Laax’s Vision: To Become (Second) Fully Self-Powered Winter Resort In The World

UPDATED 5/26/16: Laax ski resort in Switzerland is striving to become the second fully self-sufficient winter sports resort in the world following Berkshire East ski area in Massachusetts, which powers 100% of its operations with on-site solar and wind energy. Laax's goal is to use 100% renewable energy sources to power all the energy used on the mountain. 

In order to achieve this goal, the resort has installed solar panels at their new lift stations and will continue to increase their solar power production. The Rock Resort in Laax is currently fully heated by wood pellets, and other hotels in the ski area are planning to switch to this heating method as well. Laax is also making arrangements to build a wind farm on the Vorab Glacier, which has the potential to produce energy for an estimated 5000 households.

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With support from their local riders Nicolas Müller and Sina Candrian, Laax has been raising awareness of their project through the ‘I Am Pro Snow’ campaign, which promotes climate change solutions so that in the future we can continue enjoy fresh powder all winter.