Ski resorts fall prey to energy

High costs spur creative responses on Alpine slopes and hopes for season

High energy prices have created headaches for ski resorts in Europe's Alpine region but operators pursuing a sustainability strategy say they have been able to deliver for skiers while applying energy-saving initiatives at their resorts.

Because electricity is key to keeping resorts running, crucial for making artificial snow and powering ski lifts, among other needs, resorts across Europe have been feeling the effects of the elevated energy prices — driven in large part by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

But the energy-saving steps, including slower-moving ski lifts, restrictions on night skiing, and the lowering of building temperatures, have succeeded in reducing energy use.

Christoph Eisinger, managing director of Ski Amade, one of the biggest ski areas in Austria, said: "Due to the European energy crisis, the tourism industry, like any other industry has been asked by the Austrian government to save even more energy."

According to Eisinger, Ski Amade has adapted the speed of all lifts and cable cars, based on passenger volume. Seat heating is turned on only when necessary, and night skiing is being limited.

"We implement these measures in a way so that none of our guests will have a limited ski experience or a loss of comfort. Our entire ski areas are in full operation and our guests will get the quality of ski vacation they can expect," he said.

Despite two hard years of COVID-19 restrictions for the industry, Eisinger said he is more optimistic about this season, which he believes will be better than recent ones.

"And the booking forecasts support our optimism," he said. "If the weather and snow conditions stay stable, a good winter season should come out in the end."

In Switzerland, the government's Federal Council said power shortages have not been ruled out for this winter, although it added they are unlikely. To avoid a shortage of electricity, the Swiss ski destination Davos Klosters set up a working group to draw up 40 energy-saving measures, covering sports facilities, technical operations, and public spaces.

The night trail for cross-country skiing will be open for less time in the coming season. The outdoor pool at the public swimming center will be closed in the offseason, and facilities in the wellness area will also be scaled back.

It has become clear that ski operators that invested in renewable energy sources and sustainable business practices seem to be in a better position in terms of energy and cost savings.

Samuel Rosenast, the resort's head of communications and content, said: "Energy efficiency has been in focus for years, as the municipality of Davos aims for energy self-sufficiency by 2036.

"The use of renewable energies is definitely a great advantage for our destination. It allows us to reduce CO2 emissions… also helps to keep costs lower and make us less dependent on other energy suppliers."

Switzerland's Laax is another resort that has placed a focus on sustainability and is aiming to be the first carbon-neutral Alpine holiday destination.

Oliver Sedlinger, the destination's China representative, said: "Apart from our own ever-expanding local electricity production, the electricity needed from outside is based on long-term contracts with our strategic partners, which gives us stability.

"So, for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, we do not expect any changes in ski ticket prices caused by rising energy costs. Essentially, our ski ticket prices are the same as last year."

As part of the initiative known as Greenstyle, Laax has been investing in energy production, energy saving, waste reduction, recycling, electric mobility, nature protection, and other fields.

"So, for us, this is a natural ongoing process of innovation and optimization, as we are always looking to do things better and more efficiently," Sedlinger said.

In Italian ski town Cortina d'Ampezzo — the co-host of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi said: "We are trying to cope with the situation with the resources we have. Our plant engineers guarantee all the plants are open and the usability of all the ski slopes.

"The period is difficult and we must all try to resist the crisis, possibly making sacrifices to find extra resources to ensure the service."

With the government working to control energy costs, he is confident it will still turn out to be a good winter season.

wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com