Ski resorts expect good winter despite energy crisis

With the energy crisis, fueled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, affecting all industries in Europe, once again ski destinations are expecting to feel the strain this winter, after two years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, ski resorts in the Alps that have placed sustainability at their core say they are able to adapt energy-saving initiatives to ensure skiers will not notice a change in their experience this winter.

Because electricity is key to keeping resorts running, crucial in such things as the manufacture of artificial snow and the powering of ski lifts, resorts across Europe are feeling the brunt of soaring energy prices.

Energy-saving measures, including slower-moving ski lifts, restrictions on night skiing, and the lowering of building temperatures, have been implemented to reduce energy use.

Christoph Eisinger, managing director of Ski Amade, one of the biggest ski areas in Austria, said: "Due to the European energy crisis, the tourism industry, like any other industry is asked by the Austrian government to save even more energy."

According to Eisinger, Ski Amade has adapted the speed of all lifts and cable cars, based on passenger volume. Seat heating is only turned on when it is necessary, and night skiing will be limited.

"We implement these measures in a way so that none of our guests will have a limited ski experience or a loss of comfort. Our entire ski areas are in full operation and our guests will get the quality of ski vacation they can expect," he said.

Despite two hard years of COVID-19 restrictions, Eisinger said he is more optimistic about this season, which he believes will be better than recent ones.

"And the booking forecasts support our optimism," he said. "If the weather and snow conditions stay stable, a good winter season should come out in the end."

In Switzerland, the government's Federal Council said power shortages have not been ruled out for this winter, although it added they are unlikely.

To avoid a shortage of electricity, the Swiss ski destination Davos Klosters set up a working group to draw up 40 concrete energy-saving measures, covering sport facilities, technical operations, and public spaces.

The night trail for cross-country skiing will be open for less time in the coming season. The outdoor pool at the public swim center will be closed in the off — season, and facilities in the wellness area will also be scaled back.

What has also become clear is that ski operators that have invested in renewable energy sources and sustainable business practices seem to be in a better position in terms of energy and cost saving.

Samuel Rosenast, the resort's head of communications and content, said: "Energy efficiency has been in focus for years, as the municipality of Davos aims for energy self-sufficiency by 2036.

"The use of renewable energies is definitely a great advantage for our destination. It allows us to reduce CO2 emissions … also helps to keep costs lower and make us less dependent on other energy suppliers."

Switzerland's Laax is another resort that has placed a focus on sustainability and is aiming to be the first carbon-neutral Alpine holiday destination.

Oliver Sedlinger, the destination's China representative, said: "Apart from our own ever-expanding local electricity production, the electricity needed from outside is based on long-term contracts with our strategic partners, which gives us stability.

"So, for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, we do not expect any changes in ski ticket prices caused by rising energy cost. Essentially, our ski ticket prices are the same as last year."

As part of the initiative known as Green-style, Laax has been investing in energy production, energy saving, waste reduction, recycling, electric mobility, nature protection, and other fields.

"So, for us, this is a natural ongoing process of innovation and optimization, as we are always looking to do things better and more efficiently," Sedlinger added.

In Italian ski town Cortina d'Ampezzo — the co-host of 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi said: "We are trying to cope with the situation with the resources we have. Our plant engineers guarantee all the plants open and the usability of all the ski slopes.

"The period is difficult and we must all try to resist the crisis, possibly making sacrifices to find extra resources to ensure the service."

With the government working to control energy costs, he is confident it will still turn out to be a good winter season.