Alta Badia - Where Sustainability Is At Home

Acting environmentally friendly and contributing positively to nature is part of a philosophy that is increasingly shared and practised by many people. By involving the tourism sector, institutions, locals and the numerous guests visiting the valley in the heart of the Dolomites a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alta Badia is constantly committed to achieving a common goal: Preserving what we are given by nature. And this, without having to forego anything important: Enjoying unforgettable, emotion-filled experiences.

ALTA BADIA CLIMATE PLAN

There is an awareness that everyone must do their part. This is the origin of the Alta Badia Climate Plan project, which aims, in its first phase, to calculate the overall impact of the area in terms of CO2, which was found to be 219,008 tonCO2e. This figure, the cornerstone of the initiative, allows us to understand the status quo and to undertake a targeted strategy to reduce and compensate for the emission of carbon dioxide, the planet's main source of pollution. The study also found that the most impactful sector is transport to the destination (73%), followed by accommodation (11%) and ski lifts (4%).

In addition to the total impact, the study provides an indication of the unit impact of the individual tourist (an average of 486 kgCO2 for a single tourist's holiday) who enjoys the tourist services offered by the destination. Having quantified the environmental impact in this way makes it possible to raise awareness of environmental impacts and the climate crisis among thousands of people, and to involve them more effectively by developing impact reduction and compensation strategies shared between the destination and its guests. All future strategies, related to sustainability, will be based on these calculations, giving rise to initiatives aimed at contributing to the resolution of the problem.

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY: INITIATIVES AND EVENTS IN SUMMER 2023

GREEN MOBILITY

In terms of environmental protection, it is crucial to address the reduction of traffic-related CO2 emissions. In this context, the summer opening of the lifts should also be included, which represents a further possibility to travel in a sustainable way and allows to experience the mountains without a car. With the opening of the Borest cable car in summer, this service is further expanded – the ideal way to move car-free between Corvara and Colfosco as well. From the Colfosco cable car station, it is possible to proceed with the lifts in the direction of the valley called Valle Stella Alpina or with the Plans-Frara-lift to the Gardena pass, while the La Fraina and Bamby chairlifts connect the villages of La Villa and San Cassiano on the Piz Sorega and Piz La Ila plateaus.

Between June 10 and October 1, 2023, a total of 19 lifts will be available and can be used with the Alta Badia Summer Card, thus becoming an efficient tool for mobility. In this way it is possible to move freely in the area and enjoy all its diversity and beauty in a sustainable way.

Stop, yet with pleasure!: In Alta Badia even your car enjoys a holiday

The campaign “Stop, yet with pleasure!” aims to encourage holiday guests in Alta Badia to explore the area without using their car. The idea: tourists who hand in the car key at the reception of their accommodation facility upon arrival and leave the car parked for two days during a minimum stay of three nights (or four days, for a minimum stay of six nights) receive a benefit card that offers interesting discounts on various services, such as: the use of taxis, the participation in excursions and events organised by the tourist offices in Alta Badia or the access to the biotope lake in Corvara, the Museum Ursus ladinicus and the Adventure Park in Colfosco. Participants in the initiative will also receive a gift from Alta Badia at the tourist offices.

• The less cars drive on the roads of the Dolomites, the greater our contribution to the protection of the environment.
• E-bike sharing at 2,000 m altitude: one further element of the sustainable mobility project
  E-bike sharing not only enables to easily cycle from one place to another and thus explore the most beautiful corners of this area, but also to reach the three Movimënt parks at an altitude of 2,000 m. The electric bikes, thanks to pedal assist, offer the opportunity to cycle without much effort – an outdoor activity that thus invites less active people to enjoy the landscape of the Dolomites to the full. The pick-up and drop-off stations for the bikes are located at the mountain stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega cable cars. Those interested in the latest e-bike model can also rent one at the local sports shops and bike rentals.

NEW: THE BARK BEETLE - IN THE FOREST WITH A FOREST GUIDE

At the end of October 2018, storm Vaia caused the destruction of millions of trees. One of the consequences of this event is the bark beetle, an insect that proliferates in forests and has found its ideal habitat among the felled trees, destroying entire expanses of forest. The excursion, scheduled every fortnight from 5 July to 12 September, is accompanied by a forestry guide who provides clear, practical and interesting information on this insect that has been plaguing our forests for some years now. Being aware of what is happening is the first step to finding effective solutions. Booking is compulsory and can be made online or directly at the tourist offices.

FOOD FOREST: ENJOY NATURE IN TOTAL RELAXATION

Food Forests, also known as edible forests or forest gardens, are multifunctional cultivation systems consisting of trees, plants, medicinal and aromatic herbs, berries and other forest fruits. It is a food production system that continuously binds CO2, promotes biodiversity in the Alps and increases soil fertility.

