In the face of warming winters, a Swiss ski resort is taking bold steps to secure its future. Laax, a winter sports haven, has embarked on an ambitious journey towards sustainability, introducing innovative solutions like on-demand gondolas and CO2-neutral lifts.
Imagine standing atop Crap Sogn Gion, witnessing the Alps in motion. Skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganists create a vibrant winter scene. But amidst this beauty, Reto Fry, environmental manager of the Weisse Arena Group, is focused on the future of these majestic mountains.
"We must find solutions to combat climate change," Fry asserts. As skiers enjoy the early snowfalls of 2025/26, the horizon hints at a challenging future. Ski resorts across the Alps are losing their winter seasons due to a warming climate, a reality that unites them all.
But Laax is not just any ski resort. It's part of the Flims Laax Falera ski area, and Fry suggests starting your journey in its basecamp village. At Riders Hotel and Rocksresort, sustainability is woven into every aspect, from energy use to waste management, food and beverage practices, and biodiversity conservation.
Decarbonized buildings shine with solar-panelled architecture, and e-vehicles glide silently. Vertical gardens, resembling beanstalks, nurture bird, bee, and insect life at ski-lift base stations. The roof gardens, seasonal plant-based menus, and free water stations are just a few of the many sustainable features that make Laax a unique destination.
Laax's latest initiative is the introduction of over 20,000 flowers and perennials in specially designed gardens for the endangered black mud bee. This insect, rarely seen, is encouraged to nest in the rocky facades of the hotel buildings, creating a diverse habitat to support its comeback.
Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the Senda dil Dragun, the world's longest treetop path, winding through wildlife protection areas. Keep an eye out for mountain hares, ibex, and eagles, or follow the trails of red deer, chamois, bearded vultures, and grouse.
In neighboring Flims, another innovation awaits: the FlemXpress, the world's first on-demand cable car. This sustainable ski lift taxi system reduces energy consumption by 50%, a significant improvement over conventional lifts where most cabins travel empty. Alicia Martinez, head of business performance for Weisse Arena Group, describes it as "an Uber of the Alps," a system that could revolutionize mountain transport and even urban mobility.
"We invented this Willy Wonka-inspired lift for innovation, privacy, and energy efficiency," Martinez explains. "Ski lifts are major energy consumers, so this is our first step away from the traditional winter sports model."
Laax's commitment to sustainability goes beyond its borders. Sporting rivalry has given way to collaboration and knowledge sharing. In May, Laax co-founded the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance, an unprecedented collaboration that brings together heavyweights like France's Compagnie des Alpes, Austria's KitzSki, and Italy's Kronplatz, along with resorts in Scandinavia and New Zealand. Together, they represent over 800 ski lifts worldwide, accounting for 25 million skier days per year.
"We have a responsibility to preserve and give back to the places we live and work," Martinez emphasizes. "It's about showing our visitors that we understand the climate crisis, we're mindful of our environmental impact, and we're dedicated to making a difference. That's our attitude, and it's the most important question we must answer."
Laax's journey towards sustainability is a testament to its commitment to the environment and its future. As the world faces the challenges of climate change, Laax stands as a beacon of innovation and responsibility, inspiring others to follow suit.
