Nestled amidst the iconic Swiss Alps, Verbier has long been celebrated for its crisp alpine air and breathtaking peaks, attracting winter enthusiasts seeking the thrill of its slopes. Yet, beyond the adrenaline rush, Verbier is silently but steadfastly embracing sustainability, recognising the urgent need to protect its mountain haven.
On a recent trip there Sam Wilcox took the chance to delve into the resort’s multifaceted eco-friendly initiatives, shaping a new narrative of responsible practices that extend beyond the slopes.
The challenges faced by Verbier in its pursuit of sustainability are indeed immense. Climate change poses threats to the delicate mountain ecosystem, and the resort’s commitment to finding solutions is innovative to say the least. From rethinking transportation to addressing energy consumption and water management, Verbier’s journey is marked by triumphs over obstacles. It serves as a testament to the resilience of alpine destinations and their ability to adapt to the evolving environmental landscape.
Verbier’s story is not just a singular accomplishment; it is a blueprint for sustainable alpine tourism. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses transportation, energy, water, and local businesses, mountain destinations can contribute to the global effort in combating climate change.
Innovative Transport Solutions: A Seamless Journey to the Summit
The visionary Go Verbier platform, developed by Antidots, marks a paradigm shift in mobility. By integrating all modes of transportation, including trains, planes, buses, and even the valley lift, into a single booking platform, Verbier aims to provide visitors with a seamless and sustainable travel experience. This innovative solution not only enhances convenience but also aligns with Verbier’s commitment to being a laboratory of ideas and innovation, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism.
The platform goes beyond convenience by calculating CO2 emissions for each transportation combination. This empowers travellers to make environmentally conscious choices, contributing to a more sustainable approach to tourism. Verbier’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint reflects a proactive stance in combating climate change.
The Green Grooming Initiative: Tackling the Carbon Slopes
Underneath the surface of Verbier’s winter playground, the delicate ecosystem is now grappling with the harsh impacts of climate change. The resort faces immediate challenges of melting permafrost, collapsing mountains, and erratic weather patterns. One of the initiatives aimed at lessening the impact is the Green Grooming Initiative. The grooming machines, essential for slope maintenance, are mainly oil-powered and churn out 2,597 tons of CO2 annually. Despite the resort’s efforts to switch to electric-powered machines, the current tech struggles at higher altitudes.
However, the resort has taken steps to address these challenges, including a solar panel trial and exploring hydrogen production for powering public transport and grooming machines. The vision is clear – Verbier aspires to be diesel-free for its ski operations. The Green Grooming Initiative stands as a testament to Verbier’s commitment to balancing the thrill of the slopes with responsible environmental stewardship.
Lifts and Energy: Reaching New Heights in Sustainability
On a brighter note, Verbier has successfully electrified all its lifts, relying on renewable energy sources for 93% of its electricity needs. The resort’s commitment extends beyond the lifts, with lift buildings now heated using wood pellet systems. The adoption of electrical motors for lifts and innovative speed regulation strategies have resulted in an 8-10% reduction in energy consumption.
Verbier’s strides in electrifying lifts and adopting energy-efficient technologies exemplify its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. These advancements not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute to creating a more sustainable alpine environment.
Mobility Revolution: Greening the Journey to the Peaks
Recognising that sustainability extends beyond the slopes, Verbier is reshaping mobility. Aiming to reduce the number of cars, the resort encourages visitors to opt for trains, with direct railway connections from Geneva making it easier for weekend skiers to access the resort. The extended operating hours of the gondola (5.30am-11.50pm), aligned with train schedules, ensure a seamless and sustainable travel experience for visitors. Verbier is also addressing plastic consumption in its restaurants and actively engaging in cleaning initiatives. Every June, employees embark on a collective effort to clean up litter, showcasing the resort’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty.
Water Management: From Peaks to Pipes
Water, a precious resource in the mountains, is managed meticulously in Verbier. With rising temperatures threatening water sources, the resort has implemented innovative solutions. A robust water infrastructure, sourced from 81 natural springs, ensures a sustainable supply for the 60,000 winter and 10,000 summer inhabitants. Additionally, Verbier harnesses the power of water, using turbine sewage systems to generate electricity. This dual-purpose approach not only treats wastewater but also contributes significantly to the resort’s energy needs.
