Asitzbahn bei Sonnenuntergang
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE LEOGANger bergbahnen
ACTIVE SINCE 2006

Sustainably oriented Leoganger Bergbahnen

Skiing Sustainably – Is it possible?

The Leoganger Bergbahnen are introducing more initiatives to make this a possibility.

As a guest in our region, you would naturally like to be sure that resources are being conserved as much
as possible, and that our wonderful natural environment is being respected. It's even more fun to enjoy
the contrasting, diverse winter and summer offerings if you've seen it for yourself in advance.
We would like to take this opportunity to explain to all those interested what distinguishes us as
sustainability experts.

 

As early as 2006, the Leoganger Bergbahnen began investing regularly in projects related to energy efficiency, sustainability, and the conservation of resources, and continue to do so as participants of lighthouse projects such as “Cleaning Energy For Tourism” (CE4T) and as the first lift company partner in the “Salzburg Climate and Energy Strategy 2050” initiative. To find out how exactly, read on:

Sustainability has many facets!

We are trying hard in many areas:

We are pioneers in terms of fuel consumption among the Leoganger Bergbahnen! Already the conversion to GTL diesel in 2022 was an investment in improving our ecological footprint. Now we are going one step further with the storage of HVO fuel. This ensures a saving of approx. 90 % CO² with a consumption of 220,000 l for the winter season 2023/24! The Leoganger Bergbahnen are thus taking on a pioneering role in terms of sustainability and resource conservation. You can find more information here.

 

The Leoganger Bergbahnen are strong partners when it comes to sustainability, introducing energy
efficiency improvement measures as early as 2006, and have been recognised with numerous awards.
Such measures include for example a heat recovery system, using heat from the lift motors to heat
neighbouring spaces, workshops, and the “Stöcklalm”mountain restaurant, and employing a district
heating system. One such initiative is the Austrian Lighthouse project “Clean Energy For Tourism” (CE4T).
This has the aim of the winter tourism branch achieving carbon neutral status. Using the latest
technology, energy consumption can be optimised. For example, excess energy from the ski area is
diverted to hydroelectric storage power stations and reservoirs to reduce demand on the electricity
network, and provide energy for other businesses such as spas and hotels.


The hydraulic and electrical systems in the snowmaking facilities and lifts have been optimised. “By
doing this, we have been able to massively reduce our energy consumption” says Kornel Grundner,
director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen. “The Asitz and Steinberg lifts save around 151,000 kWh annually.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed: in 2017 the Leoganger Bergbahnen were awarded the “Umwelt
Blatt Salzburg”, and in 2018 they were recognised by the environment ministry for their commitment to
climate protection. In 2019 the Leoganger Bergbahnen became the first ski area to be partners of the
“Klima- und Energiestrategie Salzburg 2050”.

Great commitment is rewarded: Saalfelden Leogang has been certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Destinations - as one of the first regions in the country. 

 

The eco-label is an endeavour to make Austrian tourism more sustainable, the certification is challenging and far-reaching. Measures in the areas of sustainability, waste management, mobility and resource management, among others, are assessed for the award of the independent seal of approval. And this is exactly what Saalfelden Leogang, as a Climate Alliance business (the first tourism association in Salzburg), has been committed to for a long time. 


Thomas Wurzinger, responsible for sustainability management at Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH: "The certification is a milestone in our endeavours in the area of sustainability and at the same time a guideline for the coming years. We want to be an example for other regions without pointing a finger. A sustainable destination is possible and desirable for an attractive living space for us all."

 

The topic of sustainability is reflected in many measures and projects in the region: green events, clean energy, value chains and climate hikes are part of Saalfelden Leogang's self-image. For example, Leoganger Bergbahnen is the first cable car company in Austria to use HVO100 fuel for its entire vehicle fleet, which is made from renewable raw materials and saves up to 90 per cent CO2. In addition, 100 per cent of the electricity required has been sourced from regional energy sources, such as hydropower, since 2018.  The municipalities are also heavily involved, Saalfelden for example by participating in the e5 programme for energy efficiency and Leogang with the use of the Loigom Soifen Shuttle. Saalfelden Leogang is not only a Climate Alliance company, but also a member of respACT.

 


You will find further information on sustainability in Saalfelden Leogang  here

In 2004, the “Respektiere deine Grenzen” initiative was introduced, with the aim of systematically
creating extensive protection for sensitive habitats. To avoid people and nature treading on each other’s
toes, signs have been erected, clearly marking such areas. Flora and fauna thus not only have a voice,
but also the space that they actually need. The Leoganger Bergbahnen are making the public aware of
this project through all major media channels, and in doing so are promoting sustainability in nature.

