Schmittenhohe Receives Award In "Sustainability In Tourism"

The Schmittenhöhebahn has always been a pioneer in the cable car industry in terms of resource efficiency, ecological slope management, the reduction of emissions and sustainable gastronomy concepts. This commitment was rewarded by the RegionalMedien Salzburg jury with the Regionality Prize 2023 in the category "Sustainability in Tourism".

In total, Salzburg companies, associations and initiatives could apply in ten categories. The average of 60 submissions per category were evaluated by an expert jury and a winner was chosen. Deputy Governor Mag. Stefan Schnöll presented the prize for the "Green Schmitten" project to the Schmittenhöhebahn AG. Environmental Manager Prok. Ing. Hannes Mayer accepted the award: “The topic of sustainability is very important to us. We have been working in this direction for 35 years. Nature is our potential and therefore we will prudently protect it and treat it in the best possible way”.

Europe's only EMAS certified ropeway company

With certification according to ISO 14001 and entry in the EMAS register, the Schmittenhöhebahn AG has made it its task in its environmental policy, the compatibility of its actions in the natural and cultural landscape of the Schmittenhöhe together with economic efficiency and social responsibility as the cornerstones of operational activity .

The Schmitten board member Dr. Erich Egger on the environmental management system of the Schmittenhöhebahn: "Together with the ecological advisory board, which has been supporting and advising us in all environmental projects for 10 years, we decided in favor of EMAS and the path we have taken is the right one. It is a matter of personal concern to us to invest in a sustainable future and to keep the burden on nature as low as possible.”

Showcase projects and environmental management of the Schmittenhöhebahn AG

The generation of renewable energy has played an important role in the company since 2013 and its expansion is anchored as a permanent goal in the environmental program. At the moment, 14 systems produce solar energy on existing roof surfaces or integrated into the building, and the additional electricity that the company is supplied with also comes from 100 percent renewable energy sources.

To protect and increase biodiversity, ecological slope management – ​​in summer and winter – is crucial. Therefore, together with experts, a management strategy for the summer was developed for the slopes of the Schmittenhöhe. Minimal fertilization and an ideal, late pruning time positively promote the existence of important plant and insect species such as bees and make an important contribution to species protection.

Only recently, the AreitAlm and AreitLounge businesses run by the Schmittenhöhebahn, as well as the Sonnkogel Restaurant, were the first ski huts ever to be awarded the Austrian eco-label for gastronomy. This certification is awarded to those businesses that impress with organic and regional cuisine, responsible management and healthy, high-quality food.

For detailed information and a download of the annual environmental report as well as many other Schmitten projects: https://green.schmitten.at/de