Initiatives of the Destination
The road towards sustainable tourism is dynamic - sometimes things move faster, sometimes there are challenges, sometimes we get stuck in traffic jams. But our goal remains clear: a place worth living in for guests and locals, today and in the future. Many initial steps have already been taken and we are continuing on our path.
Mobility
Mobility in the resort and climate-friendly travel
We attempt to draw our guests' attention to the fact that travelling to Saalbach Hinterglemm by public transport is stress-free, inexpensive and, above all, climate-friendly.
Our guests are able to use public transport during the summer months, including the hiking bus in the entire Pinzgau region, free of charge with the JOKER CARD, which they receive at check-in at partner accommodation. This includes all connections (bus and train) of the SVV regional bus lines, the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn and the ÖBB trains on the route Taxenbach - Zell am See - Saalfelden - Leogang. An environmentally friendly and cost-free option to get to excursion destinations in and around Saalbach Hinterglemm.
During the winter season, guests with a valid lift pass can use the ski bus free of charge every day from 08:30 to 17:00. In addition, the post bus number 680 is available as a free ski shuttle from/to Zell am See every 60 minutes. The bus operates between Lengau - Hinterglemm - Saalbach - Jausern - Viehhofen every 20 to 30 minutes. Those who would like to go to a restaurant or bar in the evening or ski on the floodlit piste can use local taxi companies.
At any time of the year, there is a hiking and biking trail that runs throughout the entire Glemmtal valley - from Lengau to Maishofen - that is free of road traffic.
E-charging stations
The charging infrastructure in Saalbach Hinterglemm is constantly being expanded. In Saalbach, public charging is available along the Glemmtaler Landesstraße opposite the Unterdorf junction, in the Parkhaus Zentrum car park and in the Kohlmaisgondel valley station car park, in Hinterglemm at the Spar car park and at the Wiesermühle power station. Charging facilities are also available on site at a large number of accommodations.
Energy
Photovoltaic plant on the roof of the Tourism Service Centre
The photovoltaic system on the roof of the Tourist Service Centre in Saalbach Hinterglemm is a central component of our efforts to generate sustainable energy in the region. Equipped with state-of-the-art solar technology, the system supplies environmentally friendly electricity, which partially covers the energy requirements of the tourism centre. The surplus electricity is not fed into the regional grid, but into the Energiegemeinschaft (EEG) Saalbach Hinterglemm. This means that the electricity can be used locally by other buildings within the community, which further increases energy efficiency. In addition, the tourism association only uses green electricity to ensure a consistently sustainable power supply. With this approach, we are sending a strong signal for a climate-friendly future in Saalbach Hinterglemm.
EEG Saalbach Hinterglemm
In co-operation between the municipality, tourism association and water cooperative, electricity is generated in an energy community using photovoltaic systems on the buildings and a hydroelectric power station. By exchanging energy between the members, fluctuations in generation and consumption can be better balanced. Work is ongoing to improve differentiation in terms of generation and consumption peaks through possible additional members. In future, private individuals and SMEs will also be given access to the community. Work is currently underway to develop a suitable billing method for this, which is a basic prerequisite for successfully opening up the community.
Photovoltaic Plant Tourist Service Center
Awareness & internal processes
Sustainable employee clothing and merchandise products
The commitment to a more sustainable future is also reflected in the appearance of the employees of the Saalbach Hinterglemm Tourism Board. The Maloja employee collection has been designed with high standards of quality and sustainability in mind. Maloja attaches great importance to resource-saving management, water protection, emission control and fair working conditions. 75% of the functional materials used are bluesign certified. Bluesign is the world's most stringent textile standard for protecting the environment, labour, and consumers.
Sustainability also plays a major role in the tourism association's merchandise products, and attention is also paid to trustworthy partners.
A large part of the collection comes from Maloja. In addition to clothing, items such as fabric bags, lunch boxes and drinking bottles were deliberately included in the range to make a small contribution to raising awareness on the subject of waste avoidance.
Business check Sustainability
In 2022, the tourism association offered sustainability business checks for the first time, supported by ‘nachhaltigmehrWert’, KEM Nachhaltiges Saalachtal and Umweltservice Salzburg. The aim was to optimise operational efficiency and make it easier for businesses to achieve eco-label certification. Due to delays caused by a sports injury suffered by the consultant and shifts in priorities caused by the pandemic, the project could not be continued until 2024. A possible new edition of the initiative will be evaluated once the checks have been completed.
In summer 2024, KEM Saalachtal and Umweltservice Salzburg also organised a similar promotion campaign with a focus on energy efficiency, to which all member companies were also invited.
Home of Lässig Team Card
The Home of Lässig Team Card offers employees in Saalbach Hinterglemm numerous benefits and helps to strengthen the community. The card makes it possible to use various leisure activities in the region free of charge or at a reduced rate, including rides on selected mountain lifts, admission to swimming pools and mini golf courses as well as other sporting activities. Cardholders also benefit from discounts at local shops, restaurants and various services. These benefits not only promote identification with the region, but also strengthen social interaction within the community. Joint excursions and activities allow employees to experience the region from the perspective of the guests, which increases the sense of community and appreciation for one another. The Team Card is therefore an important component of sustainable HR management and community building in Saalbach Hinterglemm.
Green Events
For years, Saalbach has been striving for sustainable events in the event sector and has been particularly focusing on regional products, waste separation, regional suppliers, venues within walking distance, etc., all year round, which has been proven with awards.
The biggest challenge for Saalbach is winter events such as World Cup ski races and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Saalbach 2025. First and foremost, the provision of energy with peaks in electricity during the competitions and the handling of the crowds of people arriving, which according to forecasts will mainly travel by car in 2025. In order to realise sustainable World Championships in the best possible way, international certifications and guidelines were used. The World Ski Championships were organised and planned in accordance with the ISO 20121 standard (sustainable events). In addition, the ‘Guidelines for Green Events’ of the umbrella organisation FIS were used as well as the Green Event Guidelines and directives of the state and federal governments, which were directly linked to subsidies.
Resource-conserving management
Reduced and certified printing
To preserve resources, the printed materials in the Tourist Board and at the lift companies have been reduced to the bare minimum. Interactive piste maps, hiking and biking maps and an accommodation directory on the website and in the Saalbach app offer a sustainable alternative to printed maps and guides in the digital age. But to be honest: We cannot do without printed maps and brochures (yet). Therefore, attention is paid to eco-certified paper and sustainable methods of printing.
Ecological cleaning in the Tourist Board
The cleaning products used in the Tourist Board are based on biodegradable formulas and sustainable use of packaging. The detergents (active washing substances) are based on vegetable raw materials predominantly cultivated in Europe. The bottles are made from 100% recycled waste plastic and are 100% recyclable. In addition, the products used are free of microplastics and animal ingredients.