Aqua Allalin

Aqua Allalin is the swimming and wellness centre of Saas-Fee, built for visitors who want a few hours indoors after a day on the mountain or on a day when the weather is poor. It stands in the village, a short walk from the centre, and it combines a swimming pool, a children’s area, saunas, a fitness room and a bistro under one roof. The name refers to the Allalin, the group of glaciers and peaks that rises above the village, and large windows bring the mountain views into the building.

The core of the centre is a pool of 25 metres, suitable for swimming lengths as well as for family play, with a warm shallow area for small children. Alongside it there is a wellness section with several types of sauna, including a milder bio sauna, a steam bath and relaxation areas where you can rest between sessions. In a high-altitude village where the temperature drops sharply in the evening, the warmth and steam are a welcome contrast. A fitness area offers machines and weights for those who want to keep up their routine, and the centre is designed with access for visitors with reduced mobility.

A small bistro serves light meals, drinks and snacks, so a visit can last several hours without leaving the building. The centre is a place both for visitors and for local people, who use it for swimming lessons and exercise, and that gives it a friendly, everyday character. In summer, the cool pool is a useful break after hiking, and in winter, it is one of the most popular indoor activities in the village, particularly for families with children who want a change from skiing.

Entry prices are tiered, with separate fees for the pool, the wellness area and the fitness area, and guests staying in the valley with a local guest card usually receive discounts, so ask when you check in to your accommodation. Opening times change by season, and some sections have specific hours, so check the current timetable before you go. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sandals, or hire them at the centre, and note that rules on clothing in the sauna area follow the local customs, which are generally more relaxed than in some other countries.

The centre suits families, couples and anyone looking for a rainy-day alternative to the mountains. It does not have the large thermal pools of some Swiss spa towns, but it offers a comfortable, simple facility in a car-free village where options for indoor activities are otherwise limited.