new landscapes sculpted by the Fee Glacier * Panoramic gondola rides & restaurants at start and finish equipment #We recommend # * * good footwear * clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket * hat or cap * sunscreen * bottle for water * picnic * camera * binoculars (optional) * hiking poles (optional) * printout of this hike (click "Print" icon, to download) # For certain walks # * Swimwear