Set in the snow-covered Austrian Alps, this film explores the efforts of local businesses in the Zell am See-Kaprun region to play their part in mitigating climate change, from a sustainable cable car company and an organic restaurant to car-free towns. We meet the people behind those changes and visit the ski slopes to experience the beauty of the landscape.
Redefining Alpine Mobility
Zell am See-Kaprun addresses the environmental impact of travel by actively promoting alternative mobility and making car-free travel simple and convenient. The main railway station provides direct service from key transport centers, and a designated shuttle service transports arriving train passengers to their accommodations. This strategy is important given that mountainous regions are experiencing the impacts of climate change, making responsible and sustainable management a necessity.
Innovation on the Slopes
The region’s cable car companies, such as the Schmittenhöhebahn, have been leaders in environmental protection for over a decade. By using 100% green electricity for cable cars, lifts, and snowmaking systems, they are significantly reducing the carbon cost of winter sports. The innovation extends to the peaks, where several ski huts have been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel—the first of their kind in the country. These huts prioritize energy efficiency, often powered by their own photovoltaic systems.
Restaurant Business and the Climate: A Holistic Approach
In Zell am See-Kaprun, sustainability is built on three pillars: environmental, social, and governance. Weitblick, a local restaurant in the area has adopted a family-like atmosphere where every team member is aligned with the same ecological goals. This is reflected in everything: From the organic regional food sourcing, to the clothes the staff wear, which is made from organic cotton and recycled fibers. The business also employs dedicated waste managers to ensure a good waste management system is set in place, as they understand that food waste generates emissions.
Social Responsibility and the Next Generation
A sustainable future is not just about the environment; it is about the people who live and work in the region. For example, employees of Schmittenhöhebahn are viewed as the heart of the community, receiving benefits such as high-quality local accommodation and access to sports clubs to maintain their physical well-being. This sense of social responsibility ensures that those who work where others vacation feel valued. As local leaders note, the work is hard, but the reward is a “good feeling in the heart,” knowing that they are leaving behind a world that is healthy, vibrant, and secure for the next generation.
Sustainable Travel: Where Next?
This film is part of Sustainable Travel International’s Where Next series, a documentary collection showcasing sustainable tourism examples and transformative solutions from destinations and companies worldwide, produced in partnership with Blackrook Media.
Funded by the Austrian National Tourist Office.
