Saastal

The Saas Valley has been inhabited since the Iron Age and the time of the Celts, but it was the Roman Emperor Augustus who united the Valais with Italy, founded its cities and set up the trade route across the Alps, Monte Moro and the Antrona Pass. In 939 the Saracens invaded the Valais and many of names in the region, such as Allalin and Monto Moro, hark back to this era.

From around 1830, the Saas Valley began to attract more visitors, who came to marvel at its renowned beauty. The first proper hotel, the Monte Moro, opened its doors in 1856, marking the beginning of tourism in the area.

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Now, around 180 years later, the Saas Valley has developed into a popular tourist destination, which boasts a range of attractions and spectacular scenery. In October 2011, the valley’s villages celebrated the founding of the Free Republic of Holidays Saas-Fee, which is now providing visitors and Saasonians alike with fun and entertainment day after day! Around 700 years ago, people began to migrate away from the Valais due to a lack of basic resources and the prospect of more freedom elsewhere, and many Saasonians left their home forever. They headed over the mountain passes to Italy to make their home in the harsh high-altitude settlements of Macugnaga and Antronapiana.

In the centuries that followed the Saas Valley was ravaged by storms, floods, disease and war (for example, the Napoleonic Wars). Despite these difficult conditions, the hardy inhabitants that had remained in the area carried on their traditions and made the valley into a home and a place for relaxation, contemplation and well-being.

At the beginning of the 19th century, more people began visiting the Saas Valley and tourism became a regular source of income. The first small guesthouse opened in Saas-Grund in 1833 and was followed by the first proper hotel in 1856. At that time, the developing tourist infrastructure was mainly geared towards the needs of mountaineers. Blacksmiths specialising in the production of ice picks opened, and locals shared their knowledge of the region by working as guides for those climbing the surrounding 4,000 metre peaks and others looking to discover the valley’s flora and fauna.

By the middle of the 18th century, almost all the region’s 4,000 metre peaks had been conquered and in 1849 Father Johann Joseph Imseng made his first attempts at skiing on home-made skis. He made quick progress and, by the start of the 20th century, the first ski clubs in the area had been established. After that, tourism developed in leaps and bounds. Although the road between Saas-Grund and Saas-Fee was only built in 1951, there was no problem getting to the glacier village before then – guests and their luggage were simply transported with mules.

Despite the multitude of external influences of the years, many of the valley’s deeply embedded traditions and customs remain intact. These include folk music, festivals and the traditional homemade clothes worn on special occasions. Still today, there are lots of folk and musical groups that perform at the local festivals and processions.

That was certainly the case at the celebrations to mark the founding of the Free Republic of Holidays Saas-Fee in October 2011. The festivities bountifully conveyed the sense of freedom that everyone can enjoy when they come to the Saas Valley. Welcome to the Free Republic of Holidays!