Hinterstoder/Wurzeralm Promotes Species Rich Poor Meadows As Sustainable Environmental Investment

In winter operation, the task of the mountain lifts  is clearly defined and obvious to everyone. Making snow on slopes, preparing them and ensuring that the lifts run smoothly. But there is much more to it. The poor meadows, which serve as ski slopes in winter, unfold their true splendor in the warm season and serve as an important retreat for insects, small animals and space for nature to relax.
During the summer months, the ski areas are usually managed extensively after the snow has melted. Lift operators who act as tenants of these areas, farmers and owners are often a team that takes care of the ordering of the areas in summer.

"Extensive management" as a gentle alternative for the environment

Rough meadows are special grassland areas that have unique properties due to their low nutrient content and provide valuable habitats for endangered plant and animal species. In addition, mountain meadows only form if they are worked on in the historically grown hay economy. This includes not using fertilizers, pesticides or other external additives.

In the Hinterstoder/Wurzeralm ski area, these poor meadows are used as perfectly groomed ski slopes during the ski season. After the end of the winter season, the pistes are not simply left to their own devices, but are carefully tended and mowed only once after the flowering period to give the poor meadows the opportunity to develop and blossom into indispensable natural paradises.

The Hinterstoder/Wurzeralm ski area regards the poor meadows as a valuable treasure and is actively involved in protecting and preserving them. Responsible management ensures that the poor meadows retain their ecological value even after the ski season. Targeted mowing after flowering promotes the natural balance and the small animal world benefits from this important retreat.

oases of relaxation

However, the rough meadows not only fulfill ecological functions, but also serve as oases of relaxation for nature lovers. During the summer months, the former ski slopes are transformed into a thriving landscape where visitors have the opportunity to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. The rough meadows invite you to take relaxing walks and picnics and offer space to discover a diverse flora and fauna.

"Our ski area stands for responsible ski tourism that focuses on nature conservation and sustainability," says Rainer Rohregger, CEO of HIWU Bergbahnen. "The rough meadows are a wonderful example of how ski resorts can not only protect the environment, but also create valuable habitats for endangered species. We are proud that our ski slopes become lively rough meadows in summer, giving nature space to relax. "

Interests go hand in hand

The interests of the lift operators as well as nature and species protection go hand in hand in the area of ​​the poor meadows. Because without the need to keep the ski areas free of forest and shrub growth for winter sports, numerous areas would simply overgrow and be replaced by a monoculture – mostly spruce.

Mountain railways as a sustainable leading company

As a leading tourism company in the Pyhrn-Priel holiday region, Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen AG also set an example in terms of sustainability. For decades there has been a very close cooperation with nature and environmental protection in the further development of business activities. From public transport options to the ecological footprint, from the natural approach to construction projects to the use of green electricity. Recently, around 2,000 new trees were planted to replace the cleared forest area in the course of the rebuilding of the Hössbahn last year. By 2028, the company is to be operated in an energy self-sufficient manner, which is why investments are constantly being made in photovoltaics and other energy sources are being analysed.