Sustainability at Kronplatz

STATE-OF-THE-ART LIFT SYSTEMS

Thanks to the latest environmentally friendly technologies, our modern and innovative lifts help us in saving energy. For instance, the speed of the ski-lifts is aligned with their actual capacity utilisation, which optimises the consumption of electricity. Moreover, the architecture of the Olang 1+2 cable car also allows to generate heat from solar power while the lift is in service. In this context, the roofs of the valley, middle and mountain stations act as greenhouses, whereby the technical elements are heated by the sun instead of by the heating system.

A MORE EFFICIENT SNOW MANAGEMENT

Our snow monitoring system allows us to efficiently produce snow and thus provide the best possible slope quality. The monitoring system automatically identifies when the demand for snow is covered and thereby helps us to produce only as much snow as actually needed. In order to ensure a resource-saving snow production, we rely on state-of-the-art and most efficient snow-making systems of the latest generation when it comes to grooming our slopes.

One of these is the first hybrid snowcat, which was specially developed for the preparation of the pistes and is now used in the Kronplatz ski area. This snowmobile is partially electric and, thanks to its advanced electrification, it saves a considerable quantity of fuel and thus significantly reduces its consumption. In addition, every snow groomer that operates in the ski area is equipped with a GPS system which ensures a targeted and energy-saving distribution of snow on the slopes.

THE CYCLE OF NATURE

The environmentally friendly production of artificial snow for our slopes is based on the cycle of nature: During the thaw in spring, the over- and underground water storage reservoirs of the ski area are filled. The resulting water supply is then used to produce snow for the slopes throughout the winter months. As a result, we significantly reduce the amount of water that needs to be drawn from the valley by energy-consuming pumping.

HEATING WITH NATURE

At the Kronplatz mountain summit we run a central district heating plant which operates with wood chips from locally harvested wood and allows us to replace the utilisation of fossil fuels. Thanks to this thermal energy source we can produce heat for the buildings at the mountain summit, such as the LUMEN Museum, the AlpiNN Restaurant, the Kron Restaurant and the Berghaus Olymp.

HEAT RECOVERY

The waste heat produced by some of our ski lifts is stored and reused to heat the restaurants at the Kronplatz mountain summit. Additionally, we also generate electricity from photovoltaic systems, which is likewise used to cover the demand for energy in the ski area.

GREEN MOBILITY

Our Kronplatz ski area cooperates with the public transport operators of the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol. So, if you are looking for a sustainable alternative to reach the ski area without a car, Kronplatz is the place to be: The train station of the locality called Percha/Perca is directly connected to the valley station of Ried (with rides every half hour). In addition, there are free ski shuttles available for all guests who want to reach the skiing area in an easy and uncomplicated way from their accommodation facility.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

A different way of using snow cats – this is our motto for the waste disposal at the Kronplatz mountain summit. We have equipped a snowcat with a specially designed waste compactor in order to collect the waste as carefully as possible at the summit. The collected and subsequently compressed waste is stored centrally and efficiently prepared for its removal during both winter and summer.

PRESERVATION OF OUR BIODIVERSITY

When it comes to construction projects, we always ensure a respectful approach to the flora and fauna. So as to preserve and enhance the biodiversity and regeneration of the vegetation at the Kronplatz, the seeds collected at the mountain summit are used for the replanting of the surrounding meadows. We thus guarantee not only an autochthonous greening of our areas but also the preservation of our biodiversity. 

TRANSPORTATION OF STAFF AND GOODS

We strive to minimise the traffic volume at the Kronplatz mountain summit. Hence, both our staff and the required goods are transported by cable car. Furthermore, on-site there is also an e-bike with trailer available to our staff, which can be used to fulfil a great variety of tasks in a nature-oriented way, such as the collection of waste in summer.

DIGITAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Another measure to act in an environmentally conscious way is the reduction of paper consumption, for which we are increasingly relying on a digital information system. Due to technological innovation, we thereby can also offer our guests an opportunity to stay up-to-date and receive all the information they need at any time. For those information that inevitably have to be provided on paper, we mostly use environmentally friendly material.

E-CAR CHARGING STATIONS

In order to further contribute to the reduction of fossil fuels in the automotive sector, we provide e-car charging stations at the valley stations of the localities called Reischach/Riscone, Olang/Valdaora and Miara.

GREEN POWER

Starting this winter, Kronplatz is fully committed to sustainable energy: all electricity – from the lifts to the snowmaking systems – will be supplied 100% by green power from Alperia. In doing so, we actively contribute to climate protection and the sustainable development of our region. Clean energy, clear responsibility – for an environmentally conscious winter at Kronplatz.