A new green hotel has opened above the La Plagne village of Montalbert complete with a private ski lift to the main Paradiski area.

The hotel has also achieved Low Emissions Building status thanks to a wood fired boiler fed from a designated local forest, electricity provided by photovoltaic technology solar panels and enhanced insulation [wood] covering walls, floors and ceilings.

Veronica adds “Many of the purpose built ski resorts in France were built back in the 60’s and 70’s – what was important to France back then was opening up the sport of skiing to everyone – through the creation of cheap high-rise accommodation.   That social programme has left France with a number of resorts blighted by unattractive developments that seep energy.   However, step by step, France is looking to remove, replace or renovate these buildings with ones that have more sympathetic architecture, more natural materials and energy efficiency at their heart.   This new hotel in La Plagne shows how France is moving forward.”

 
 
A new hotel built entirely of wood has opened at the Austrian resort of Leogang, part of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area which is one of the country’s largest, with 200km of runs.

The new four star Fortsthofalm is located slopeside with ski in/out access and was constructed using hundreds of tonnes of wood, all of which was sourced locally.

The hotel has been built as a passive construction, meaning it has low energy requirements and therefore contributes to the protection of the environment. It uses alternative energy sources whenever possible.

Along with the eco philosophy, the hotel  has also got an interesting architectural design and will highlight the arts, with a different visiting artist’s work on display each year, plus good cuisine in its restaurant and offers a well-being in the spa to create what the hotel describes as, “a harmonious whole.”

Veronica Tonge explains “This is a great example of a hotel integrating all the principles of Responsible Skiing and sustainable hotel development and, importantly, showing that it can be a really compelling and quality experience.   It is giving the business competitive advantage whilst reducing environmental impacts and running costs.  Showcasing local artists’ work really integrates the hotel with the local community and creates a distinctive alpine experience."