St. Moritz, a two-time Winter Olympics host, created an eco-friendly ski slope and resort.
St. Moritz: An Eco-Friendly Ski Slope and Resort
Location: Switzerland’s southeast Alps.
First in clean energy: To get to the slopes, skiers hop on the suspension railway, which passes solar power cells, a wind turbine, and eco-friendly displays that explain how alternative energy helps power the resort. The gondolas arrive at the summit’s Piz Nair restaurant, where a photovoltaic installation generates 12,000 kilowatts a year.
Clean energy hotels: At the Hotel Randolins, solar panels produce hot water, saving 40 tons of heating oil and 120 tons of CO2 emissions annually; the Hotel Europa provides guests free public transportation passes; and at the Hotel Albana, solar collectors produce 9,000 kilowatts annually.
Renewable run: Originally constructed in 1890, the world’s only natural bobsled run—just under a mile long—is rebuilt of ice and snow each season.
