Responsibility of the Mayrhofner Bergbahnen

Nature is a precious resource that we treat with care. As a ski and hiking area, we therefore implement specific measures in the areas of slope and snow management, energy, mobility and the natural environment.

Measurements, consumption data and continuous monitoring help us review our use of energy and resources and make targeted improvements to our operational processes. At Mayrhofner Bergbahnen AG, we continuously assess the impact of our operations on nature, the local environment and the region. Our approach is based on specific measures, technical developments and the ongoing review of our processes.

SLOPE AND SNOW MANAGEMENT

• When constructing ski slopes, we implement measures including terrain improvements, water drainage systems, retention basins and the restoration of affected areas. These measures take into account aspects such as water management, terrain stability and the restoration of vegetation.

• Summer maintenance of ski slopes includes measures such as fertilising and mulching to maintain vegetation.

• Five reservoirs with a total capacity of around 470,000 m³ are available for technical snowmaking. The snowmaking systems are controlled to make targeted use of suitable temperature and humidity conditions.

• A weather forecast specifically tailored to the ski area provides temperature and wet-bulb temperature forecasts, among other data, and supports snowmaking planning.

• As part of our monitoring activities, planned snow volumes and consumption at individual snowmaking points are recorded and evaluated.

• Our snow groomers are equipped with GPS-supported fleet management and automatic snow-depth measurement. This allows the existing snow cover to be taken into account more precisely during slope preparation. In addition, driver training focuses on operating machinery as efficiently as possible.

• We conduct field trials on snowmaking equipment to assess different settings and operating methods.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

• 100% of the electricity we purchase comes from renewable energy sources, predominantly hydropower.

• A software system tailored to our requirements records and monitors electricity loads and consumption.

• Our first photovoltaic system was installed in 2013. Today, Mayrhofner Bergbahnen operates photovoltaic systems with a total installed capacity of around 300 kWp. Further suitable locations are continuously being assessed.

• The mountain stations of the Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn cable cars, as well as the administration building, are heated using wood pellets.

• At the Penkenbahn valley station, a groundwater heat pump with a capacity of 40 kW is used for heating and cooling.

MOBILITY MANAGEMENT

• In winter, guests can use certain public transport services as part of the Superskipass, while in summer this applies with the Zillertal Activcard, subject to the respective fare conditions. Employees also have access to options for commuting to and from work.

• A ski bus network and seasonal shuttle services provide additional options for travelling within the region without using a private car.

• Combination offers with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) are available to guests travelling to and from the region by train.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND OPERATIONAL MEASURES

• A waste management concept provides the basis for waste separation throughout our operations. This is complemented by organised litter collection activities.

• Depending on the individual project, construction and infrastructure projects may include measures such as reforestation, compensatory areas, the replanting of turf and shrub heath, or the relocation and creation of ponds.

• The E-Trial course uses electrically powered trial motorcycles.

• When selecting suppliers and partner companies, we also work with businesses from the region wherever this is possible in terms of product, service and availability.