Economy

We shape future & value creation

Economic sustainability – alongside environmental and social responsibility – is one of the cornerstones of our activities. As a major player in sustainable tourism, we focus on efficient processes, regional value creation and innovative projects that ensure long-term stability. Our goal is clear: economic success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand and together strengthen the future viability of the entire region.

Key economic contributor

for the region Zell am See-Kaprun

Schmittenhöhebahn AG is one of the most important employers and economic drivers in Zell am See-Kaprun. Our activities create secure jobs and increase regional added value – a significant contribution to the economic sustainability of the region.

Economic significance at a glance:

  • Ø 313 employees (2023/24), up to 426 people during the season
  • 36 % ROI on human capital
  • € 177,000 turnover per employee

Regional partners

strong partnerships in the region are important to us

Regional cooperation is part of our everyday practice. Whether it's construction projects such as the renovation of the Panorama Restaurant or purchasing for our catering facilities, we consciously work with regional companies to strengthen value creation and promote sustainable economic cycles.

Sustainable marketing

Marketing in line with our values

Sustainability is an integral part of our sustainable communication and our entire brand work. As part of our consistent sustainable marketing, we focus on resource-saving production processes, certified materials and transparent reporting. Annual reports, environmental statements and printed materials are implemented in accordance with the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel.

Disused advertising materials are upcycled in line with the cradle-to-cradle principle – into bags, cases or practical accessories. This closes cycles and allows materials to be reused.

Transparency is important to us: we provide ongoing information about our goals, measures and results and publish a comprehensive environmental statement in our annual report – a central component of our sustainable communication.

Communication & events

Green Events and further measures

Since 2017, our annual general meeting has been organised as a green event – an example of our commitment to sustainable events and activities. From PEFC-certified paper and regional supply chains to sustainable catering, these events meet the highest standards. Traditional formats such as the Bergfest are also to be implemented as green events in future.

In this way, we are sending a strong signal in sustainable event management and showing that even large-scale events can be organised in an environmentally friendly and regionally anchored manner.

Future of the Region Zell am See-Kaprun

As a regional player, we actively support initiatives that combine ecological and economic goals. From 2021 to 2023, Zell am See-Kaprun was a Climate and Energy Model Region (KEM) – an important project that has initiated numerous sustainable developments. Building on these successes, the region was awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Destinations in 2025.

Our contribution to economic sustainability in the region:

  • Financial and organisational support for regional climate protection and sustainability projects
  • Participation in the construction of the new Pinzgauer Regionalbahn railway station at areitXpress
  • Promotion of car-free mobility, including free use of ski buses

This is how we strengthen the attractiveness and sustainability of the region – for locals, businesses and guests alike.

Engagement in non-profit initiatives

Our involvement in selected projects demonstrates how economic sustainability and environmental responsibility work together:

Selected projects and their economic benefits:

  • EMAS validation: highest EU standards, long-term cost reduction through efficiency
  • Austrian Ecolabel for Catering: sustainable management & regional cuisine
  • CE4T – Clean Energy for Tourism: optimisation of energy systems & peak load reduction
  • „Wild & Cultivated“ project: native seeds for cost-effective renaturation
  • Ecology Advisory Board: expert committee since 2011 to support sensitive construction projects
  • klimaaktiv GOLD Standard: sustainable building concepts with significant reduction in operating costs

These projects show that economic sustainability is not just a goal, but a continuous process – and a decisive success factor for modern, responsible mountain tourism.