The Capra

Even by the lofty standards of Swiss alpinism, the village of Saas-Fee is something else. “Pearl of the Alps” might seem a confusing nickname until you plop yourself in the heart of this gabled, car-free hamlet, from whose perspective the surrounding snow-capped four-thousanders distinctly take on the aspect of an oyster’s lip. Ski resorts around here have embraced intimacy in size and scope — rather than compete with the grandeur of the mountains, they take pride in a humble familiarity with the land. Snow globes rather than glow snobs, if you will. Into this elegant tableau we welcome a relative newcomer: The Capra Saas-Fee.

There are just a couple dozen suites under these particular gables, which is actually for the best; this way, all of them get private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, the better to take the measure of the peaks. Handsome natural wood and stone surfaces make for a warm, reassuring counterpoint, amply insulated from the chill via area rugs and heated hardwood floors. Contemporary elements — Bluetooth entertainment systems, recessed lighting, Nespresso machines — neatly synthesize the aesthetic, lending convenience and functionality to the bespoke, earth-tone furnishings. These rooms are well-suited for restful sleep, to be sure, but they’re also an absolute pleasure to wake up in.

“Capra” is Latin for mountain goat, the unofficial mascot of the Valais area; doubtless you’ll work up a ravenous appetite between traveling, the pistes, and all the health and wellness work you’re doing in the hotel’s expansive spa — and luckily the food and beverage offerings cater to palates more discriminating than a goat’s. Take the edge off with local cheese and a Valais vintage at the cozy bar and lounge, complete with a ruminative fireplace and a very browsable miscellany of books. Or settle in for seasonal farm-to-table fare at the Capra’s Brasserie — and if you’re present on a Thursday night it’s worth booking a spot at the Chef’s Table for a five-course set menu served in the hotel’s wine cellar.