Sustainability Concept

Sustainability to us means …

… first and foremost, taking the time to reflect, question things critically, and then implement measures for a more sustainable hotel operation through many small steps. Our goal is to balance ecological, social, and economic objectives within our business.

We love our home and the stunning Val Gardena Dolomites that surround it. This sense of responsibility and mindfulness toward resources, employees, and guests has guided us through many small and large steps in our sustainability journey. Here are a few initiatives we’d like to share with you:

  • We prioritize fresh and seasonal products.
  • We focus on sourcing regional products, such as farm-fresh butter, apple juice straight from the orchard, South Tyrolean wines, organic milk from South Tyrol, and more.
  • We encourage our guests to enjoy the fresh tap water from Val Gardena.

Culinary culture

Just like South Tyrol, our breakfast buffet is all about variety and taste. South Tyrol is one of Europe's largest apple-growing regions, producing 50% of Italy's apples. It also has a long tradition of winemaking and is renowned for its high-quality wines like Gewürztraminer and Lagrein. South Tyrol is home to numerous well-known dairies, and products like South Tyrolean speck and traditional "Schüttelbrot" are famous far and wide.

  • Activities are organized exclusively in Val Gardena, which helps avoid traffic and supports the local economy.
  • We do not offer packed lunches for hikes and instead, where possible, have lunch with our guests at managed huts and mountain pastures.
  • We only organize “Green Events” where, for example, even at the traditional mountain barbecue, we use real napkins, glasses, plates, and so on.

Nature-based activities

Our hotel is set within a 3,000 m2 park that offers tranquility and freshness not just to our guests, but also to the entire neighborhood. We consciously avoid any type of fencing or barriers. Additionally, we maintain two beehives in our wildflower meadow. Each hive can house up to 200,000 bees, which not only help pollinate our flowers and plants but also provide us with delicious honey in late summer. Val Gardena Active offers a diverse activity program, which our guests can join for free or at a discounted rate, giving them sustainable experiences that foster an environmentally-conscious vacation.

  • We ask our guests to bring their own slippers from home.
  • Bed linens and towels are only changed upon request.
  • We mainly use ecological cleaning products and recycled paper.
  • All waste is carefully separated, and furniture or equipment is not discarded but given a second life through donation.

Resource conservation and recycling

When it comes to using resources wisely, small actions can make a big difference. For us, cutting back and reducing waste is just as important as using sustainable and recycled products.

  • Most of our lighting has been switched to energy-efficient LEDs.
  • We use an intelligent system with timers to optimize the operating times of devices and lights.
  • Heating controls in all rooms allow guests to adjust the temperature individually.

Sustainable energy

In South Tyrol, over 30 hydroelectric power plants generate around 7,500 GWh of clean electricity annually. We also use exclusively “Green Energy” from the region. While we generate heat using methane gas, we strive to minimize consumption through various measures.

  • We provide all guests with a South Tyrol MobilCard, which allows unlimited use of all public transport in South Tyrol. The cost is included in the room price. As a member hotel, we make a fixed contribution per overnight stay, helping to fund public transport in South Tyrol.
  • Guests can rent e-bikes at a discounted rate through our partnership with the MTB School of Ortisei.
  • We encourage travel by train by organizing luggage transport and shuttle services.
  • Charging stations for electric cars are available in the nearby garage.

Sustainable mobility

Public transportation is well-developed in South Tyrol, making it easy to explore the region with regular half-hourly services. From Ortisei, cable cars lead directly to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, Seceda, and Rasciesa in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Regular buses also run between Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena, making it easy for our guests to leave the car parked during the entire stay.

  • In our rooms, corridors, and common areas, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and drawings by local and international artists connected to the Dolomites.
  • In collaboration with Val Gardena Active, we offer our guests not just sports activities, but also culinary and cultural highlights.
  • We organize visits to sculptors and woodcarvers in the valley.
  • We support cultural events financially and through the purchase of artworks.

Culture and art

Val Gardena is world-renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, particularly in wood carving and painting. This tradition dates back to the 17th century, and today, sculptors like Adolf Vallazza, the Verginer family, and Aaron Demetz are celebrated internationally. Painters like J. Moroder Lusenberg, a student of Defregger, Peter Demetz, and Markus Vallazza are also masters of their craft, and international artists like E. Kettemann, K. O'Lynch, R. Zinner, and G. Jahn have been inspired by the unique beauty of the Dolomites. Over the years, we have developed a deep passion for their work, and many of their pieces adorn the walls and corridors of our historic buildings.

  • We offer our employees fair pay and regulated working hours.
  • We provide opportunities for individual language courses and job-specific training.
  • Employees are involved in decision-making processes through seasonal reviews and monthly department meetings.
  • We organize employee events to strengthen team cohesion.
  • Free use of mountain bikes, snowshoes, and the fitness room is offered.

Our employees

Our employees play a special role in our hotel. Many live here, have direct contact with our long-term guests, and quickly become part of the family. Each of them, in their own way, is a host, shaping each guest’s stay with their passion. When our employees are happy, our guests are happy too. That’s why we value, support, and encourage our team.

  • We have maintained strong, long-standing collaborations with South Tyrolean craftsmen for renovations and remodeling.
  • Our hotel is furnished with high-quality materials made and supplied by local artisans.
  • We consciously outsource certain services to local partners, as their quality and expertise are unmatched, such as the Mountain Bike School, Ski School, Ski Rental, and Catores Mountaineering School.
  • We are actively involved in the Ortisei tourism association to continuously improve collaboration among various stakeholders in the valley.

Local partners

South Tyrolean craftsmen are among the best in the world, as they repeatedly prove in various world championships. They are unbeatable when it comes to working with wood. The same is true for many service providers in the valley, some of whom have made pioneering achievements. By working closely with local partners, we not only ensure the quality of our work and reduce traffic but also support the craftsmanship and economy of our region.

  • We support local associations and cultural events, such as the fire brigade, ski club, hockey club, Unika, or the Gherdëina Art Biennale.
  • We participate in social projects like work integration for employees with disabilities or offering professional internships.
  • Our family is actively involved in volunteering with local associations and organizations such as the Hotel- and Restaurant Association (HGV), the local tourism association, the GSTC: Green Team, the energy team of the Ortisei municipality, and Familiam, the valley's social network.

Local associations and community

As a family and as a business, we see ourselves as part of the local community. We share values and create connections with the people around us. We offer our guests respectful access to our tradition, culture, and nature while striving to meet the needs of locals and employees. A vibrant community is key to a harmonious coexistence.

Sustainability Awards

We are particularly pleased that our hotel has been awarded the GSTC® Certificate and the IDM Sustainability Label, recognizing our commitment to sustainable tourism.

GSTC® Certificate

The GSTC® Certificate represents a global standard for sustainable tourism, supporting destinations on their journey toward higher social and environmental standards.

IDM Sustainability Label

Based on GSTC criteria, an internationally recognized sustainability label tailored to South Tyrol has been developed. We are particularly proud to have been awarded the highest level, Level Three.