Hotel Collina or Annahof in Saas Fee-anyone been?

[cluelessfromusa]

Hi all, contemplating a first time family ski trip with DH, DS age 7 and DS age 4. Grew up in US doing self drive/self catering trips with the parents, therefore I'm totally overwhelmed by 'full service' options available from tour operators here in the UK.

Anyway, thinking about Saas Fee as would need a place with alternate activities in case skiing is a total bust with 4 y/o, as he has mild learning and sensory difficulties and all the equipment and people shouting at him to "bend your knees! turn!" might just prove to be too much. Saas Fee seems to be a lively village with the pool, other things to do.

Cannot really find any reviews of Annahof (Esprit) and Hotel La Collina (Family ski co). Considered Snowbizz/Puy St. Vincent but terrified that there is nothing to do should skiing fail to captivate the little one....

Thanks!

La Collina is at one end of the village , nearer the Hannig mountain for walkers/sledding rather than near the nursery slopes as the Annahof is. Nearer the pool complex though. We've stayed at the Alphuebel which is next door to the Collina. Lots to do for non skiers. Alphuebel has in-house childcare incldued in price btw and will drop/collect from skischool meeting point at lunchtime.

Thanks Liz, I've actually seen a few references to the Alphubel and it seems most leave satisfied. What did you think of the childcare? Do you think they could cope with a slightly more "needy" child - DS2 is on the very mild end of the autistic spectrum and is generally fine, goes to mainstream nursery with no help, but there are some language/comprehension issues. I will investigate further but would love to hear your general impressions. Maybe will try to cobble together an Alphubel trip DIY-style as not entirely sold on all inclusive chalet deal....

It is run by the British dil of the owner and we've not had any issues although they were very busy during one stay. dd was hard to settle as a toddler but they persevered and she was very happy. We went several years in succession, winter and summer. I think they'd cope fine with your ds. The younger grandchild is probably a similar age to your ds2. They also organise activities outdoors and in depending on the age of the group they have (usually younger ones am, older pm as skischool is 10-1 from 5+). Used to be cheaper to book direct (kids under 6 free) but maybe less so now with CHF as it currently stands. We've not been for a few years but check the MN reviews for more recent visitors.

Hi, I've only just seen your post so you've probably got sorted out by now, but just to say we stayed at the Annahof last New Year week and it is in a great location. You can ski into it just about, the lifts are only a couple of minutes to walk to and there are some great bars and restaurants literally just outside the door. There was a child (aged about 10 or 11 I think) with special needs staying the same week as us and he was well cared for as well as integrating with the rest of the children and other guests. There is a little hill just around the corner from the hotel where small children could take sledges and have lots of snow fun, a skating rink, a toboggan run (about 10 mins walk away) and a large jacuzzi in the hotel. The hotel is a little tired in some areas but our bedroom was great with very comfy beds and there was plenty of food. We met some great people and the atmosphere in Saas Fee was lovely. Hope you have a great holiday.

Thanks LizS and Ascot for the helpful info, I will concentrate on Saas Fee for next season if our upcoming Easter trip goes well. We ended up booking with Snowbizz self-catering in Puy St. Vincent, couldn't beat the price so if it is a bust with the little guy at least we won't have spent a small fortune on the trip!!!

at puy there is a cinema, and a sledging run, and an ice-rink.
i think the staff will cope well because the ratio is quite low, they are all quite experienced (are all working for 2nd/3rd year at least i think) and genuinely seem to enjoy playing with the kids. They will lend you sledges and games to play.
You will have a great time I am sure!
ps on my snowbizz thread i wrote up all my 'debrief for next year' comments.

You will be fine with Snowbizz! We went with them last year, can't recommend them highly enough. It is a small resort but everyone is so friendly and everything so convenient. If your little one doesn't take to it there is a safe fenced off sledging area and a little play park, swings, climbing etc. You can go up the lifts as pedestrians for a hot chocolate. The nannies 'pink ladies' are superb, they are the loveliest girls and the kids are really happy with them. The best bit is the evening kiddie club! The ski school is their own and the instructors are brilliant and it is all overseen by Michel the Snowbizz owner. Have a great trip!

thx grey and raisin looking forward to it now! only 3 wks more to wait. Little one excited to go after watching the olympics...