Environment & Biodiversity

The environment in the Davos Klosters Mountains

The environment in Davos Klosters Biodiversity, nature and the landscape

The environment encompasses everything that surrounds us, including nature, and has a significant impact on our living conditions. To ensure that winter and summer sports can be enjoyed on Jakobshorn, Parsenn, Pischa, and Rinerhorn, constant investments in mountain transport and infrastructure are necessary.

In return, we are committed to working together with landowners and the alpine economy to safeguard and promote our natural landscape. During the winter, cable cars are crucial in developing and providing access to the mountain landscape. In summer, farmers manage and utilise meadows and pastures. What’s more, tourists are increasingly drawn to the mountains and unspoiled nature during the summer months.

Our additional environmental projects are geared towards protecting nature and preserving the alpine landscape. Our goal is to ensure sustainable and gentle use of the region’s resources so that it can continue to exist as a recreational area and habitat for generations to come.

Compensatory measures Protect nature

The opening up of mountains for tourism is inevitably an intervention in nature, and we are acutely aware of the potential risks. To mitigate them, we work closely with experts from the Graubünden Office for Nature and the Environment (ANU) on each of our construction projects. We carefully calculate the environmental impact of each project and implement equivalent measures to compensate for it. Our priority is to ensure that these compensatory measures are implemented directly in the region. The official points system enables us to mitigate interventions and even reinforce them positively with new environmental projects.

Our measures

Leave fewer traces

We collaborate with experts in various areas to plan and implement measures that balance the needs of people and nature.

In the past, many streams were canalised and directed into shafts, resulting in the water being inaccessible to pastures and meadows. To address this issue, we have implemented targeted projects to promote the renaturation of streams to their natural course. The free-flowing streams not only enhance the natural landscape but also serve as a source of drinking water for animals.

One successful example of this kind of renaturation is the stream located at the valley station of the Furka Zipper on Parsenn. Today, this stream runs freely and serves as the foundation for increased biodiversity in the area.

A dry-stone wall is a diverse habitat for a variety of animal and plant species. Built by loosely placing stones on top of each other, these walls create numerous nooks and crannies for wildlife to thrive in. Additionally, the construction of these walls is a longstanding tradition in the Alps, with significant cultural value. To promote the development of these natural walls and preserve this living alpine treasure, we undertake projects to maintain them annually.

The forests in the mountains provide a natural defence against avalanches and landslides. The deep roots of trees help to hold the soil together, while the trees themselves provide a barrier to prevent masses of snow from sliding down the slopes during winter. To further promote the growth of protective forests, we undertake targeted afforestation projects.

One such project is the afforestation of the Dorftäli hillside on Parsenn. This initiative was implemented and financed in partnership with other organisations. In addition, tripod log stands have also been set up as supplementary avalanche protection until the trees are large enough to provide the necessary defence.

To minimise our impact on nature, we exclusively use environmentally friendly paint for our slope markings that does not harm the environment. Moreover, we take measures to ensure that we use as little paint as possible, saving approximately 40 kilograms of paint each year.

To ensure that visitors to the Davos Klosters Mountains are aware of possible paths and routes, we provide information on slope maps, hiking maps, and signposts. By following these designated routes while hiking in summer or snowshoeing in winter, visitors can avoid disturbing the natural environment. By using only marked paths, we can help protect the region’s biodiversity and prevent unnecessary disturbance of the local wildlife. By providing targeted guest guidance and continually optimising our efforts in this area, we would like to contribute to the protection of nature.

Our projects

In the field of the environment and biodiversity

Fens worth protecting

Fens provide a unique habitat for rare plants and animal species. Due to the abundance of water, this type of ecosystem also serves as a crucial water reservoir for the entire region. That’s why we are working to protect one such fen located near the Gämpen valley run on Jakobshorn. Our team is committed to maintaining this fen over the next 20 years, ensuring that it is being saved from disappearing.

Dry meadows

Dry meadows are unique and species-rich environments that thrive on lean soil. However, in order to persist, they require regular mowing. Due to their high cultural value and rich biodiversity, these meadows are protected by the federal government. To preserve and protect the dry meadows in the mountains of Davos Klosters, we collaborate with partners to manage and maintain them through regular mowing and careful management.

Capercaillie

The capercaillie, also known as the wood grouse, is Europe's largest fowl and an endangered species. The Graubünden Alps provide a popular habitat for these majestic animals. To improve and preserve a suitable habitat for the capercaillie on Wiesner Alp, we are undertaking a project there.

Maintenance of the trails

During the summer months, the hiking and bike trails in Davos Klosters are popular with tourists. To prevent erosion and damage to the landscape, these trails must be regularly checked and maintained. The municipality and the seven-member Trail Crew Davos work together to ensure that the trails are kept in good condition for hikers and bikers alike. The Trail Crew is jointly financed by the municipality of Davos, the Davos Klosters holiday destination and Davos Klosters Bergbahnen (cable car company).

Experience and protect nature

What you can do

We can all do our part in preserving nature and preventing pollution. A simple yet effective way is to avoid littering in the mountains and respect wildlife areas. To promote sustainable tourism practices, we have compiled a list of tips to help you enjoy your holidays as responsibly as possible. If you want to deepen your connection with nature, we recommend the ibex observation tour, where you can experience these incredible creatures and their habitat firsthand. Alternatively, you can help keep the mountains clean by participating in our annual Clean-Up Days.

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