Laax wants to become the first self-sufficient winter resort in the world

Caffè NoName, located above the world's largest halfpipe, serves its guests sustainable dishes in the form of a climate menu.Anyone concerned with climate change in Europe inevitably takes a look at the Alps. It is not for nothing that they are described as a reflection of our climate. Over the last 100 years, the temperature in the Alps has risen twice as much as the global average. According to a forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the snow season will shorten by one to two days every two years. This trend can already be observed: Just a few years ago, guests could rely on an early start to the season at the end of October, but today the snow often falls later. This is also noticeable in Laax: the snow line has risen and the snow comes later. For a region known for its winter sports tourism, the changing climate conditions are a challenge.GreenstyleWinter sports destinations require a lot of energy to maintain operations. LAAX has developed the Greenstyle sustainability concept to implement sustainable solutions for this energy consumption. The aim of the concept is to implement measures for a climate-friendly vacation and to protect nature and animals in the mountain region. The Weisse Arena Gruppe relies on renewable energies and efficient technologies. At the same time, CO2 emissions are to be reduced and energy saved. In addition to hydropower, the sunny region uses numerous photovoltaic systems on the mountain and on the new cable car facilities. For this commitment, the Weisse Arena Gruppe was awarded the European Solar Energy Prize in 2016. LAAX now generates 100 percent of the electricity it needs from CO2-neutral sources. The next project - a wind farm on the Vorab Glacier - will generate energy from wind power, and other measures are also intended to protect the climate. For example, the Caffè NoName above the world's largest halfpipe has been serving its guests sustainable dishes in the form of a climate menu since this season. To this end, the ecological footprint of each product is determined based on its origin and quality. Caffè NoName offers regional products with very short transportation routes, which not only ensures a positive carbon footprint but also the high quality of the food. Guests can fortify themselves with delicious panini and fresh soups, for example.Other greenstyle measures that have already been implemented include- Waste reduction and effective recycling- Use of sustainable building materials to protect natural resources- Wildlife, water and plant protection measures- Support for ecologically and locally manufactured products from fair trade- Influencing industry, suppliers and partners to promote sustainability- In addition to these measures, LAAX implements other projects to permanently promote the concept of sustainability in the destinationWhere should we go in the future?As a winter sports destination, LAAX is aware of its responsibility towards the environment and nature, because future generations should also be able to enjoy wide, perfectly groomed slopes and white snowy landscapes in the winter months. One goal is therefore to use 100 percent sustainable resources in the near future and to become the world's first self-sufficient winter resort. In order to promote sustainability outside the company, the Weisse Arena Gruppe founded the Greenstyle Foundation in cooperation with people and companies from the region. The foundation supports regional projects that are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the environment and nature. In this way, ecological and sustainable action can be promoted throughout the region.