Respect the mountains
Because the environment is a priceless asset
As a Pearl of the Alps and a Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villnöss valley stands for sustainable tourism and makes every effort to protect the climate and preserve the environment. As a tourist destination we would like to make our contribution by committing ourselves to the preservation, protection and mindful treatment of our unique natural landscape.
The project “Respect the mountains” aims to raise awareness of environmentally friendly conduct among visitors, locals and tourism professionals in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. It seeks to encourage everyone to act respectfully and responsibly in the mountains as well as in everyday life. Its key topics are potable water and waste prevention.
Did you know that the tap water in South Tyrol is drinking water of high quality? Some of our guests, even some of our locals, are not aware of this and feel safer using bottled water. Some hospitality businesses also hesitate to offer their guests South Tyrolean tap water.
But water, including our drinking water, is a rare and precious commodity. The project “Respect the mountains” teaches tourism professionals, locals and guests about the high quality of our potable tap water and how to use it carefully and respectfully. Marked refill spots are available for visitors to refill their own water bottles.
Having highest-quality tap water available at all times is a real privilege.
This special water...
Are you aware of the damage caused by litter left around in nature? It’s quite substantial! Due to the special climate of our mountain landscape, waste decomposition processes are very slow and some waste, such as plastic, does not degrade at all. It merely disintegrates into microplastics, which stays in the environment. The best kind of waste is waste that is never produced in the first place. The project “Respect the mountains” teaches visitors not to leave anything behind. It reminds them to take everything they bring to the mountain back home with them and dispose of it appropriately. The project also encourages guests, locals and tourism professionals to plan ahead and prevent producing waste, for example, by not disposable packaging and treating food responsibly.
4 tips for a clean environment:
The project “Respect the mountains” aims to raise awareness of environmentally friendly conduct among visitors, locals and tourism professionals in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. It seeks to encourage everyone to act respectfully and responsibly in the mountains as well as in everyday life. Its key topics are potable water and waste prevention.
Potable water from South Tyrol
South Tyrolean tap water from the Villnöss valley: Pure. Natural. Fresh. Precious.Did you know that the tap water in South Tyrol is drinking water of high quality? Some of our guests, even some of our locals, are not aware of this and feel safer using bottled water. Some hospitality businesses also hesitate to offer their guests South Tyrolean tap water.
But water, including our drinking water, is a rare and precious commodity. The project “Respect the mountains” teaches tourism professionals, locals and guests about the high quality of our potable tap water and how to use it carefully and respectfully. Marked refill spots are available for visitors to refill their own water bottles.
Having highest-quality tap water available at all times is a real privilege.
This special water...
- is sourced directly from nature. There are over 2000 sources of drinking water, which are regularly tested.
- protects the environment. It avoids unnecessary packaging and transport routes.
- is a limited resource. Its conscientious use prevents unnecessary consumption.
- promotes health. The human body needs at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
Less waste - more nature!
Less is more. Our mountain scenery is a delicate ecosystem. It is extremely important not to leave any rubbish behind.Are you aware of the damage caused by litter left around in nature? It’s quite substantial! Due to the special climate of our mountain landscape, waste decomposition processes are very slow and some waste, such as plastic, does not degrade at all. It merely disintegrates into microplastics, which stays in the environment. The best kind of waste is waste that is never produced in the first place. The project “Respect the mountains” teaches visitors not to leave anything behind. It reminds them to take everything they bring to the mountain back home with them and dispose of it appropriately. The project also encourages guests, locals and tourism professionals to plan ahead and prevent producing waste, for example, by not disposable packaging and treating food responsibly.
4 tips for a clean environment:
- I never leave anything around in nature.
- I only pack the bare necessities in my backpack.
- What I carry up the mountain, I also bring back down to the valley.
- I separate and dispose any waste properly when I get back home.
How can I pack my backpack sustainably?
Have you already planned your next hiking adventure in the mountains? We tell you what you absolutely have to pack in your backpack for a one-day tour. Sustainability starts already with packing your backpack and the rule of thumb is: less is more. So, only pack what you really need, but in the right way.- Weatherproof clothing, sturdy shoes and if necessary hiking poles
- Hiking map (ideally at the scale 1:25000)
- Rubbish bag or box
- Small snack (regional and saisonal products)
- Reusable bottle with water
- Sun or rain protection
- First aid kit
- Blister plaster, toilet paper
- Mobile phone with full battery (emergency number: 112)
- Pocket knife
- Cash (in the mountains it is not always technically possible to pay by card)
