I stayed in the video set of the most iconic Christmas song — with snow all year long
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Snow-capped mountains, unwrapping presents by the fire, and George Michael’s Last Christmas playing on repeat. Those were all the things I hoped to find when I headed to Saas-Fee, the resort village in the Swiss Alps where Wham! filmed the video for their iconic Christmas hit.
![[Twilight over the famous Saas Fee village in the alps in Canton Valais, Switzerland in winter]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1208856555.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=509)
It’s been 40 years since the world’s greatest festive tune (sorry, Mariah) was cruelly robbed of the number one spot by Band Aid. And, as someone who shares that very same milestone birthday this month, it felt only right to celebrate in style. Stepping off the bus into the snow-sprinkled Saas-Fee, I soon learnt I wasn’t the only Wham! fan around.
Everyone here remembers White Christmas. It wasn’t just George and Andrew Ridgeley that descended on this pocket of Switzerland for the video. The pair were accompanied by friends including their backing singers Pepsi DeMacque and Shirlie Kemp. The Mayor at the time was even roped in as driver for the group. He had to scrabble to find warm clothes for stars, backing singers and crew alike when unexpected snowfall hit the town during filming.
At the very top of the car-free village, hidden down a woodland path lies the iconic chalet featured in the video – though fans will be disappointed to hear the interior was actually shot at another location. It’s actually a privately owned chalet now, but we still managed to sneak outside for a photo – although be mindful that you’re taking pictures of someone’s home (and brace yourself for the hills).
