S Sustainability Concept

Sustainability to us means…

... first and foremost, being thoughtful and questioning our practices critically, so we can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable hotel operation. It's about seamlessly integrating ecological, social, and economic goals into our business.

We deeply cherish our historic property and the stunning Dolomites of Val Gardena that surround it. For over 110 years, four generations of the Demetz family have had the privilege of growing and thriving here. This deep respect for history, rescources, employees, and guests has guided us through many small and significant steps toward sustainability, and we’d like to share some of those with you:

  • We place great emphasis on fresh, seasonal products.
  • We prioritize purchasing local products, such as farm-fresh butter, apple juice directly from the farm, South Tyrolean wines, and organic South Tyrolean milk.
  • Evening menu selections are taken in the morning to minimize food waste.
  • Complimentary fresh Val Gardena tap water is available on every table.

CUISINE AND WINE CULTURE

Our cuisine, like the land of South Tyrol itself, is characterized by variety and flavor. South Tyrol is one of Europe’s largest apple-growing regions, producing 50% of Italy’s apples. It also boasts a long winemaking tradition and is renowned for its quality wines, such as Gewürztraminer and Lagrein. With numerous famous dairies, South Tyrolean Speck and traditional "Schüttelbrot" are widely recognized.

What do we do to honor this diversity?

  • Activities are organized exclusively within Val Gardena, reducing traffic and keeping
    value within the valley.
  • Our guided hikes, bike tours, ski guiding, and snowshoeing aim to take guests to hidden jewels in the Dolomites.
  • We don’t provide packed lunches for hikes; instead, we encourage guests to stop at managed huts and alpine pastures whenever possible.
  • We organize only “Green Events,” where, for example, reusable napkins, glasses, plates, etc., are used, even during our traditional alpine barbecue.

NATURE-FOCUSED ACTIVITIES AND BEES

Our hotel is set within a 3,000 m² park that provides tranquility and freshness not only to our guests but to the entire neighborhood. To encourage this, we consciously avoid any form of fencing or boundary. Additionally, two beehives are home to bee colonies in our wildflower meadow. Each hive, housing up to 50,000 bees, tirelessly pollinates flowers and plants and provides us with delicious honey in late summer. Our weekly program, which includes guided hikes and ski safaris, offers sustainable experiences that help you feel connected to nature during your stay.

What does a sustainable weekly program look like?

  • We encourage our guests to bring their own bath slippers.
  • Bed linens and towels are changed only upon request.
  • Pool and sauna towels are provided in the rooms and can be requested as needed.
  • We primarily use eco-friendly cleaning products and recycled paper.
  • All waste is meticulously sorted, and furniture or equipment is not thrown away but given a second life by being donated.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING

When it comes to resource conservation, even small actions can make a big difference. For us, reducing and reusing is just as important as using sustainable and recycled products.

What does this look like in practice?

  • We have an energy optimization system to measure and improve our electricity usage.
  • Nearly all our lights have been switched to energy-saving LEDs.
  • A KNX system is used to optimize the timing of devices and lights.
  • In the kitchen, we use energy-efficient models wherever possible (combi steamers, dishwashers, etc.).
  • Heat regulators in all rooms allow for individual temperature adjustments.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

In South Tyrol, more than 30 hydroelectric plants produce around 7,500 GWh of clean energy annually, and we also source exclusively “Green Energy” from the region. We generate heat with methane gas but strive to keep consumption as low as possible through various measures.

How do we save energy?

  • We provide all guests with a Südtirol MobilCard, which allows them to use all public transportation in South Tyrol. The cost is included in the room price. As a member establishment, we contribute a fixed fee per overnight stay, supporting public transport funding in South Tyrol.
  • Our guests can enjoy free MTB rentals and discounted e-bike rentals in collaboration with the MTB School of Ortisei.
  • We encourage train travel by organizing luggage transport and shuttle services.
  • In winter, guests can use our free shuttle service to and from the cable cars, reducing private car usage.
  • Charging stations for electric cars are available in our garage.

SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Public transportation in South Tyrol is well-developed and offers a convenient way to travel within the region, with buses running every half an hour. From Ortisei, cable cars lead directly to Alpe di Siusi, the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, as well as to Seceda and Resciesa in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Additionally, buses frequently run between Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena, so our guests can comfortably leave their cars parked all year round.

What do we do to promote eco-friendly mobility?

  • We display paintings, sculptures, and drawings by local and international artists
    inspired by the Dolomites in our rooms, hallways, and common areas.
  • In collaboration with Val Gardena Active, we offer our guests not only sports activities but also culinary and cultural highlights.
  • We organize visits to sculptors and carvers in the valley.
  • We support cultural events both financially and by purchasing artworks.

CULTURE AND ART

Val Gardena is internationally known for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, particularly wood carving and painting. The origins date back to the 17th century, and even today, sculptors like Adolf Vallazza, the Verginer family, and Aaron Demetz enjoy worldwide fame. Painters like J. Moroder Lusenberg, a student of Defregger, Peter Demetz, and Markus Vallazza are also virtuosos of the valley. To promote and preserve this unique history and culture, we actively invest our time and resources to these aspects. Over the years, we have developed a deep passion for their work, and you can find numerous pieces adorning the walls and corridors of our historic mansions.

How do we support culture?

  • We offer our employees fair wages and regulated working hours.
  • We provide individual language courses and job-specific training.
  • Employees are involved in decision-making processes through seasonal reviews and monthly department head meetings.
  • We organize staff events to strengthen team cohesion.
  • Complimentary use of MTB, snowshoes, and fitness facilities is offered.

OUR EMPLOYEES

Our employees hold a special place in our hotel, as many of them live here, have direct contact with our long-standing guests, and quickly become part of the family. Each in their own way is a host and contributes their passion to making every guest's vacation special. When our employees are well taken care of, our guests are too. This is why we value, support, and encourage our employees.

What does this equal treatment look like?

  • We maintain a long-standing and strong collaboration with South Tyrolean craftsmen
    for renovation and construction projects.
  • We consciously choose high-quality materials for our furnishings, crafted and supplied by local artisans.
  • Certain services are intentionally outsourced to local partners due to their unparalleled quality and expertise, such as the mountain bike school, ski school, ski rental, and the Catores mountaineering school.
  • We are actively involved in the tourism association of Ortisei, working to continuously improve cooperation among the various stakeholders in the valley.

LOCAL PARTNERS

South Tyrolean artisans are among the best in the world, often proving their excellence in various world championships. Especially when it comes to working with wood, they are unbeatable. The same is true for the many service providers in the valley, some of whom have been pioneers in their fields. Collaborating closely with local partners not only ensures the quality of our work and reduces traffic but also supports the craftsmanship and economy of our region.

What does a partnership like this look like?

  • We support local associations and cultural events, such as the fire department, ski club, hockey club, Unika, and the Gherdëina art biennale.
  • We participate in social projects, such as integrating employees with disabilities or offering internships.
  • We are active partners of the Val Gardena Club Card, granting discounts to locals and employees at the bar and in the spa.
  • As a family we volunteer in local associations and organizations, such as the Hoteliers and Innkeepers Association (HGV) of Val Gardena, the local tourism association, the GSTC: Green Team, the energy team of the Ortisei municipality, and Familiam, the social network in the valley.

 

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMUNITY

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

What does such community involvement look like?

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.

GSTC Vireo