Sustainable chalet vacation in the Alps Marilou Cabatingan, 12/25/202408/18/2025 A hike in the mountains (with snowshoes or hiking boots) and then back to your own chalet – wood in the fireplace, maybe a dog snuggling at your feet. For many, a chalet vacation is the epitome of a luxurious outdoor vacation with space and privacy in the mountains. Couples, families or friend groups appreciate the individuality combined with quality amenities and a special setting. In this blog, we will give you an overview of the sustainable chalets in Tyrol, South Tyrol and the Allg?u in our network, which are not only ecologically oriented, but also offer one or two luxurious extras. Between simplicity and luxury According to the Allg?uer Zeitung, citing the Historical Dictionary, chalets used to be very simple mountain huts. However, during the European Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, they became a “symbol of a society of simplicity, closeness to nature, freedom and democracy”. Later, chalets became popular with Europe’s aristocracy, which led to them being seen as luxurious vacation homes – a reputation they still maintain today. What makes a chalet sustainable? Those who choose a chalet vacation want to experience nature. In most cases, this leads to a greater appreciation of nature. In the mountains, for example, you can see the effects of global warming firsthand in the melting glaciers. Sustainably managed chalets are characterized by the following: Use of local wood from sustainably managed forests Integration with and respect for nature during construction Traditional building methods of the region to preserve the culture Modern insulation methods (energy saving) Cooperation with local businesses (strengthening the local economy) Energy supply with green electricity (self-produced or purchased) Waste prevention and recycling Water conservation measures Modern chimney technology and proper use of open fires Natural cosmetics in bathrooms Local organic products for breakfast or in the restaurant As you can see, there are a number of criteria that determine whether a chalet can be considered sustainable. In general, alpine tourism is an important economic factor for the region and also contributes to the establishment and maintenance of conservation projects such as national parks. Of course, tourists want to visit beautiful natural places. But as a traveler, you also have a responsibility. In addition to not leaving trash behind, you can minimize your carbon footprint by choosing how you get there and where you stay. What is the difference between a chalet and a vacation home? According to the Duden dictionary, the word “chalet” has both French and Romansh roots and refers to a “country house, usually made of wood, especially in the Swiss Alps“. Interestingly, the synonym for chalet is vacation home, which brings us to the answer to the question ?? A chalet is a vacation home. But not every vacation home in the Alps is a chalet, because chalets are characterized by the fact that they are wooden houses in the traditional style. Vacation homes can look different. Sustainable chalets – Our recommendations We can recommend 5 sustainable chalets in the Alpine region of Austria, Germany and Italy. 1 Hygna Chalets in Alpbachtal, Tyrol – Luxury chalets with jacuzzi The Hygna Chalets form their own small chalet village with a total of 11 chalets of varying sizes for 2 to 7 people. Built in traditional Tyrolean style, each chalet has a small private spa and some even have their own sauna and jacuzzi. There is also a fireplace with firewood. A breakfast basket with local (organic) produce (vegan or vegetarian options available upon request) is delivered to your door each morning. The Chalet Village also has a 13-meter infinity pool in the former hay barn, a yoga room (with yoga classes offered), and a gym. Sustainability: The land on which the Moser family built the chalets was previously occupied by a concrete ruin that had been vacant for 30 years. Electricity is generated by a solar system from spring to fall, and heat is provided by a pellet heating system in the winter. The hot tubs are equipped with a modern, water-saving system that fills the water at the touch of a button and purifies it for reuse. E-bikes and E-Golfs can be rented for local transportation. 2 Summit Lodges, Pfunds, Tyrol – Log cabin with private sauna Summit Lodges The Summit Lodges in Pfunds, Tyrol, are a pair of log cabins made of polar spruce and built in the style of an American log cabin. They are more of a vacation home than a chalet, but still worth a recommendation! Each cabin is about 120 square meters and can sleep up to 6 people. There is a private sauna and a cozy fireplace with wood. You can cook in your own kitchen and be completely independent. A ski bus stops only 2 minutes from the front door and in summer there are many hiking trails. The chalets are also very suitable for a vacation with children. Sustainability: The vacation homes are heated with air-source heat pumps, and the electricity comes from Tyrolean hydropower. The host, Marco Spiess, is very careful about waste separation. Guests are instructed in recycling, and garbage is checked before being taken to the recycling center. There is a compost for organic waste. 3 LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet in the ?tztal, Tyrol – Private luxury hideaway LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet In the middle of the ?tztal Alps lies a luxurious, private hideaway: the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet. To get there, you have to hike from the village of S?lden. Upon your arrival, the Arnold family, who own the chalet, will have an SUV ready to transport you and your luggage. The chalet is approximately 200 square meters and can accommodate up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. There is a fireplace, a private natural swimming pond, a wine refrigerator and other amenities for a luxurious alpine vacation. You will also have a personal concierge and even a private* chef if you wish. A bike station is available for mountain bikers. Sustainability: The chalet is built with natural materials from the region and is energy self-sufficient thanks to a photovoltaic system. CO? emissions per guest are measured and reduced through various measures. The owners are also partners of “myclimate”. 4 Edelsberghütte, Allg?u – Mountain hut with modern comforts Our partner, Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allg?u region, acquired the Edelsberghütte in 2024. At an altitude of 1,180 meters above sea level, the hut welcomes hikers who can enjoy the view and good food (depending on the route) after a 40-minute to 1.5-hour hike (starting at the Pfronten hiking parking lot). The Edelsberghütte has three chalets or apartments. Two are on the first floor and one has a separate entrance but is also part of the cabin. All apartments are comfortably furnished with all modern conveniences. Sustainability: The Edelsberghütte was purchased as an existing cabin, and the family that owns it (as well as their hotel) is committed to local suppliers, organic food, and conservation. Check prices and availability directly on the website. 5 ADLER Loge RITTEN, South Tyrol – Chalets with all-inclusive service On the Ritten Plateau in South Tyrol, you can rent one of the luxurious wooden cabins at ADLER Lodge RITTEN*. The chalets are scattered around a natural swimming pond and along the hillside, offering different but equally fantastic views. The resort also includes a main house and spa area with an outdoor pool, forest sauna and spa treatments. The all-inclusive services include breakfast and a multi-course dinner, as well as a lunch menu and all beverages. Guided hiking and biking tours are also available. There are 55 square meter junior chalets for two people and four 90 square meter family chalets. Each chalet has a wood-burning fireplace, terrace and bio-sauna. Sustainability: Regional and natural materials were used in the construction. The design of the chalets was the work of a local architect and craftsmen and is inspired by traditional South Tyrolean architecture. In addition, the resort has its own organic farm, which provides the produce used in the kitchens. Check prices and availability directly on the website. We hope we have given you a better understanding of what a chalet vacation is, how chalets are run sustainably, and how you can support them. Travel