Sustainability in the Schladming-Dachstein Region

Use of Organic Fuel by the Mountain Lifts
The Planai-Hochwurzen Lift Company uses the organic fuel “HVO100” to power their entire fleet of snowcats. Piste equipment, buses, and cars operated by the Planai lifts are topped up exclusively with this plant-based fuel (palm oil-free). The positive benefits are clear: a 90% reduction in emissions. Planai Managing Director Georg Bliem explains: “Last winter, we tested two identical vehicles in our piste fleet. One was powered by conventional diesel, the other by palm oil-free HVO100 fuel. The results were sensational: Emissions, such as CO2, were reduced by around 90% compared to conventional diesel, without any loss of efficiency.” Another environmental goal: By 2030, half of all regional buses will run on renewable energy.

Clean Photovoltaic Energy and an “Energy Crystal”
Another important pillar of sustainability in the Schladming-Dachstein region is electricity. The Planai-Hochwurzen lifts are focusing heavily on photovoltaics, including installation of panels on the roof of the main cableway valley station. Energie Steiermark has installed 422 modules here, enabling the valley terminal to generate around a quarter of its electricity needs by means of solar. Furthermore, they aim to generate 16% of their overall electricity needs by 2029. As part of their photovoltaic concept, they are testing innovative solutions, even including a floating photovoltaic system on a reservoir. After installing ten specially designed panels with a total output of 6 kW, the impact of extreme alpine weather conditions on the system will be studied until the end of March.
The newly constructed Dachstein mountain station features facade cladding with integrated solar modules on the east, west, and south sides. This aptly named “Energy Crystal” is expected to generate up to 80% of its required energy autonomously.

Car-Free Travel and Good E-Mobility Infrastructure
When it comes to travel, the Schladming-Dachstein region is in excellent shape, allowing guests to arrive stress-free and without having to rely on a car. Eurocity and Intercity trains operated by ÖBB run through the Enns Valley every two hours from and to all directions, with direct service to many Austrian cities. The train stations in Schladming and Stainach-Irdning boast excellent conditions, with around 20 national and international long-distance, night, and express trains stopping there. When it comes to reaching excursion destinations in the area, numerous bus lines  as well as special bike and hiking buses are available to guests. The bus network (13 different routes) can actually be used free of charge simply by showing your Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard.
The region also boasts an excellent e-mobility infrastructure. There are already over 50 charging stations for electric vehicles with more than 125 charging points, as well as 30 charging stations for e-bikes.

Culinary Partners: Short Supply Chains Thanks to Regional Foods
Thanks to the “Schladming-Dachstein Genusspartner” project, collaboration between direct marketers and hospitality businesses has improved significantly, greatly increasing the use of regional produce. This not only ensures top-quality meals for guests but also results in short supply chains with environmental impact reduced to a minimum.

Ecolabel for 17 Businesses, Schladming Recognized as “Best Tourism Village”
The region’s strong commitment to sustainability has been officially recognized: 16 businesses in the Schladming-Dachstein region have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. Among them is a campground, one of only 17 in Austria to receive this distinction. Congress Schladming, also certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Locations, is authorized to host Green Meetings and Green Events thanks to this quality seal.
Since last year, Schladming has also been designated a “Best Tourism Village.” This title, awarded by the UNWTO, recognizes tourism villages that play a pioneering role in the conservation of rural areas, landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.

Further information: www.schladming-dachstein.at/nachhaltigkeit