Snow Space Salzburg and the World Cup resorts Flachau and Zauchensee demonstrated at the start of the season in Vienna how one of Austria's leading winter sports regions is developing strategically and with a focus on the future: through investments in sustainability, innovation and emotional experience quality.
When asked how alpine winter tourism can remain viable under economic pressure and climate change, Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau, and Zauchensee offer a clear answer: through sustainable management, smart investments, digital solutions, and inspiring experiences for guests. All of this together creates economic and ecological stability for the entire region. "Our goal is a winter that remains economically strong and continues to bring us the joy of skiing for many years to come. This can only be achieved if economic thinking and ecological responsibility go hand in hand in a cooperative and consistent manner," says Wolfgang Hettegger, CEO of Snow Space Salzburg Bergbahnen AG.
To kick off the season, Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau, and Zauchensee brought winter directly to the city: Ski legend Hermann Maier inaugurated the ski simulator at the Vienna Ice Skating Club. The opening was hosted by former World Cup winner Michaela Kirchgasser. Also present were influencer Anna Strigl and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann, who will be participating in the Hermann Maier Star Challenge 2026. Visitors could hit the slopes themselves at Heumarkt and get in the mood for the winter season – including a free day ski pass for the three ski regions.
Climate-friendly travel by public transport is a key component of Snow Space Salzburg's strategy – and has long been a unique selling point for the ski resort. Guests from Vienna can comfortably reach the resort by train in just 3 hours and 40 minutes – often without even having to change trains. A free shuttle bus awaits them directly at the resort. This makes the train not only a comfortable but also a viable time-saving alternative to the car. Since 2019, Snow Space Salzburg has been working closely with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) to further promote climate-neutral travel by public transport – for example, with ÖBB's door-to-door luggage service, attractive discounts, and free train journeys for KlimaTicket holders. "Anyone wanting to make their winter holiday climate-friendly should travel by train – it saves the most CO₂," is the clear message from the Snow Space Salzburg team.
For Snow Space Salzburg, sustainability isn't just a marketing promise, it's a core principle. Concrete, measurable measures are used to reduce emissions while actively promoting biodiversity on and off the slopes. As early as 2019, Snow Space Salzburg commissioned its first comprehensive survey to determine where CO₂ emissions are generated within its ski operations. The analysis clearly demonstrated that sustainable progress is only possible through a holistic approach, encompassing everything from guest arrival to employee mobility.
Snow Space Salzburg's comprehensive sustainability strategy has been scientifically monitored for years. Emissions have already been reduced by over 60 tons – from 4,149 tons of CO₂ (2019/20) to 1,638 tons of CO₂ (2023/24). A day of skiing in Snow Space Salzburg currently generates only 0.86 kg of CO₂. For comparison, a day on a cruise ship is equivalent to approximately 290 days of skiing in Snow Space Salzburg. "Sustainability isn't just a label for us; it's been part of our DNA for many years. It shapes our daily operations as well as long-term decisions within the ski area," emphasizes [name/position of speaker]. Christina König, Board member of Snow Space Salzburg Bergbahnen AG. „We reduce emissions where they originate – with HVO fuels from waste oil and residual materials in our entire fleet of snow groomers, AI-supported snowmaking, our mobility partnerships and targeted biodiversity projects.“
More information is available at www.snow-space.com.