An 'Uber of the Alps': The Swiss ski resort reinventing winter

The Laax ski resort in Switzerland is tackling the challenges of warming winters head-on with ambitious sustainability initiatives. These range from CO2-neutral ski lifts to on-demand gondolas, aiming to revolutionize the winter sports experience.

Reto Fry, environmental manager for the Weisse Arena Group (which owns Laax), is focused on securing the future of the Alps. From his vantage point at 2,228m (7309ft) on Crap Sogn Gion, he observes the activity across the landscape, acknowledging the pressures of climate change. He notes that resorts are experiencing shorter winter seasons due to rising temperatures, emphasizing the need for collective action.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the experience of arriving at a Swiss ski resort isn't always what visitors expect, given the changing climate. Research from MeteoSwiss and ETH Zurich reveals that Switzerland is warming at twice the global average, exacerbated by its Alpine geography. This leads to hotter, drier conditions, increased rainfall, and reduced snowfall – a significant concern for winter sports.

Laax, forming part of the broader Flims Laax Falera ski area, showcases its commitment to sustainability at its basecamp village. The Riders Hotel and Rocksresort, recognized as the Best Green Ski Hotel 2025 at the World Ski Awards, embodies eco-conscious design in every aspect, from energy consumption to waste management. This approach extends throughout the eco-village, featuring decarbonized buildings with solar panels, silent e-vehicles, and vertical gardens that support local wildlife.

Initiatives include roof gardens, plant-based menus using seasonal ingredients, and readily available water stations. A repair service is also offered to extend the lifespan of damaged ski gear. The resort's latest effort involves planting over 20,000 flowers and perennials in specialized gardens to support the endangered black mud bee, encouraging it to nest within the hotel's rocky facades.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Senda dil Dragun, the world's longest treetop path, which meanders through designated wildlife protection zones. Keep an eye out for mountain hares, ibex, eagles, and tracks of elusive animals like red deer and chamois. There are even rumors of wolves and lynx returning to the area.

Another innovation can be found in neighboring Flims: the FlemXpress, the world's first on-demand cable car, with its final section opening on December 19, 2025. This system, likened to "an Uber of the Alps" by Alicia Martinez, head of business performance for Weisse Arena Group, only operates when needed, cutting energy consumption by 50%. Martinez believes this could transform mountain transport and urban mobility. The goal is to reduce the massive energy consumption associated with traditional ski lifts.