We are committed to continuously improving our sustainability efforts. This journey is an ongoing process that began as early as 1981 with the commissioning of the solar thermal system at Marguns. Since then, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains has implemented various measures.
One of the most significant milestones was the completion of Switzerland’s first natural reservoir in 2015. The Lej Alv natural reservoir on Corviglia enables sustainable snowmaking and supports the efficient use of water resources. With the completion of the second natural reservoir, Lej Nair Pitschen Corviglia, in 2025, another important step for the future of snow sports was successfully taken. The two natural reservoirs are central components of our sustainability strategy for the mountain railways and make an important contribution to sustainable tourism in the Engadin.
We are committed to continuously improving our sustainability efforts. This journey is an ongoing process that began as early as 1981 with the commissioning of the solar thermal system at Marguns. Since then, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains has implemented various measures.
One of the most significant milestones was the completion of Switzerland’s first natural reservoir in 2015. The Lej Alv natural reservoir on Corviglia enables sustainable snowmaking and supports the efficient use of water resources. With the completion of the second natural reservoir, Lej Nair Pitschen Corviglia, in 2025, another important step for the future of snow sports was successfully taken. The two natural reservoirs are central components of our sustainability strategy for the mountain railways and make an important contribution to sustainable tourism in the Engadin.
Restoration der WM-Piste von 1974
The former 1974 World Ski Championship course on St. Moritz’s Corviglia is being restored to its natural state. Where top international athletes once competed for medals, a biodiverse Alpine landscape with Alpine grasses and flowers—as well as valuable habitats for animals and plants—will once again take shape. In this way, a piece of sports history is being restored to its original natural state. The restoration is directly linked to the construction of the Nair Pitschen natural reservoir. It serves as an ecological offset for the approximately 50,000 m² of vegetation area that has been permanently converted into a body of water by the reservoir. Through targeted soil reclamation and the introduction of site-appropriate vegetation, a balance is created that promotes biodiversity in the long term and ensures ecological stability. In this way, a place steeped in sports history is transformed into a symbol of sustainable development and the harmonious interplay between nature and modern infrastructure.
Test run with the new HVO fuel
Thanks to the revenue from our Green Deal, we’ll be able to launch a pilot project using the innovative fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oils) at the 2025 Freestyle World Championships. For the first time, we’ll be testing this more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel under real-world conditions right on the slopes. HVO is a biogenic fuel derived from vegetable oils that are byproducts or waste from food production. As a result, it does not draw on resources intended for food production. HVO promises not only up to 90% lower CO2-emissions, but also reliability under the challenging weather conditions and at the high altitudes of the Engadin. The fuel stands out for its cold resistance, high purity, and long storage stability. While electric and hydrogen solutions are not yet economically viable or practical, HVO offers a promising alternative to diesel. Our test run is another step toward a more sustainable, environmentally friendly snow sports experience.
Natural ReservoirNair Pitschen
Among the greatest milestones in the field of snow sports and mountain experiences is the completion of Switzerland’s first natural reservoir, the Lej Alv, in 2015. Another significant milestone is already underway: By the end of 2025, the second natural reservoir, Nair Pitschen, will be built on Corviglia. Once completed, it will enable full snowmelt water recycling and save an additional approximately 1,000,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Water Recycling for Snowmaking
The vision takes precedence over the project
The hot topic right now is how to improve even further in the area of sustainability. To truly make a difference, it’s important to take environmental, economic, and social factors into account. The largest project currently underway is a second natural reservoir—which is expected to result in significant savings on snowmaking. However, even this is just one small piece of the larger vision for the ski resort’s sustainable development.
Voluntary Climate Actionand energy efficiency
Engadin St. Moritz Mountains AG is committed to sustainable climate protection out of conviction. By voluntarily participating in the program run by the Energy Agency for Business, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains AG is committed to actively reducing CO2 emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. The target agreement is recognized by the federal government, the cantons, and industry partners and includes clear measures through the year 2033. For this commitment, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains AG was awarded the act energy efficiency label.
The Most Sustainable World Championships in St. Moritz
The slope management concept led to improved resource utilization and conservation at all levels. The 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in St. Moritz went down in history as the “most sustainable World Championships in terms of slope management.” Kässbohrer played a major role in this achievement with its products and extensive expertise.
Energy-Saving Program
For Engadin St. Moritz Mountains AG, environmental responsibility is not merely an obligation but an active component of its corporate strategy. This is ensured by a comprehensive range of projects—some of which are pioneering in nature—as well as ongoing development and optimization. By voluntarily participating in the program of the Energy Agency for Industry, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains AG is committed to actively reducing CO2 emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. The target agreement is recognized by the federal government, the cantons, and industry partners.
Respect for the Environment
Nature is the employer of every mountain railway, and that is why we do everything in our power to use it as gently as possible while protecting it at the same time. On just under 0.7 percent of Graubünden’s total area—50 percent of which is protected (source: ARE GR, 2009)—Graubünden’s mountain rail companies generate annual revenue of approximately 370 million Swiss francs. Only an intact landscape provides a secure foundation for a provider of snow sports and mountain experiences. Consequently, it is one of our core responsibilities to treat available resources with respect and to employ environmentally sound working methods. Our measures often go far beyond the requirements set by the legislature.
SnowmakingEnergy and Water Consumption
Thanks to today's snowmaking capabilities, it is possible to have most of the slopes open by the start of the peak season. This helps protect the underlying flora and fauna.
