Saastal - Saas Almagell to Kreuzboden

(walked in 2001)

Map not to scale

We took the bus to Saas Almagell before walking up steeply through the woods above the village to the Almagelleralp. As we climbed higher the views across to the Mischabel range improved. 

Looking from Almagelleralp towards the Dom and Taeschhorn 

Looking from Almagelleralp towards the Almagellerhorn

It was hot and sunny all day but cloud hung tantalisingly just below the summits of most of the mountains so, although we could see the peaks and the lower slopes there was never any completely clear view.  

Looking up the Saastal with the Mattmark dam in background

After a drink at the Berghotel Almagelleralp we started northwards on a path that led high above the Saas valley. The path clung to the steep valley slopes for much of the way with some sections crossing the boulder scree slopes of the Weissmies, although most of this section had clearly been “engineered”. Further on we came to a section high above Saas Grund where the path wound its way through avalanche barriers.

The view across the Saastal to the mountains above Saas Fee. The Dom can be seen peeping above the clouds.

For the last few miles there were plaques describing the incredible profusion of alpine flowers to be seen. Finally after another section of boulder hopping the path dropped down to the cable car station at Kreuzboden (Chrizbode on some maps). 

The path high above the Saastal between Almagelleralp and Kreuzboden

Above this area tower the two 4000m peaks of the Lagginhorn and the Weissmies together with their associated glaciers. After tea and cakes at the inevitable restaurant we descended to Saas Grund via the gondola cable car.

The snow capped peaks of the Fletschorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies (left to right) above Kreuzboden cable car station.