Sustainability both on and off the pistes
Are sustainability and skiing compatible?
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”.
In the construction of the new Asitzkogel lift, which replaces the Sportbahn in the Asitzmulde from winter 2022/23, special effort was taken to use a modern direct drive system and a new photovoltaic installation, leading to a saving of 62,000 kWh compared with the energy that was required to run the old lifts.
What’s more, in 2022 new synthetic GTL diesel fuel was stored for use in all vehicles, including piste bashers. In doing so, local emissions can be reduced as this fuel is non-toxic, odourless, and biologically degradable.
Also good to know is that we have invested in a total of 18 electric charging points and a quick charging station to support guests’ E-mobility.