The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun inaugurates its first green PistenBully with skier Aline Danioth
February 9, 2021
The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun, together with Aline Danioth, the champion ski racer from Andermatt, has inaugurated its latest snow groomer. The PistenBully-brand hybrid vehicle emits 20% fewer greenhouse gases. As part of a Group-wide sustainability strategy, the SkiArena will modernise its vehicle fleet in the coming years with innovative, efficient models.
The issue of sustainability is of great importance in the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group and is a firm part of the company strategy. A number of initiatives have already been implemented under the label Andermatt Responsible. The objective is, among other things, to operate in future in a climate-neutral manner as far as possible. By using snow groomers with a hybrid drive, the SkiArena is taking another step in this direction.
Fewer CO2 emissions, virtually no soot particles
The SkiArena opted for the PistenBully 600 E+ from Kässbohrer. With its diesel-electric drive, the vehicle has enormous thrust. Because it consumes 20% less fuel, CO2 emissions are reduced by the same amount. This also means lower operating costs. The hybrid vehicle's engine revolves at low speeds and is outfitted with particle filters, which cut the emission of soot particles by 99%.
Because the headquarters of PistenBully Switzerland are in Altdorf, just 30 km from the ski area, distances for deliveries of spare parts are short. When the vehicles require major repairs, they will be performed on site, and in that way, the SkiArena is making a substantial contribution toward conserving valuable resources. With efficient planning of deployments, the company was able to reduce the number of vehicles and achieve an outstanding average utilisation of 1,200 hours per season.
Sustainably operated ski area
The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun obtains the electricity needed to power the lifts and snowmaking equipment from Elektrizitätswerk Ursern (EWU) and Energia Alpina. Both energy providers sell electricity derived from 100% renewable sources in the region. For instance, EWU has four hydroelectric power stations of its own and four wind turbines on Gütsch. In other words, the cableways and snow canons are operated in a completely climate-neutral manner.
Aline Danioth on the green snow groomer: “In ski racing, we're in a catch-22 situation: On the one hand, we need perfectly groomed slopes. On the other, we know that the high amount of diesel fuel consumed by snow groomers is accelerating climate change. I am therefore very happy that PistenBully is developing vehicles that are increasingly green and that the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun is taking advantage of these more climate-friendly solutions.” SkiArena CEO Rainer Flaig confirms this: “The management of the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun acknowledges its responsibility in this area and will modernise the entire vehicle fleet in the coming years with innovative, sustainable vehicles.”
Andermatt Responsible
The Andermatt Responsible campaign is dedicated to ensuring sustainable, climate-friendly tourism in the Andermatt region. Its aim is to facilitate tourism operations in a way that preserves resources. Third place in the Minergie Rating is confirmation that the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group is on the right path with this sustainability strategy.
Andermatt Swiss Alps
Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, with registered office in Andermatt, plans, builds, and develops the year-round destination of Andermatt. In 2009 Andermatt Reuss came into being, with apartment buildings, hotels, and chalets. The Andermatt Swiss Alps Group also owns Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG with its cableways, the catering brand Mountain Food, the Swiss Snowsports School Andermatt, an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, and the Andermatt Concert Hall. With the hotels, the sports infrastructure, the wide range of events on offer, and the properties, Andermatt Swiss Alps is pursuing the vision of becoming the “prime Alpine destination”. In doing so, it is committed to an intact environment and a sustainable future that will enable coming generations to have an extraordinary home. During high season, the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group has more than 1,000 employees working at the locations in Altdorf, Andermatt and Sedrun.
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Andermatt Swiss Alps AG
Stefan Kern
Chief Communication Officer
