Accommodation and FacilitiesAccommodation in ski resorts is usually very varied with a combination of hotels, guesthouses, self catering chalets or apartments – and uniquely to ski resorts in some countries – the catered chalet. A destination needs to carefully manage the mix of accommodation and attain a balance that provides a range of accommodation styles and prices to suit the target market as well as contributing to the local economy. For example, catered chalets often employ staff from outside whereas guesthouses are generally run by locals. Apartment blocks / complexes can sometimes be managed by outside corporations contributing little to the local economy.
All accommodations should abide by the building and architectural guidelines set by the local authority, or if these are not specific, they should seek to build congruously with the natural environment and the local style utilising local materials where possible. All new buildings and refurbishments should incorporate green, energy efficient materials and technologies to enable energy efficient operations on a day-to-day basis. Existing buildings should seek to improve their energy efficiency throughout, and there are many methods including; switching to renewal energy where possible, installing solar panels, installing movement sensitive lighting, controlling air conditioning / heating thermostats. All accommodations and facilities need to encourage and make it easy for guests to participate in recycling schemes, but also prevent wastage in the first place by buying in bulk and requesting suppliers reduce packaging. Local ownership of accommodation – particularly of hotels and guesthouses - enables a cultural experience and insight into local mountain life. It can make a real difference to the quality of experience of the holiday and it is important that all employed staff are local as well if possible. This keeps the benefits of tourism in the destination. Otherwise guests can have a bland experience with little to characterise which resort they were actually staying in. Accommodation and facilities should seek to source all their supplies locally including food and beverages and toiletries. This can support local farmers and dairies and other craftsmen – perhaps handmade soaps – it keeps diversity in the local economy and provides a unique regional feel to the stay. There are many guesthouses and hotels in the Alps who source all their dairy produce from the local farms – supporting farmers who struggle to maintain a living on farming alone. All businesses and shops in the resort should be locally owned - ownership gives the care, commitment and feeling of protection towards the destination. It also gives uniqueness against resorts that are bland and full of chain stores. In Lech, Austria 100% of the businesses are locally owned. The way forward...1. Ensure accommodations abide by local architectural and building guidelines.
2. Encourage accommodations to use renewable energy, be energy efficient and enable participation in recycling schemes. 3. Keep accommodation locally owned and staffed. 4. Encourage accommodations to source food, drinks, toiletries and all supplies from the region. 5. Work with suppliers to reduce packaging and waste. 6. Keep shops and businesses locally owned and distinctive. |  What do you think? Contribute to our discussion forum
For more great examples of what resorts are doing - check out the case studies
Architecture
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Resorts and their businesses need to focus on the above steps to contribute to Responsible Skiing
