6 eco-friendly alpine resorts around the world

This article was created by National Geographic Traveler (UK).

As snowfall becomes less predictable in winter in the mountains, ski resorts are implementing sustainable initiatives aimed at phasing out fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and reducing waste. It has become a pioneer. Alpine villages and towns have experienced the first impacts of climate change firsthand before taking action and have a long-term interest in protecting their delicate ecosystems. We set green standards for ski destinations around the world, from solar-powered on-demand ski lifts and electric vehicles for public transport to biofuel-powered slope grooming machines. We have selected six mountain towns that are promoting environmental initiatives. Some resorts even produce their own renewable energy.

Larks has been committed to sustainable operations since the 1970s and aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and ultimately become an energy producing resort. We are currently building buildings that produce more energy than they consume and phasing out fossil fuels. This winter, the resort will open its first “on-demand” ski lift, which reduces energy demands by removing unused cabins. There are numerous charging points for cars and bikes throughout the resort, and visitors are encouraged to donate CHF 1 (90p) per night during their stay to the GreenStyle Fund to help fund local environmental projects. You will be asked for it.

This collection of resorts, including Soll, Ellmau and Westendorf, has won awards for its environmental efforts. The company installed the world’s first solar-powered elevator in Brixen in 2008 and since 2017 has relied exclusively on local renewable energy, using biomass, wood pellets and heat recovery systems to heat most of its buildings. ing. There are charging points for his EV in the Schefau, Hopgarten and Brixen car parks, and when skiers purchase his one-day ticket for the lift, they are issued a code that allows them to charge their car for free. A waste separation system is installed at the ski resort’s base station and mountain station. The three villages also have train stations, and a free bus network connects all lifts in the area.

Flocon Vert Certified Resort introduced two electric buses in 2021 and put the remaining buses into service last winter (2022-23), reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its free shuttle bus service by 90% . The company plans to introduce 15 more electric buses by 2025. Thirty-nine snow compactors were run on HVO biofuel last winter, and the resort is now looking at ways to reduce single-use plastics and limit vehicular traffic in the town centre.

Salen, part of the Scandinavian Skistar Resort Group, uses non-fossil fuel energy in all resort operations, reducing carbon emissions by 90%. All ski buses, as well as all snow compactors at the resort, run on HVO biofuel, reducing emissions by 67%. All 150 snowmobiles at the resort will be electric, as will electric snow compactors. Charging points for EVs are installed as standard in all new builds. In 2023, Salen opened his 7,000 square meter summer ski resort with artificial turf made from sugarcane-derived plastic, which is biodegradable, compostable and close to real snow.

The Colorado resort recognized that climate change was an existential threat to skiing and released its first sustainability report in 1999. In 2012, the company, along with three partners, opened a plant at the defunct Elk Creek Mine that converts waste methane into usable electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating economic benefits. Aspen aims to reach net zero by 2030 and is supported by the Environmental Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the region’s natural environment. Last year, the resort installed 40 EV charging stations, a significant number of solar panels, and LED lighting.

Voted one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2009, Whistler has a hydroelectric power plant along Fitzsimmons Creek in the heart of the resort, 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269 snow machines, and more. We produce enough renewable energy to meet all your needs. Other buildings and services. The resort has its own composting facility and has pledged to reduce emissions by 50% below 2007 levels by 2030.