To tackle snow production and grooming more sustainably, Verbier employs advanced technologies like snow height measurements to optimise water consumption and reduce environmental impact.
Local Businesses: Leading the Way
Verbier’s sustainability ethos extends beyond the slopes, with local businesses championing green practices. Sungod, a British eyewear brand with a strong presence in Verbier, exemplifies how companies can balance profit and planet. Sungod’s commitment to sustainability includes carbon neutrality, offsetting sales into 2025, and a focus on recycling. The brand actively engages in environmental initiatives, such as collecting and distributing sunglasses to remote indigenous communities and supporting climate advocacy through limited-edition goggle selections.
Cirkle Supply Co. is a game-changing initiative that is redefining the way skiers and snowboarders experience the slopes. Introducing a novel approach to skiwear, this innovative platform specialises in premium outerwear, midlayers, and gloves available for rent, marking a paradigm shift towards a circular and eco-conscious model, particularly for those only visiting the Alps once a year or with growing kids. Partnering with premium brands, the platform seamlessly delivers technical outerwear directly to your hotel.
Hotels in the area are also playing their part. During their refurb in 2019, Hotel de Verbier installed triple glazing, solar panels, and reused materials within its build. Their coffee capsules are biodegradable, and they actively encourage guests to drink Verbier’s pristine tap water rather than opting for bottled. They’ve even ensured all bathrooms have eco-luxury skin and hair products by Björk & Berries.
Finally, Ferme De Soliel, a small, completely renovated farmhouse has mixed agriculture and tourism since its opening in 2017. The owners, Viviane and Blaise Collombin, fell in love with this old traditional goat farm and restored it to launch a warm and family agritourism.
The commitment of local businesses in Verbier to sustainability paints a broader picture of the community’s dedication to green practices. Each business contributes to the larger goal of creating a more sustainable and responsible alpine experience.
As Verbier charts its course towards a sustainable future, it stands as a beacon for other mountain resorts grappling with the impacts of climate change. The challenges are immense, but Verbier’s commitment to balancing the thrill of the slopes with responsible environmental stewardship paints a hopeful picture for alpine destinations worldwide.
The resort’s journey is a testament to the belief that, with ingenuity and determination, even the highest peaks can be scaled sustainably. Verbier’s ongoing legacy of sustainability serves as an inspiration for the entire winter sports community. The resort’s multifaceted initiatives showcase a comprehensive approach to creating a harmonious coexistence between winter enthusiasts and the delicate alpine environment.
As winter enthusiasts continue to seek the thrill of the slopes, the responsibility lies not just with the resorts but also with the visitors. Sustainable choices, such as opting for eco-friendly modes of transportation and supporting local businesses with green practices, can amplify the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Verbier’s journey serves as a reminder that the beauty of the Alps can be celebrated responsibly, ensuring that future generations can revel in the majesty of snow-covered summits. It is a beacon of hope for a harmonious future between nature and recreation. Through sustainable practices and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Verbier showcases that the thrill of winter sports can coexist with the preservation of the alpine environment.
As the sun sets behind the iconic peaks, Verbier stands as a testament to what is possible when a community, its visitors, and the majestic mountains unite in a shared vision of sustainability.
TRAVEL FACTS:
- A seven-night stay at Hotel de Verbier costs from £1,390pp based on two sharing with breakfast included.
- All travel can now be booked by Go Verbier – this innovative booking platform will incorporate all modes of transportation, covering entire journeys from any location worldwide. As a result, it is now possible to plan, book, and pay for your journey to Verbier through a single platform – goverbier.ch
- A return standard class train journey from London St Pancras to Verbier costs £320pp
- An adult one-day pass for the Verbier 4-Vallées sector is priced at CHF85/£78. An adult seven-day pass for the Verbier 4-Vallées is priced at CHF446/ £405 verbier4vallees.ch
- Ski Clothes Hire can be found at Cirkel Supply
- Ski Guide Instructors are available from Warren Smith Ski Academy
- For more information about Verbier, visit verbier.ch
Categories: News, Resort News & Reports, Switzerland