The topic of the avoidance of rubbish in the mountains comes up again and again. Going under the
motto “whatever you take up the mountain, you have to bring back down”, in future more will be done
to make guests more aware of the issue. For example, all media channels will be used, including the
“Mountain of Senses” hiking map, to convey the message that there are no rubbish bins in the
mountains, because there can be no rubbish collection service.


Over the last year, the Leoganger Bergbahnen have placed emphasis on the topic of “waste separation”,
and carried the concept through from the mountains down into the valley. In summer 2022 there was
a Bike community initiative once a month that went under the title “Clean the trail day”, highlighting
the issue, and following various routes down into the valley once lifts had closed for the day.

Printed media produced by the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn and the
Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH constantly varies when it comes to size, paper type, and efficiency.
Production is always tailored to suit the needs of guests, taking care that only the necessary amount is
printed. It is planned that more and more will be in digital form, setting new standards in sustainability
for the future. Thanks to various apps (Home Of Lässig APP NEW from 2022/23 season)
that are already in use, providing guests with information, we are on the right track. When producing printed media that
is necessary, care is taken to print in an environmentally friendly and climate neutral way.

 

Another measure taken to avoid rubbish in the mountains is the BikePark action “Roll-off not Tear-off”.

• Tear-offs (disposable plastic films for bike goggles) are not permitted in the BikePark.
• On rainy days, when bikers purchase a ticket, they are given a replacement film for a Roll-Off system and a 10% discount voucher for Roll-Off goggles in the sports shop at the bottom station.

 

Our “Clean the trail days" are a good example. On 3 days in the season, Bikepark visitors are invited,
together with the bike rescue team, bikes school guides, and Leogang Bike Club athletes, to clear all
rubbish from the lines and trails and surroundings. Lots of hard-working volunteers come to help comb
the area, collecting what doesn’t belong in nature, and enjoying some pizza together to end the day.

 

LEO-mobil is an initiative whereby the Leogang township, together with the support of the Leoganger
Bergbahnen and other partners, offer a simple and environmentally friendly car sharing system at very
attractive prices for businesses and their employees, as well as for individuals. The car sharing initiative
is open to anyone from the age of 18 with a valid driving licence. On registration, users receive access
data for the booking platform, and a keycard which gives access to the car. A LEO-mobil can then be
booked simply online using a car sharing reservation app.

In 2023, we have invested in a total of 20 electric charging points including two fast charging station to support guests’ E-mobility.

All information about the various charging options of Salzburg AG including instructions for use can be found
here.


An important sustainability factor in a region is also social support.

 

The action group “Loigom hoit zomm” (Leogang works together) shows just how strong this support is in the
region. The group organises quick, non-bureaucratic and professional support in all sorts of situations
where help is needed. This ranges from voluntary help to sustainable projects concerning mobility,
including the Carsharing initiative LEO- mobil. Every winter since 2018 the Leoganger Bergbahnen have
run a donation campaign to support the group. This has the aim of encouraging people to donate the
deposit for their ski ticket (keycard) when they have finished skiing. Donation boxes can be found in lots
of accommodation providers and at the ticket offices, making donating very simple. Put your card in,
and you’ve donated € 2,00!

 

 

The "Beste Österreichische Sommer-Bergbahn" (“Austria’s Best Summer Mountain Lifts”) strengthen
summer mountain tourism with their quality-tested offers and stand for sustainable regional
development. A special feature is the cooperative character - for over 20 years, they have been working
together to boost year-round tourism and employment.


In the "Think Tank" the innovative companies exchange themselves constantly in those topics.
Sustainable offers have become an important criterion for many guests when choosing their vacation
and are also actively demanded by employees. The Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways also
consider it as their responsibility as a ropeway industry to create mountain experiences that stay in
harmony with the needs of nature, the environment and the region.

 

You can find out more about the defined sustainability goals and measures here.

 

Contact for inquiries

 

Alice Messner
Tel: +43 / (0) 6583 / 8219 253
E-Mail: a.messner@leoganger-bergbahnen.at

L7 ASITZKOGELBAHN 8er

The latest construction project ASITZKOGELBAHN 8er (Asitzkogel lift 8er) replaced the sports lift in the Asitzmulde since winter 2022/23. Special attention was paid to the fact that the new technology of a direct drive and the new photovoltaic system will save a total of 62,000 kwh compared to the old system with the same transport.

 

More information about the Asitzkogel lift can be found here.

L7 ASITZKOGELBAHN 8ER