Sustainability, rooted in alpine tradition – and future-minded since day one.
At Mondschein, sustainability is not a promise – it’s a practice. Since the early 2000s, the hotel and its surrounding operations have quietly set benchmarks in how eco-conscious hospitality can feel warm, elegant, and effortless.
Geothermal Energy – Deep Roots
In 2011, Hotel Mondschein became one of Austria’s first alpine hotels to be powered by deep geothermal energy. Probes reaching 1,150 meters into the mountain provide natural heating year-round. A bivalent system covers rare peak loads – for example when dozens of guests return from the slopes and all shower simultaneously – but the geothermal source remains the primary driver.
The Chalet Mondschein, opened in 2016, goes one step further: it is heated 100% by geothermal energy, powered exclusively by certified green electricity. Quiet, efficient, and clean.
A World First: Patented, Power-Free Minibar
Also in 2011, Mondschein introduced the world’s first patented, power-free minibar system – used in every hotel room since. Designed in-house and entirely electricity-free, it cools via a phase-change mechanism and ensures silent operation, zero waste heat, and maximum energy savings.
Eco by Design – Comfort by Nature
- Zirbenholz interiors from local carpentry
- Natural insulation throughout
- Smart energy mapping under development (CO₂ footprint visible on request)
- Waste heat, meltwater, and airflow optimization via applied research
- No plastic bottles. No cosmetic waste. No empty buzzwords.
Awards & Recognition
Mondschein has long been recognized as a pioneer in sustainable alpine hospitality. The awards speak for themselves – and for a long-standing commitment:
- 2003 – Silver Medal, Frankfurt Book Fair (Education & Management)
- 2011 – Best-Practice Renovation, energy-efficient building concept
- 2011 – Patent Award for power-free minibar innovation
- 2013 – Austrian Eco Label – national eco-certification
- 2013 – EU Ecolabel – European eco-tourism distinction
- 2013 – klima:aktiv GOLD – outstanding climate protection
- 2014 – INNOVATIO® Award – Austrian Innovation of the Year
- 2014 – Employer Branding Award – responsible workplace culture
- 2015 – Sterne Award Nominee – “Value Creation through Sustainability”
- 2019 – ClimaHost Finalist – Alpine-wide energy competition
- 2019 – Environmental Seal – Kaltenberghütte (mountain hut ecology)
- 2020 – Luxury Ecogreen Hotel Award, Western Europe
- 2020 – World Green Ski Hotel – international eco ski hotel award
- 2022 – Austrian Integration Prize – social innovation & inclusion
- 2025 – Constantinus Award – management consulting in tourism
Green is not a phase. It’s a philosophy.
At Mondschein, we don’t just talk about sustainability.
We build it. We patent it. We prove it – season after season.
