Month: August 2022

Sustainable ski resorts

Posted on by Al Slinn

With shorter winters, decreasing snowfalls and warmer temperatures, the effects of climate change in the mountains are becoming increasingly visible. It is likely that only high-altitude locations will be able to offer skiing as the seasons go on, or that skiing will be entirely replaced by other sport activities.

While the effects of global warming are unlikely to disappear, can ski resorts implement sustainable measures to delay such effects? In this article by National Geographic we have found a list of extremely sustainable ski resorts.

Zermatt, Switzerland. This car-free resort is easily accessed by train and has impeccable eco credentials: a photovoltaics (solar) system powers its gondola lift station; electric buses take skiers from A to B; snow groomers run on eco-speed diesel; and environmental experts oversee construction work. 

Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland. This resort is taking the fast run towards self-sufficiency and 100% renewable energy. Its electricity already comes from CO2-neutral sources and all new lift facilities are equipped with photovoltaics. There are e-vehicle and e-bike charging points, recycling stations, drinking water fountains and protected zones for animals and plants. Even the ski wax is biodegradable. 

Saas Fee, Switzerland. This is the world’s first carbon-neutral municipality. The car-free resort runs on hydropower and has nailed it transport-wise, with an e-car sharing service and emission-free ski buses. 

Wolf Creek, Colorado. Deep, steep and snow-sure, Wolf Creek is a shining model of sustainability. The resort is carbon-free, conservation-minded and runs on 100% renewable energy. Its snowcats even use biodegradable grapeseed oil.

Kaprun, Austria. Cue high-elevation recultivation projects, lifts running on 100% ecologically generated energy and free ski buses. 

Pejo, Italy. This green-minded resort in Stelvio National Park, in Trentino, is plastic-free and has hydroelectric plants providing renewable energy. Plans are in place to introduce hybrid snowcats.

Avoriaz, France. The greenest of France’s Portes du Soleil ski resorts, Avoriaz has launched projects to revegetate slopes, protect natural snow and keep snow-groomer emissions to a minimum.

An escape to Ibiza

Posted on by Al Slinn

Before proposing a new destination or venue to our clients, we always go out and explore it first-hand. We call this practice a “recce trip”, where we visit a potential destination, eat in the best restaurants and test out some activities. Not the worst job in the world, is it? Our latest recce trip was an escape to Ibiza, a top destinations for our summer events.

We stayed in a newly discovered, lovely hotel at the heart of the island: the Rural Hotel Can Lluc. A real gem that we can’t wait for our clients to discover!

As the hotel’s website describes, Can Lluc stands in a highly prized area of ecological value and natural beauty, surrounded by pine forests and beautiful landscapes providing guests with peace and tranquillity.

The main house and outlying buildings, which are over 300 years old, have been restored while keeping the original features, from the stone walls and wooden roofs to the antique furniture.

The 20 rooms provide guests with the authentic feel of rural Ibiza, with beautiful views of the gardens and the surrounding countryside. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a full buffet made of natural and homemade food. What better way to start the day on this island that offers everyone so much choice?

While staying at the hotel, we even received a recommendation for a hidden beach where visitors need a password to access. These are the little things we love to discover during a recce trip! We can’t wait to take our clients for an escape to Ibiza to discover the hidden gems of the island.

Le Chalet Mont-Blanc

Posted on by Al Slinn

Finding the perfect accommodation for clients is a key part of event planning. Along our almost 20 years of work in the Alps, we have built solid local connections with chalet owners and found some real gems. One of our favourite chalets in Chamonix is without a doubt Le Chalet Mont-Blanc: an impressive, multiple award-winning property. In 2019, The World Ski Awards named Le Chalet Mont-Blanc World’s Best New Ski Chalet.

As this article on chamonix.net points out, Le Chalet is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, including Mont Blanc. It features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym, massage room, cinema, wine cellar, helipad, 13 bedrooms, plus a studio. All rooms have a south-facing uninterrupted view on the entire mountain chain and get the longest hours of sun in the Chamonix valley.

Le Chalet is an ideal accommodation for guests looking for wellbeing, relaxation and contemplation as well as for those attracted by sporting conquests. It is perfect for corporate groups, large families and friends.

On the outside of the property, guests can explore the beautiful grounds and often spot wild deer or chamois. There’s also a private stream with a waterfall.

Would you like to stay at this stunning property on your next corporate event? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Ten80 Team!