St Christoph

St Christoph: green factor

• Introduction to green factor assessments
• Environmental overview of resorts
• Environmental initiatives

Major Initiatives

"We do everything to protect and maintain our natural heritage", says St Anton's Director of Tourism Martin Ebster. The resort's environmental measures and projects extend from the use of alternative energy sources, through environmentally-friendly waste disposal systems, down to superb care of the pistes.

"In principle we do not have any erosion damage here - we take preventive measures", says engineer Hannes Steinlechner, CEO of the Arlberg mountain cable cars. "In the summer months the slopes are regularly mowed and grazed, because short grass is more resistant. And it is also important to keep the land under constant observation, so we can act immediately if hail or heavy rain causes problems." Any remedial action is taken at once, along with recultivation and replanting and redraining if necessary. Depending on circumstances, various measures are taken such as the use of jute nets which are used to cover the ground and then replanted or the erection of dry stone walls to secure embankments.

Altogether 75 percent of pistes in St. Anton am Arlberg can be covered by artificial snow. And what is blown onto the pistes is cleaner than natural snow! The snow crystals consist only of water which is processed up to drinking water quality, and of air. These strict rules apply to the entire Tyrol, and they also specify that no chemicals may be added. In Switzerland, Germany and the USA it is normal practice to add snowmax proteins, but use of these is strictly prohibited in Austria.

A further groundbreaking element is the landscape protection concept which was created in the course of the Alpine World Skiing Championships in 2001 in St. Anton am Arlberg. "It is the first concept of this type developed in the whole of Austria for a skiing area", explains Hannes Steinlechner. "We have voluntarily declared various regions to be protected areas and have undertaken to implement special protective measures there." One of these protected areas is the Lake Maien biotope.

Hannes Steinlechner is particularly proud that the Arlberg ski lift company has also been certified in accordance with the new and more stringent ISO standard. "This involves, among other things, proper handling of all hazardous substances such as the purchase, use and disposal of oils, lacquers, and fuels must be recorded with extreme precision."

All in all a well-organised ski area can make an extremely effective contribution to the protection of the environment and the beauty of nature. "On the one hand we take numerous measures to ensure that nature remains intact within our area, and on the other hand, skiers concentrate their activities here and do not travel outwards into otherwise untouched mountain areas."

The cable car company and the region of St. Anton am Arlberg have for years been following the same policy in order to maintain and develop their reputation as an environmentally-friendly ski and holiday resort. At the moment, for example, a study is being carried out with reference to the erection of a power station fuelled by biological waste. "The aim is to further reduce the number of oil-fired central heating systems and with it the amount of CO2 which is released into the atmosphere", explains Elmar Huter, the official environment representative from St. Anton am Arlberg. Waste wood from the forests and wood resulting from house renovation will perhaps soon provide heating for public buildings, hotels and also private houses.

Currently an approval procedure is also in progress with regard to the extension of the St. Anton hydro-electric station, which already supplies electricity to all hotels and private houses in the area. Electricity and heating are also generated from biological waste such as surplus food, which generally originates from hotels. In the course of this, fertilisers are also produced, which are used for cultivation purposes.

Strict separation of different waste materials has been a matter of course in St. Anton am Arlberg for many years now. "Even old cooking oil and fat is collected separately and is made into biological diesel oil, which is used to drive municipal vehicles", explains Elmar Huter.

So who could be surprised that all the mountain restaurants in St. Anton am Arlberg are supplied with the Austrian seal of quality. This certification involves rules with regard to waste water disposal, waste separation and also proper use of cleaning materials.

And last but not least, the excellent connection of St. Anton am Arlberg to the international railway network makes an important contribution to environmental protection. "People who spend their holidays with us can leave their cars at home", says Director of Tourism Martin Ebster. "The new railway station is extremely central, and there are also excellent shuttle buses to the hotels and guesthouses." In addition there are regular buses for hikers, skiers and superb local transport, so that visitors can reach their destinations quickly and easily. "Reduction in individual traffic and the presence of the pedestrian area in the centre of the village also make a huge contribution to the quality of life", says Heinrich Wagner. For him, all the measures which protect and enhance nature and the environment are an investment in the future. "One of our guiding principles is that we think of tomorrow and the next generation when we make important decisions."

Since resorts are continuously increasing and improving their environmental practices, we update the Green Resort Guide throughout the year. If you have any information about new resort environmental policies/practices or anything that you think we may have missed, please email greenresortguide@skiclub.co.uk.

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