Ecological winter sports: Laax wants to become 100% sustainable

The Laax ski resort may be one of the most snow-sure ski areas in the Alps thanks to its high altitude, but the effects of climate change are also being felt here: "Just 20 years ago, the snowboard summer camp was held regularly on the Vorab glacier - in the middle of June," recalls Reto Fry, sustainability officer for the Laax-based tourism company Weisse Arena Group. The massive retreat of the glacier makes that impossible today. "That man-made climate change is to blame is, of course, something we can only assume. But that something is changing cannot be denied."

Climate change in the Alps
Anyone concerned with climate change in Europe inevitably casts a glance at the Alps. It is not for nothing that they are called the mirror image of the climate. In the Alpine region, the temperature has risen twice as much as the global average over the last 100 years. According to a forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the snow season is therefore shortening by one to two days every two years. This development can already be observed now: Whereas guests could rely on an early start to the season at the end of October just a few years ago, today the snow often falls later. This is also noticeable in Laax: the snow line has risen and the snow is coming later. For a region known for its winter sports tourism, the changed climate conditions are a challenge.

Greenstyle in the snow
"The question was never whether we should do something, but always what we can do and how we can do it," Fry said. Winter sports destinations require a lot of energy to maintain operations. To implement sustainable solutions for this energy demand, Laax has developed the sustainability concept Greenstyle developed. The aim of the concept is to implement measures for a climate-friendly vacation and to protect nature and the animals of the mountain region. The Weisse Arena Group relies on renewable energies and efficient technologies. At the same time, CO2 emissions are to be reduced and energy saved.

Local renewable energy

In addition to hydropower, the sunny region primarily uses numerous photovoltaic systems on the mountain and on the new railroad facilities. For this commitment, the Weisse Arena Group received the European Solar Energy Award in 2016. Meanwhile, Laax already generates 100 percent of the electricity it needs from CO2-neutral sources. The next project - a wind farm on the Vorab glacier - envisages generating energy from wind power.

Use sustainable resources
Other measures are also designed to protect the climate. For example, the Caffè NoName above the world's largest halfpipe has been serving its guests sustainable dishes in the form of a climate menu since this season. For this purpose, the ecological footprint of each product is determined on the basis of its origin and quality. Caffè NoName offers regional products with very short transport routes, which ensure not only a positive climate footprint but also the high quality of the food. Guests fortify themselves here with delicious panini and fresh soups, for example.

Other greenstyle measures already implemented include in the area of waste reduction and a functioning recycling concept, the use of sustainable building materials to protect natural resources, and wildlife, water and plant protection measures. Laax also supports ecologically and locally produced fair trade products and influences industry, suppliers and partners to promote sustainability. In addition to these measures, Laax implements other projects to permanently advance the idea of sustainability in the destination

Goal 100% sustainable resource - and energy independence.
As a winter sports destination, Laax is aware of its responsibility towards the environment and nature, because future generations should still be able to enjoy wide, perfectly groomed slopes and white snowy landscapes during the winter months. One aspired goal is therefore to use 100 percent sustainable resources in the near future and to become the first self-sufficient winter resort in the world.

Foundation supports regional projects
In order to promote sustainability outside the company as well, the Weisse Arena Group, in cooperation with people and companies from the region, founded the Greenstyle Foundation. The foundation supports regional projects dedicated to the preservation and protection of the environment and nature. In this way, ecological and sustainable action can be promoted throughout the region.

In addition to the necessary protection of the climate, the Swiss territory with Greenstyle pays its respect above all to nature and the animals that live in it. "I try to give my children a good life and want them to breathe good air. For that, I give my best every day," Fry, summarizes. For him, his profession is also a vocation. "Everyone can work for a better world."