Award for environmentally friendly ski operation
Skiresort.de 2020
Conclusion Skiresort.de: SkiWelt's environmental protection activities are exemplary.
Excerpt on environmentally friendly ski operation
- The Sonnenlift in Brixen is 100% solar-powered.
- A solar system has been installed at the Jochbahn cable car in Brixen.
- Care is taken to ensure gentle snowmaking when producing artificial snow.
- In summer, the snow ponds are mainly filled with precipitation and snowmelt.
- The piste machines are equipped with a sophisticated piste snow measuring system.
- GPS-controlled piste management enables efficient and resource-saving snow management and thus enormous savings in technically produced snow and energy.
- 100% renewable energy (hydropower) is used.
- Ski buses run to the lifts in all villages.
- There are free charging points for electric cars at the car parks in Scheffau, Hopfgarten and Brixen.
- Renewable energy or waste heat is used to heat various facilities in the SkiWelt.
- There is a waste separation system at all valley and mountain stations and strict attention is paid to waste separation. There are sufficient rubbish bins available everywhere so that the environment is not polluted.
- The huts mainly use regional products from the region and pay attention to sustainability.
- The building colours are determined in harmony with nature and the construction work is accompanied by nature conservation experts.
About the award and certification
The Skiresort Awards are among the most respected international quality awards in the cable car and tourism industry. Since 1998, Skiresort has published independent reviews and awards for ski resorts around the world. Every review is based exclusively on an on site inspection carried out by the Skiresort testing team, ensuring objective and reliable assessments.
Assessment criteria for the Environmentally Friendly Ski Resort Award:
• Sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility
• Closing ski runs or sections of slopes during periods of insufficient snow cover to protect alpine grassland
• Protected wildlife areas and restricted zones for animals
• Environmental education and raising awareness among winter sports enthusiasts
• Use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydropower
• Energy efficient operation of lift systems, with modern installations replacing older, diesel powered equipment
• Environmentally responsible snowmaking through modern technology, careful integration into the natural landscape, snow depth monitoring and energy management
• Waste reduction, including the use of reusable tableware instead of disposable products in mountain restaurants
• Environmentally responsible waste collection, recycling and waste separation
• Encouraging travel by public transport and car sharing
• Supporting local mobility with efficient public transport and frequent ski bus services
• Car free villages and resort areas
• Promotion of locally sourced products
• Existing environmental awards and recognised sustainability certifications
Further awards
