Sustainability Concept

Sustainability to us means...

 

...first and foremost, thinking critically and questioning things to implement small but significant steps towards a more sustainable hotel operation. It’s about balancing ecological, social, and economic goals within our business.

We love our Art Nouveau mansion and the stunning Val Gardena Dolomites in which it is nestled. Since 1913, four generations of the Sanoner-Demetz family have had the honor of growing and thriving at the Stetteneck. This awareness and mindfulness towards our history, resources, employees, and guests have guided us through many small and large steps in sustainability, some of which we’d like to share with you:

  • We place great emphasis on fresh and seasonal products.
  • We prioritize purchasing regional products, such as apple juice directly from the farm, South Tyrolean wines, organic South Tyrolean milk, etc.
  • We take dinner orders in the morning to minimize food waste.
  • Free fresh water is available at every table.

Culinary arts and wine culture

Our cuisine is as diverse and flavorful as the South Tyrolean region itself. South Tyrol is one of Europe’s largest apple-growing areas, producing 50% of Italy’s apples. It also boasts a long tradition of winemaking, known for high-quality wines such as Gewürztraminer and Lagrein. Renowned dairies and products like South Tyrolean Speck and traditional “Schüttelbrot” are famous far beyond our region.

 

 

  • Activities are organized exclusively in Val Gardena, which helps avoid traffic and supports the local economy.
  • Our guided hikes and snowshoe tours aim to avoid "hotspots" as much as possible.
  • We do not offer packed lunches for hikes; instead, we encourage guests to visit managed huts and alpine pastures.
  • We organize only “Green Events,” where, for example, only real napkins, glasses, plates, etc., are used during traditional alpine barbecues.

Nature-based activities

Our hotel is surrounded by a 3,000 m² park, offering peace and freshness not just to our guests but to the entire neighborhood. We consciously avoid any form of fencing or barriers. Moreover, two beehives are located on our wildflower meadow next to the hotel. Up to 50,000 bees per hive not only pollinate the flowers and plants but also provide us with delicious honey in late summer. Our weekly program with guided hikes offers sustainable experiences both in summer and winter.

 

 

  • We ask our guests to bring their own slippers for the pool.
  • Bed linen and towels are changed only upon request.
  • Soap and other courtesy products are provided in refillable dispensers.
  • We use mainly ecological cleaning products and recycled paper.
  • All waste is rigorously separated, and furniture or equipment is not discarded but given a second life through donation.

Resource conservation and recycling

When it comes to conserving resources, small actions can make a big difference. For us, reduction and abstinence are as important as using sustainable and recycled products.

 

 

  • We have switched most of our lighting to energy-saving LEDs.
  • We recently built a modern heating room, which brings up to 20% energy savings.
  • An intelligent KNX system is used to optimize the operation of devices and lighting.
  • In the kitchen, we use the most energy-efficient models available for combi ovens, dishwashers, etc.
  • Heating regulators on radiators allow for individual temperature adjustments.

Sustainable energy

In South Tyrol, more than 7,500 GWh of clean electricity is produced annually from over 30 hydropower plants, and we exclusively use "Green Energy" from the region. We produce heat with methane gas but strive to minimize consumption through various measures.

 

 

  • We provide all guests with the South Tyrol MobilCard, which grants access to all public transportation in South Tyrol. The costs are included in the room price. As a member establishment, we contribute a fixed fee per overnight stay, supporting public transportation in South Tyrol.
  • We offer our guests a discounted e-bike rental in collaboration with the MTB School in Ortisei.
  • We encourage travel by train by organizing luggage transport and shuttle services.
  • Charging stations for electric cars are available in the nearby garage.

Sustainable mobility

Public transportation is well-developed in South Tyrol, offering a convenient way to get around the region with half-hourly services. From Ortisei, cable cars lead to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, Seceda, and Rasciesa in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Buses frequently run between St. Ulrich and Wolkenstein through the Val Gardena, allowing our guests to forgo using a car.

 

 

  • In the rooms, corridors, and common areas, you will find paintings, sculptures, and drawings by local and international artists with ties to the Dolomites.
  • In collaboration with Val Gardena Active, we offer our guests not only sports activities but also culinary and cultural highlights.
  • Visits to sculptors and carvers in the valley are organized.
  • We support cultural events financially and by purchasing artworks.

Culture and art

Val Gardena is internationally known for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, especially wood carving and painting. The origins date back to the 17th century, and even today, sculptors like Adolf Vallazza, the Verginer family, Aaron Demetz, and others are renowned worldwide. Painters such as J. Moroder Lusenberg, a student of Defregger, Peter Demetz, or Markus Vallazza, are among the valley's virtuosos 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 great passion for their work, and many pieces are displayed along the walls and corridors of our historic hotel.

  • We offer our employees fair wages and regulated working hours.
  • Individual language courses and job-specific training are available.
  • Employees are involved in decision-making processes through seasonal reviews and monthly departmental meetings.
  • We organize team events to strengthen cohesion.
  • Free use of mountain bikes, snowshoes, and the fitness room is available to employees.

Our employees

Employees play a special role in a hotel, as many of them live here, have direct contact with our long-standing guests, and quickly become part of the family. Each one, in their own way, is a host, and their passion shapes every guest’s experience. If our employees are happy, our guests are too. That’s why we value, support, and encourage our employees.

  • We maintain long-standing, strong collaborations with South Tyrolean craftsmen for renovation and construction work.
  • The hotel is furnished with high-quality materials crafted and delivered by local artisans.
  • Certain services are consciously outsourced to local partners because their quality and expertise are unbeatable, such as the mountain bike school, ski school, ski rental, and the Catores mountaineering school.
  • We are actively involved in the St. Ulrich tourism association to continuously improve collaboration among various stakeholders in the valley.

Local partners

South Tyrolean craftsmen belong to the global elite, repeatedly proving their skills in various world championships. Especially when it comes to working with wood, they are unbeatable. The same goes for the many service providers in the valley, some of whom have been pioneers in their fields. Good collaboration with local partners not only ensures the quality of our work and reduces traffic but also supports the craftsmanship and economy of our region.

  • We support local associations and cultural events, such as the fire department, ski club, hockey club, Unika, or the Gherdëina art biennale.
  • We participate in social projects, such as the integration of employees with disabilities or offering internships.
  • We are active partners of the Val Gardena Club Card, granting locals and employees discounts at the bar and spa.
  • As a family we are involved in local associations and organizations on a voluntary basis, such as the Hotel- and Restaurant Association (HGV), the local tourism association, the GSTC: Green Team, the Ortisei Energy Team, and Familiam, a 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 addressing the needs of locals and employees. A vibrant community is the foundation for a good coexistence.