Snowflakes dance from the sky, the air smells like snow, and the mountains are calling adventurers big and small. Pack your skis and grab your sleds – but leave as small a footprint in nature as possible. Winter fun can also be gentle on the environment! Sustainability and time outdoors are both incredibly important to us at namuk – and even better when we can combine them.
Did you know, for example, that the world’s first solar-powered ski lift was built in the small-but-stellar Tenna ski resort in the Swiss canton of Grisons? We had a look in the surrounding Alps on behalf of all you snow owls and found further ski resorts with creative ideas and innovative concepts that conserve nature. Ready to have another whirl through the snow and explore some winter wonderlands? Let’s go!
Zermatt (CH) – Top of the World with Solar Power
Here we go up to the summit – with energy straight from the sun. The lifts glide along with solar energy, quiet electric vehicles zip through the village, and cars? You won’t find them here. The best part? Thanks to innovative technologies such as solar power facilities at the mountain stations, the energy comes straight from nature – so there’s nothing but clear mountain air, peace, and a lot of space for little and big explorers. Besides skiing, there are countless adventures to be had: snowball fights with a view of the Matterhorn, ice climbing for the fearless, and speedy sled rides through the snowy landscape. If you need a little break, you can sip a hot chocolate in one of the family-friendly mountain huts and build snowmen outside.
Laax (CH) – Gondola taxis for the future
Laax is paradise for snow lovers and a trailblazer in innovation. Here, they boast the world’s first fully automatic gondola taxi. Simply select a destination with a push of a button, and you’ll be floating off to your chosen station as if by magic – without transferring gondolas and with minimal energy consumption. As a family, you can look forward to the huge snow park, where little adventurers can try their first jumps. If you like things a bit less wild, you can explore the snowy forests on snowshoes or cross-country skis and perhaps even find animal tracks in the snow.
Engelberg (CH) – Snow and smarts
Let it snow – but only if it will be put to good use! Engelberg knows how to use snow cleverly. The ski resort has invested in intelligent snow-making guns that only work when really needed. The lifts are operated with renewable energy – perfect for families that want to leave minimal footprints but still enjoy the pleasures of winter to their fullest. Moreover, Engelberg is testing innovative storage systems that retain excess energy from summer to use in the winter months. For families, there are specially designed winter walking trails for exploring the snowy alpine world. The sledding runs offer thrilling high-speed descents toward the valley. And to warm up after a long day in the snow, you can have a swim in the rock adventure pool.
Saas Fee (CH) – A village full of energy
A car-free village, energy from water, wind, and sun – Saas Fee shows that winter dreams and sustainability go hand in hand. The ski area has achieved virtual energy self-sufficiency; that is, it’s completely independent of external power sources by producing its own energy. With this assurance, you can glide even more softly through the fine powder snow, build your own snow fort on the igloo construction site, or relax on a cozy sun deck. Are you looking for an out-of-the-ordinary challenge? Then test your mettle together on a glacier hike and discover the fascinating world of snow and ice together.
Andermatt (CH) – An evolving ski resort
In Andermatt, nature itself brings you to lofty heights – because the lifts are powered by solar and wind energy. Andermatt is betting on sustainable development projects: Hotels and mountain stations are being built to consume as little energy as possible and blend in perfectly with the surrounding nature. In addition, Andermatt offers innovative concepts for responsible tourism, including smart e-mobility solutions for visitors. For families, there are exciting torch-lit walks in the evening, with the snowy landscape glowing in a whole new light. Anyone wanting to relax after an action-packed day can get spoiled in a family-friendly area of a spa.
Nendaz (CH) – Close to nature in the heart of the Alps
Nendaz loves its mountains – and protects them. Thanks to solar and water power, electric vehicles, and clever climate-protecting concepts, this winter paradise will be preserved for the next generations, too. They’re especially invested in gentle tourism concepts here – for example, with no new large-scale construction, but rather sustainable use of existing resources for conscious and gentle winter sports. Kids can take part in nature expeditions, playfully learning more about the alpine flora and fauna. The family-friendly snowshoe trails call for exploration together – perfect for everyone who likes to enjoy winter peacefully.
Verbier (CH) – Sustainability with a (long) view
In Verbier, they look out for nature – with wind power, solar energy, and new approaches to sustainable mountain adventures. You will not only find enchanting winter landscapes, but also a deep awareness of the need to protect the mountains: Hundreds of trees are planted in the ski resort every year to support the environment’s natural cycle, increase safety in the snow in a natural way, and minimize the danger of avalanches. Little researchers can take part in nature expeditions to learn more about the world of alpine animals, while daredevils can get their thrills snow tubing.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (DE) – Sustainability beneath the Zugspitze
Creative minds in this German ski resort are tinkering, testing, and thinking bravely outside the box. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen around the Zugspitze peak, they’re testing novel lift technologies to save more electricity. The modern cable car systems adapt their speed to the current crowd of visitors – going at full power when many people are out and about, and in a more economical mode when it’s quieter. And the heat that the motors generate? It’s put to good use, heating the mountain stations without any additional energy. Even the snow is “produced” sustainably here: Rain water is collected, filtered, and used to prepare the slopes – a sustainable solution that spares precious drinking water. Another exciting pilot project: The base and mountain stations are equipped with special heat exchangers that use the waste heat from the cable car motors to heat interior spaces – keeping things nice and warm without using additional energy.
Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal (DE/AT) – Infinite innovation on the slopes
Just as the borders between Germany and Austria seem to blur here, so do the borders between innovation and tradition. Around the Fellhorn in the Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal ski resort, the cable cars run on green energy, and snow groomers chug along on climate-friendly biofuel. The best part? Kids can experience how sustainable winter sports work! In interactive environmental workshops, they seek tracks in the snow, and guided snowshoe tours bring little biologists a bit closer to the native wild animals.
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (AT) – Innovative energy in the Alps
In the Austrian ski resort Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, solar and water energy keep lifts running practically on their own. The systems have smart sensors that recognize how many snow owls are out on the slopes – if it’s busy, everything operates at full power, while it goes into energy-saving mode when things are quieter. That way, no energy is wasted. Little explorers will find nature paths for playful learning about life in the mountains, while eco-friendly shuttle buses carry everyone from one slope to the next.
Conclusion: Hit the slopes – but with respect for nature
Fun winter activities and nature conservation? It’s a combination that works! These ski resorts show that adventures in the snow are possible without harming nature – and can be just as magical. So grab your winter gear, follow the tracks in the snow, and enjoy magical days – with love for nature and mindfulness of the mountains. Off you go, you little and big explorers!