Energy consumption viewed in its broader context: The amount of electricity required to create snow in a large ski resort—approximately 550,000 kWh—is comparable to that of an open-air artificial ice rink in Zurich (approximately 800,000 kWh/year) or an indoor swimming pool in the mountains (820,000 kWh/year). The completion of the second natural reservoir, Nair Pitschen, will enable full snowmelt water recycling and save an additional approximately 1,000,000 kWh of electricity per year. (Source: DETEC, Energy Significance of Technical Ski Slope Snowmaking and Potential for Energy Optimization)
Engadin St. Moritz Mountains is the first company in the world to use organic compressor oil for its snowmaking systems.
The mechanically produced snow consists solely of water and air. Engadin St. Moritz Mountains does not use any additives to promote crystallization. No water is consumed; it is merely transformed into a different state of matter. In the spring, the snow melts back into water.
Land Reclamationin the St. Moritz Mountains
People recognized early on the importance of treating nature with care and in a manner appropriate to each species. Since 1999, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains has relied on ecological construction supervision. At that time, it was not yet mandatory, yet the company placed great importance on it. Today, such supervision is standard practice.
A very good example of this is the 2003 Alpine World Ski Championships. Today, the impact of the 2003 Championships is less visible than that of the 1974 Championships. Once construction work is complete, the focus shifts to restoration. The process of restoring vegetation to these areas is monitored and ensured over the course of several years. Impact on nature is offset by removing architectural eyesores from the past, demolishing old facilities or buildings, and restoring altered landscapes and waterways to their natural state.
Public transportation is included with multi-day passes
Engadin St. Moritz Mountains recognized the importance of optimal traffic management early on and was one of the main initiators of the valley’s “Sportbus” program more than 20 years ago. From today’s perspective, that groundbreaking decision to encourage guests to switch from private vehicles to public transportation has contributed significantly to minimizing CO2 emissions in the Engadin. An assessment by the VCS underscores Engadin St. Moritz Mountains’ pioneering role in promoting the use of public transportation. In the assessment, Engadin St. Moritz ranks third. The study examined accessibility by public transit, local mobility options, and the quality of information provided to car-free tourists.
Public transportation is still included in the mountain railways' multi-day pass. In this way, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains encourages guests to make greater use of public transportation.
Winter DieselLarge-Scale Snow Groomers
As early as 1996, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains began ordering all of its snow groomers exclusively with biodegradable hydraulic oil. It was one of the first mountain railways to lobby the manufacturer intensively for the use of biodegradable hydraulic oil.
In 1997, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains became the first ski resort in the Alps to use low-sulfur winter diesel. This was despite the fact that it resulted in an additional cost of 6 rappen per liter, based on an annual consumption of approximately 200,000 liters (+ CHF 12,000 per year).
In 2006, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains became the first mountain rail operator in the world to install diesel particulate filters on large-scale snow groomers (over 4 meters wide). Initially, this involved one new vehicle, which was equipped with a particulate filter from the very start, and one existing vehicle, to which the particulate filter was retrofitted. Today, virtually the entire fleet—comprising 24 machines—is equipped with a particulate filter.
World FirstPistenBully 600 E+
On December 6, 2012, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains became the first company in the world to put a diesel-electric snow groomer, the “PistenBully 600 E+,” manufactured by Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG, into service. The plan is to purchase only diesel-electric snow groomers from now on, thereby gradually converting the fleet. This drive technology not only reduces NOx and CO2 emissions but also cuts fuel consumption—and thus operating costs—by 20%. A highly welcome side effect is that 99% fewer soot particles are released into the air.
For more information:
Pressemitteilung, 06.12.2012Video of the handover of the PistenBully 600 E+, December 6, 2012, CorvigliaPistenBully Website
Reduction of CO2 Emissions
Minimizing CO2 emissions is a major priority for Engadin St. Moritz Mountains. Since the primary sources of CO2 emissions from mountain railways are the combustion of heating oil and diesel, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains is focusing its efforts precisely on these areas:
- In 2012, the first diesel-electric snow groomer, the PistenBully 600 E+, entered service.
- With the renovation at Muottas Muragl, the previous annual consumption of approximately 40,000 liters of heating oil and the 36,600 kWh/a of electricity for household and operational use were replaced 100% by solar energy. This has reduced CO2 emissions by 144 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to an average passenger car (diesel/gasoline mix, 8.8 L/100 km, 1.6 passengers) traveling 1,080,000 km—enough to circle the Earth 27 times.
- The first solar thermal system was put into operation on Marguns as early as 1981. It had to make way in 1995 for the construction of the new Marguns-Trais Fluors chairlift—Switzerland’s first 6-person chairlift.
- A solar thermal system was installed when the Glünetta restaurant was built in 1991.
- In 2005, the restaurant building in Margun underwent thermal retrofitting to reduce heating oil consumption.
The measures described above show that Engadin St. Moritz Mountains prefers to actually prevent emissions within its own company rather than simply “offset” them with payments.
A day of skiing in the Engadin results in an average of about 7.5 kg of CO2 emissions per guest. These emissions are equivalent to those of an average passenger car traveling 56 km (diesel/gasoline mix, 8.8 L/100 km, 1.6 passengers).
Other ProjectsIn the area of sustainability
Discover the latest news, interesting stories, and the newest developments from our mountains—Corviglia and Muottas Muragl—and our businesses.
