Silvretta Montafon: With E In The Snow
In the very west of Austria, the sportiest and most diverse ski area, Silvretta Montafon, impressively proves that fun in the snow can be perfectly combined with sustainable and forward-looking innovations. All around the new Valisera Bahn, guests can experience modern comfort and regional indulgence and learn how appealing advanced mobility can be.
This is ski-in/ski-out of the contemporary kind. Winter sports enthusiasts drive relaxed with the electric car through the front Montafon, enjoy the peace and look forward to wonderful ski slopes that shine from afar. At St. Gallenkirch, it goes slightly downhill to the valley station of the Valisera Bahn, then into the largest e-charging garage in Vorarlberg with 600 parking spaces and an exclusive MOON Lounge with 35 e-charging stations. The parking ticket for one day in the MOON Lounge costs 25 euros - charging current is included. The parking spaces can be booked in advance on the Silvretta Montafon website or in the Silvretta Montafon APP. A maximum of 35 parking spaces are allocated per day. In addition, the parking garage offers a further 15 public charging points including fast charging options. From the car park, the short escalator path leads directly to the lift station.
The new Silvretta Park Montafon, into which the valley station of the Valisera Bahn is integrated, is an impressive innovation in many respects. Aesthetic ambience and state-of-the-art technology in front of and behind the scenes. The elegant architecture with generous glazing and lots of wood and other natural materials catches the eye at first glance. In terms of gastronomy, the new complex with the integrated market hall focuses on regional offers at different stations. There is also a modern INTERSPORT shop including a depot and a Kästle "Test & Buy Center". In addition, the ski school center is integrated into the Silvretta Park. The new stylish Hotel Revier Mountain Lodge Montafon has been right next door since summer 2022.
The new Valisera Bahn also has state-of-the-art technology, which runs particularly quietly and with low vibrations with comfortable 10-seater gondolas including individual seats with seat heating and indoor ski holders. The cable car is not only the first autonomous cable car in Austria, but also the first two-section cable car of its kind in the world. The technical basis for the innovative transport system is the AURO system (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) from Doppelmayr. In addition, the gondolas are barrier-free. At a speed of 6.5 meters per second, the train covers a total of 820 meters in altitude. Up to 2,800 people can be transported per hour (final expansion 3,600 people per hour). The cable car is supplied entirely with energy from hydroelectric power in the valley and green electricity. Great importance was also attached to the use of photovoltaics.
With innovative technology, the mountain experience becomes sustainable
"We are consistently implementing our philosophy here of making winter sports a special experience that is also sustainable and socially acceptable thanks to innovative technical solutions," explains Peter Marko, Managing Director of Silvretta Montafon Holding GmbH. These measures are part of a long-term strategy. This also includes using energy from hydropower and, in principle, as much regional green electricity as possible. In addition, the Silvretta Montafon is planning a photovoltaic offensive. Electromobility also determines everyday life in the company, as Peter Marko reveals: "Thanks to our cooperation partner Polestar, we were able to gain more extensive experience. That's great fun. Not only because of the great acceleration, but also because of the low noise level and the sensible electronic helpers. You feel relaxed and safe throughout the journey. As far as the range is concerned, we have no problem at all with the usual short and medium-long distances, even in winter.”
MOON Power GmbH in Salzburg was responsible for the implementation of around 50 charging points in St. Gallenkirch and Gaschurn. "It is the first ski area that we have equipped so consistently," comments Robert Steinböck, Head of Product & Innovation at MOON Power, about the project.
There are also other premieres on the slopes. Since last winter, a snow groomer has been in test operation there, which is powered by so-called HVO fuel made from hydrogenated vegetable oils. This is part of an official testing partnership with Kässbohrer to test alternative drive technologies for snow groomers. A bright green PistenBully with a 520 hp diesel engine and two electric motors is used for this. The diesel engine charges the batteries for the two electric motors. "According to the manufacturer, we should be able to save up to 20 percent fuel in this way," explains Mario Tschofen, head of slope technology and vehicle fleet. Both the HVO fuel and the new diesel-electric PistenBully are part of the Silvretta Montafon's Green Mountains initiative.
For athletes and connoisseurs: Unforgettable mountain experiences
140 kilometers of pistes from easy to super sporty up to 2,430 meters above sea level, 35 modern lifts and gastronomy that is as varied as it is tempting. The Silvretta Montafon is known and sought after for this. In less than three hours you can get from Munich to the Montafon without any passes. The Silvretta Montafon offers mountain experiences that make every holiday unique. What could be nicer than swinging down empty, freshly groomed pistes early in the morning on a sunrise ride and then rewarding yourself with a hearty breakfast? This option is available four days a week. It's also romantic and enjoyable when night tobogganing, the winegrowers' evening or the Haxnevening up on the mountain are on the programme. Every Thursday there is an exquisite tasting in the VINNOVA, the highest wine bar in Vorarlberg. And every Friday the day can start with a hearty mountain breakfast in the Nova Stoba. This is how winter holidays are really fun.
