The Scandinavian ski resort operator SkiStar is taking a significant step in the transition to fossil-free operation and is testing the complete electrification of a ski resort. The pilot project is being carried out at SkiStar’s Hammarbybacken ski resort in Stockholm. With the pilot project, SkiStar wants to show that switching to a completely fossil-free ski resort operation is feasible. The entire vehicle fleet will be replaced by six electrically powered vehicles, which will be charged using a battery energy storage system (BESS). The changeover also means a significant change in work processes, including new procedures and staff training.
“We are challenging ourselves to think differently, and we hope that it will lead us further in the transition towards more sustainable mountain experiences,“ said Fanny Sjödin, Sustainability Manager at SkiStar. “Hammarbybacken, our innovation hub, is an ideal arena for daring experiments. The pilot project will help us to identify the challenges we face in the transition and direct our focus toward the right decisions and activities. Our experience will serve as a compass to facilitate investment decisions and identify the next steps forward. We also hope this commitment will inspire others to follow our example and encourage collaborators, guests, and policymakers to join us on this journey.”
SkiStar’s ultimate sustainability and environmental goal is to make its destination operations completely carbon neutral by 2030 and reduce overall emissions by at least 50 percent compared to 2020/21. The climate targets are approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
“Hammarbybacken, as a ski resort, is very well-suited for this pilot project. The next step is to scale this up for our larger ski resorts,” said Stefan Sjöstrand, CEO of SkiStar. ”The knowledge and experience gained from this pilot project will be of significant importance not only for our company but also for the entire industry from an international perspective. This marks the beginning of a behavioral shift, and we hope it will serve as a catalyst for other companies, regardless of industry, to dare to explore and actively initiate efforts to promote climate transition.”