Together with Etifor, spin-off of the University of Padova, Alta Badia identified the Masisti forest at the Campolongo pass as the ideal place for the creation of a Food Forest. Thanks to the project "WOWnature Alta Badia", the reforestation of the forest was started three years ago as it was massively damaged by the storm Vaia. The forest (which can be visited throughout the summer) offers a unique biodiversity and tasty surprises such as blueberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, juniper berries, elderberries and many other berries and fruits.

In this forest, it will be possible to create your own self-guided trail, or take part in guided hikes with mountain herbs expert Helga, scheduled for 13 July, 17 August and 14 September, to discover what mother nature has to offer. Information panels have been installed along the trail, offering the opportunity not only to walk, but also to learn all the secrets of the surrounding forest. It is an intense experience, allowing one to store up the energy needed to face the challenges of everyday life and to feel part of nature. In addition, along the way, all the secrets of how to use the harvested herbs and fruits in local dishes will be revealed.

FOREST BATHING: IN THE FOREST FOR A DETOX SESSION

Forest Bathing is an activity that originated in Japan and is based on contact with nature to achieve physical and mental benefits, such as strengthening the immune system or lowering toxins and stress. Forest Bathing becomes a concrete experience, with a detox effect, also in Alta Badia. The walks, which start from the sports field in La Val and take a twenty-minute path to a sulphurous water spring in the village of Al Bagn, can be undertaken independently daily, or are offered with an expert guide on 13 and 27 July and 10 and 24 August. It is an easy route, suitable for everyone. Reservations are compulsory by the day before and can be made online or at the Alta Badia tourist offices.

ALTA BADIA ECO-HIKER: GENTLE HIKING, SUPPORTING THE ENVIRONMENT

The goal of "Alta Badia Eco-Hiker" is to sensitise hikers about environmental protection and the very fragile ecosystem of the Dolomites, because far too often waste and rubbish are scattered in nature. During the Alta Badia Eco-Hiker appointments, which will be held again in summer 2022, hikers will be given the opportunity to actively engage with nature: Accompanied by a local expert, participants will be equipped with gloves, tools, bio-bags and more to pick up the waste they find along their path across meadows and woods and take it back to the valley. The dates are set for July 10 and 24, August 7 and 21, and September 4. As the number of participants is restricted, it is necessary to register in advance for the chosen date by contacting the tourist offices of Alta Badia.

THE WATER OF OUR MOUNTAINS

'Respect the Mountain' is a project of the Province of Bolzano, which aims to raise awareness among citizens and visitors to adopt environmentally friendly behaviour. One of the main themes of the project is drinking water. The consumption of water in plastic bottles leaves permanent traces and it is precisely for this reason that Alta Badia wants to encourage people to consume tap and fountain water, using reusable bottles and flasks. With this in mind, a map of the locality was created, indicating the points where the fountains for filling water bottles are located. A plaque, placed at all the fountains reviewed, will certify the quality of the water and encourage people to use it. As well as being good, Alta Badia's water is certified and of excellent quality.

NEW: AN INFORMATIVE VISIT TO THE SKI LIFTS

Ski lifts are an essential means of transport within the resort. They make it possible to move quickly and easily from one village to another and to comfortably reach high altitudes in order to fully enjoy the many high-altitude walks, mountain huts or amusement parks at 2000m. How exactly does an installation work? What impact does it have on the surrounding nature? Can it be considered an energy-efficient alternative means of transport to cars? These and many other questions will be answered during visits to the lifts of Impianti Colfosco company, scheduled for 24 July, 14 August and 11 September. Places are limited. Registration is compulsory and can be done online or at the tourist offices in Alta Badia.

SUSTAINABILITY, NOT ONLY ENVIRONMENTAL

In addition to environmental sustainability, the GSTC certification criteria focus on three other fundamental concepts: socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and sustainable management. In this sense, Alta Badia has created an internal 'green team', which works on sustainable projects in all areas on a daily basis. Thanks to the commitment of all local persons involved in tourism, cultural activities and initiatives, in addition to environmental ones, are being created that aim to achieve ever higher quality standards. During the summer and winter months, for example, the 'Nos Ladins-We Ladins' events are proposed, which provid a series of experiences to be lived with local people and which allow one to deepen one's cultural knowledge of the Ladin world. In addition, local producers and farmers are involved in the tourist initiatives, organising, for example, activities such as breakfasts on the farm, or Ladin cookery courses, thus also reinforcing socio-economic sustainability.