In Saas in Prättigau, distinctive details of the village’s history meet a variety of seasonal activities: the village centre tells the story of Walser wooden houses and rebuilding after a fire, while the network of routes extends in summer to Saaseralp and Madrisa. In winter, when there is sufficient snow, a 7.7-kilometre sledging run leads downhill from Madrisa to Saas. Which of these aspects you focus on can help you plan your stay.
Village Centre and Architectural History
The village centre consists of wooden houses typical of the Walser people, rebuilt after a village fire in 1735. Many houses still reflect the original Graubünden architectural style: their white stone foundations and dark-brown wooden walls are distinctive features of the village’s appearance. Lush floral displays in front of many windows are also typical of Saas. Those interested in architectural history will find several distinct points of interest here—from architectural styles and materials to the story of the rebuilding.
The present-day church represents another period in the village’s history; it was built around 1500. Its tower has a campanile-style spire that is probably unique on the northern side of the Alps in Graubünden. Charred remains of the former beam floors can still be found in the tower. The dates mark different stages in the village’s history: the church was built around 1500, while the Walser wooden houses in the village centre were rebuilt after the fire of 1735. The “Aquasana Monument” on the main road also commemorates the battle between the people of Prättigau and the Austrians in 1622.
Summer Routes and Downhill Runs
In summer, the extensive, well-maintained network of cycling and hiking trails runs from the valley floor up to Saaseralp and Madrisa. This means the summer options cover a wider area than the single, clearly measured sledging route available in winter. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out. The distinction is useful when planning by season: cycling and hiking trails are the focus in summer, while the sledging run depends on sufficient snow.
The Madrisa–Saas sledging run is 7.7 kilometres long and leads downhill to Saas, provided there is enough snow. The return bus from the sledging run departs from Saas village square. Another downhill option is to ride family scooters from Madrisa to Saas. These scooters can be rented at the Madrisa cable car’s mountain station and returned at the signposted municipal centre in Saas. Transport and scooter arrangements may change, so check the latest information before each trip.
Both downhill options lead from Madrisa to Saas, but differ in activity and practical details: sledging requires sufficient snow, while the rental and return locations are specified for the family scooters. This makes it possible to plan according to the season and preferred type of downhill activity, without treating the two options as the same.
Location and Travel Planning
Saas in Prättigau lies on the northern side of the middle Prättigau valley, on the edge of the Klosters/Davos tourism region and about ten kilometres northwest of Klosters. The elevation ranges from approximately 830 to 2,823 metres above sea level. These details locate the village geographically; its cultural and activity highlights can be considered separately.
For planning your trip, two different questions arise: would you primarily like to explore the houses, church and historic memorials, or would you like a seasonal activity to shape your stay? In summer, cycling and hiking trails run from the valley floor to Saaseralp and Madrisa. In winter, the snow-dependent sledging run takes centre stage. When deciding, check the relevant conditions and transport information for your planned activity.
Discover more destinations: Valzeina, Pragg-Jenaz, Conters in Prättigau, Klosters Platz, Sankt Antönien, Schiers, Arosa, Clavadel.
Return to the main travel overview: Prättigau-Davos.
