LAAX Is Pessimistic About the Future of Snowsports Unless Climate Change is Reversed

28th April 2023

Last modified on May 3rd, 2023

The Swiss resort says that unless we can cut our carbon output “it’s unlikely that skiing in the alps will be able to continue long term.”

The remarks were made by the head of LAAX’s Greenstyle sustainability project, Reto Fry.

“We know that winters will continue to get warmer and the weather more unpredictable over the coming years,” said Reto Fry.

“Locally, the Vorab Glacier is expected to melt entirely within 30 years, whereas in the 1980s it allowed year-round snowsports.

“While producing snow through snow cannons can support ski resorts for the time being, this is just a plaster on a much larger problem.”

Laax – Image © PlanetSKI

The resort’s 430 snow cannons are powered by renewable energy.

The water used for the cannons is collected and recycled from melting snow each year.

LAAX believes this process has allowed it to keep the resort open with minimum damage to the environment.

Each year, the resort collects the melting water from the snow in reservoirs, some in the valley, some on the mountain.

From there, at the beginning of the winter season they pump the water to the snow cannons to make snow.

LAAX aims for its entire resort to be entirely carbon neutral by 2030 and is seen as a Swiss leader in the tourism industry, fighting against climate change.

Currently, the entire electricity requirement of the Weisse Arena Group, which operates the ski resort LAAX, has already been covered by Swiss hydropower and solar power since 2008.

LAAX is aiming for 100% renewable energy, 100% CO2 reduction in existing buildings, and 50% less residual waste.