Almost all ski resorts have plenty of initiatives when it comes to generating green power, but the Gastein ski resort in Austria’s Salzburgerland has come up with an interesting idea: “solar trees”
The resort has ‘planted’ its trees in the car park of their Schlossalmbahn gondola lift and is now harvesting 100.8 kilowatt peak electricity from its trees which tower above parked vehicles.
The 15 ‘solar trees’ are part of a wider green power initiative with building-integrated solar panels increasing the total output to over 600 kilowatt peak.
In addition the resort’s Alpentherme Gastein spa complex has invested 2.5 million euros in making its heating operations climate-neutral by installing photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and the thermal utilisation of Gastein’s thermal water.
Gastein offers its visitors four varied ski areas with over 200 kilometres of pistes as well as numerous winter activities and two relaxing themes as well as effective health offers such as the Gastein Healing Gallery. With the highest point in the Ski amadé ski network (Sportgastein at 2,686 metres), the region is also one of the highest ski areas in Salzburg and boasts wide pistes, challenging freeride routes and many long descents. From all three villages – Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein – guests can reach the mountain in just one gondola ride and enjoy over 1,000 metres of fun on the slopes.
Gastein also promotes sustainable mobility with an e-car sharing scheme that offers guests environmentally friendly transport options.
It opens for the 24-25 season on 29 November.
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