Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways Implement New Sustainability Commitment
The Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways (BÖSB) have been driving quality and sustainable development in Alpine summer tourism for years. Through partnerships like the KlimaTicket Ö (Climate Ticket Ö), they are already encouraging guests to travel in a climate-friendly way. Now comes the next step: With the Summit Charter, the summer mountain railways are, for the first time, establishing joint, supra-regional recommendations for guests that promote respectful interaction with nature, wildlife, and other visitors. The motto is: "TOGETHER ON THE MOUNTAINS – Experience, Enjoy, Preserve."
Sustainability as part of the quality offensive
For the BÖSB, sustainability is not an isolated project, but a central element of its quality initiative. The goal is to continuously raise awareness among members about further measures, provide support with expertise, and create concrete implementation opportunities. The Summit Charter is an important building block in this process: It defines clear guidelines for guests – from proper behavior toward grazing animals to waste avoidance and consideration for other visitors.
This year, the Summit Charter was added to the BÖSB criteria catalog. For every new or recertification process—in which businesses are assessed against over 100 criteria—the Summit Charter must be visibly communicated to guests.
Common principles from regional success models
"In developing the charter, we drew on proven initiatives from the federal states: "Respect Your Limits" (Vorarlberg, Salzburg, Carinthia, Lower and Upper Austria), "Mountain World Tyrol," and "In Our Nature" (Upper Austria). "There's no need to reinvent the wheel," explains Kornel Grundner, spokesperson for the BÖSB. "There are successful initiatives in the federal states that we have brought together. This allowed us to define guidelines that apply across the region for respectful coexistence in the mountains."
"The Summit Charter represents our shared commitment to taking responsibility. Not with a wagging finger, but in partnership," Grundner continued. "We make the mountains accessible and tangible for guests – and at the same time encourage respectful behavior in nature. In this way, we want to preserve the beauty of our local mountains for future generations."
Visible in the everyday life of guests
The initiative is supported by practical materials (advertisements, posters, flyers, and social media content) available to member businesses. Guests are already encountering the Summit Charter at cable car stations: on information screens with video clips, in program booklets, or on posters in entrance areas. However, it's not just the communication that's crucial, but the underlying promise: All member businesses commit to taking responsibility and actively encouraging guests to adopt sustainable behavior on the mountain.
Halfway through the 2025 season: Positive interim results
A recent snap survey among BÖSB members shows that the mood at the halfway point of the 2025 season is predominantly positive. Around two-thirds of establishments are satisfied to very satisfied with the first few months, and almost 60 percent report stable or increasing guest numbers. Key success factors include high guest satisfaction, the strong family and activity segment, and numerous events. Extreme weather and cost increases remain challenges.
"The 2025 mountain summer is developing steadily and once again demonstrates the strength of our offerings: Families, active holidaymakers, and nature enthusiasts will find exactly what they're looking for in the mountains. If the weather cooperates, we can also expect positive developments in the second half of the season," says Grundner.
The Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways seal of quality is an initiative of the Cable Car Association (Austrian Chamber of Commerce) and stands for quality, cooperation, and sustainable regional development. The seal of quality unites experts and pioneers in Austrian summer mountain tourism and currently counts 82 members with 100 themed mountains. Only companies that meet at least 100 quality criteria become one of the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways. Specialized in five thematic areas – Adventure, Family, Panorama & Nature Experience, Indulgence, Art & Culture – members must undergo recertification every three years. A diverse range of experiences is guaranteed – not least for this reason, the seal of quality has become an important decision-making criterion when choosing a destination for vacationers.
