Mayrhofner Bergbahnen & Sustainability

Bearing responsibilty for our homeland

We care deeply about our homeland and the mountains. Nature is a precious gift and as such we are committed to treating it responsibly and with respect. As stewards of one of the largest skiing and hiking resorts in Austria, we are acutely aware of how important this duty of responsibility is. To this end, we have pledged to uphold certain promises and goals in order to protect our mountains and homeland. One step at a time. Steps that may be small or sometimes more significant, but together they all add up to great things. Regular monitoring, assessments and statistics in this regard are all part of the daily routine in the Mayrhofen Mountains in Zillertal.

Mayrhofner Bergbahnen AG Cable Car Co. is a flagship company in the region. One that embraces future challenges and takes responsibility for the climate, natural environment and space in which we live. Its commitment to sustainability ensures the preservation of the foundations that contribute to the maintenance of a social structure in which people can achieve economic success.

SLOPE AND SNOW MANAGEMENT

• Key measures in slope construction include terrain improvements, water drainage, retention basins and the restoration of damaged land to ensure the ecological compatibility and safety of the ski resort.

• Summer maintenance of the slopes includes activities such as brush-cutting and mulching to control growing vegetation and minimise erosion.

• State of the art snow-making technology ensures production of maximum snow volumes with minimal water consumption and minimal energy requirements.

• Weather forecasts provide temperature and wet-bulb reports for optimal planning of snowmaking.

• The five reservoirs, which have a total water retention capacity of 470,000 m³ that meets drinking water quality standards, help prevent environmental pollution and provide ample capacity for snow-making operations on cold days.

• Monitoring includes resource planning and usage checks at tapping points to ensure efficient use of resources.

• Snow groomers use GPS-supported fleet management and snow depth sensors to maintain consistent slope depths. Driver training helps optimise fuel consumption.

• Snow canon trials are conducted to achieve optimum in and output.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

• After switching to HVO diesel fuel, CO2 emmissions produced by slope grooming machinery will be reduced by up to 90% over the medium term.

• 100% of electricity consumption is covered by renewable sources, predominantly hydropower.

• A software system for the monitoring and control of energy consumption is in place.

• The first photovoltaic system was installed in 2013, achieving a yield of around 300 kWp from winter 2024/25 onwards.

• Three sites, Penken Mountain, Ahorn Mountain and the office building in the valley benefit from environmentally friendly wood pellet heating systems.

MOBILITY MANAGEMENT

• The extensive skibus network introduced its first e-skibuses in 2022, which can be used free of charge by those in posession of a ski pass.

• Public transport such as buses and trains can be used free of charge by those in posession of a "Superskipass" in winter and "Zillertal Activ Card" in summer, as well as by local employees commuting to and from work. Our guests benefit from special combined return travel tickets offered by ÖBB (Austrian Rail).

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

• A waste management concept, developed by the waste management coordinator, includes waste separation systems and regular clean-up campaigns.

• Ecological project support includes reforestation, ecological compensation areas, environmentally friendly natural interventions, such as the reintroduction of turf and shrb heaths, as well as the relocation of natural ponds.

• The E-Trial-Parcours is offered as an environmentally friendly leisure activity.

• Regional sustainability is fostered by long-term partnerships with local suppliers.