Once a year, gourmands and nature lovers gather together on the glorious mountains of the Swiss Alps to hike amongst stunning natural scenery, indulge in a decadent array of gourmet dishes, and clinking their glasses in toast to the good life. The Sass-Fee Gourmet Trail is a culinary journey shared with the jet-setting gastronomist and Switzerland’s most esteemed sommeliers and chefs and is, in fact, nothing less than nirvana for the epicurean.

This summer, the Saas-Fee Gourmet Trail hike is returning to the Saas Valley. Saas-Fee is a village located in the Saas Valley, which is part of the canton of Valais. The village is encircled by the grand, 4,000 metre snow-capped summits of the Mischabel Chain. Saas-Fee’s undeniable beauty has given it its rightful nickname: the ‘Pearl of the Swiss Alps’.

The Gourmet Trail is hosted by the Saas-Fee Hotel Sunstar Beau Suite, a 4-star luxury hotel boasting a 127-year business since 1893. The event has been described as a ‘culinary highlight’, scheduled to take place on Sunday 21st June, right in the beginning of the Swiss summer season.

The hike itself lasts approximately 4 – 5 hours, during which participants are provided with local gourmet food from the Saas Valley’s best-in-class chefs. The valley’s best-in-class sommeliers also offer a selection of the finest Valais wine to enjoy along with the food.

At the beginning of the trail, the participants gather altogether at the Hannig Mountain Station. The Station is a building reminiscent of a cabin, surrounded by magnificent views of the iconic mountains as far as the eye can see. Participants are initially offered an amuse bouche paired with aperitifs or the Valais wine, after which they are divided into a number of smaller groups of around 20 people. They then begin the hike along the Sonnenweg trail, which can also be referred to as the Sun Trail. Although this is a fine-dining experience, guests can be seen dressed in their typical hiking gear – a perfect combination of gourmet and get-up-and-go.

Interestingly, it is said that the exact route of the trail is a kept secret. However, it is known that there are six food stations along the trail, all of which are specially set up in the heart of the fields and forests of the Saas Valley. Participants stop at each station to recuperate and experience the crème de la crème of local Swiss cuisine. The food stations are adorned with pristine white tablecloths, gleaming cutlery and wine glasses and vibrant fresh flowers to compliment the stunning natural scenery. A single food course is served with the Valais wine when the participants arrive at each food station in turn. Each of the food courses is prepared by one of the chefs participating in the trail. Some of the delicious dishes served during the trail are said to include succulent braised leg of lamb, salmon trout salad and truffle fondue. The food is served with immaculate presentation, which is very pleasing to both the eyes and the stomach.

After the participants have dined at the last food station, the hike comes to an end at Hohnegg Alpine Resort. The Resort is another cosy, cabin-like location surrounded by the epic mountains. Here, the participants can treat their taste buds to dessert whilst winding down to a well-deserved rest.

This year, the Saas-Fee Hotel Sunstar Beau-Suite have made an exciting announcement. Ambassador of Valais wines, Dr. Rebe (literally translated from German as ‘Dr. Vine’), will be attending the event. More specifically, he will be providing an exclusive endcap for the local fine wine products.

Last year, some of Saas-Fee’s finest chefs attending the Gourmet Trail were among Phillipp Höppler from the Hotel Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa and Philip Schnabel from the Hotel Schweizerhof. The Hotel Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa has a total of 74 contemporary alpine-style rooms designed for their guests’ relaxation after a full day out in nature. The Hotel Schweizerhof, which has been open in Saas-Fee since 1992, has been proudly named one of the best places to go on holiday in Switzerland. Also in attendance were staff from The Capra Hotel, an award-winning 5-star alpine lodge approved by the likes of VOGUE Magazine and La Tavola Magazine.

Those interested in the event can book their tickets for the Gourmet Trail via the Saas-Fee Hotel Sunstar Beau Suite website or the official Facebook Page. It is no matter whether participants have experienced it before or are first-time visitors. This year’s Gourmet Trail is certainly an event worth adding to the travel calendar. For hikers and fine-dining enthusiasts, the Saas-Fee Gourmet Trail is the ideal destination for a literal culinary journey.