MERANO 2000 | A STRATEGIC ASCENT WITH VISION
High above the spa town of Merano, the Merano 2000 skiing and hiking area, which stretches across the municipalities of Avelengo, Sarentino, Scena, and Meran0, looks back on an eventful and multifaceted history. For almost a century, the area has been constantly evolving, combining nature, tourism, sports, and local recreation into a unique alpine experience.
Today, Meran0 2000 presents itself as a modern year-round destination that harmoniously combines tradition and innovation. Thanks to the diversity of the area, its morphological conditions, and the numerous different interests, Meran 2000 Bergbahnen AG not only operates 7 lifts and 40 kilometers of slopes on 8 slopes, but also offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities within two seasons:
The summer season from May to early November and the winter season, which runs from late November to mid-March. This holistic approach makes Meran0 2000 a popular destination for locals and guests alike.
In 2023, the management and marketing departments initiated a company-wide sustainability process. This is now strategically anchored in all areas and is based on five key perspectives: ecology, economy, social issues, governance, and customer focus. These pillars form the foundation of a comprehensive strategy that includes active dialogue with stakeholders such as municipalities, tourism and alpine associations, and local partners. In January 2024, the Terra Institute was commissioned to jointly develop a strategic framework based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a process lasting almost a year, workshops with stakeholders were held to identify and prioritize key areas for action.
The opportunities and risks of business activities and their impact—both positive and negative—on the environment, society, employees, and the economy were analyzed. The findings were incorporated into the company’s first sustainability report. To measure success, key performance indicators were defined in accordance with the VSME standard, which will enable transparent and measurable development in the future.
KEY FACTS MERANO 2000
Project: Reporting in accordance with VSME
Terra customer since 2024
Head office in Merano, Italy
Number of employees: 50-55
Website: https://www.meran2000.com/
CHALLENGES DURING THE PROJECT
©Manuel Kottersteger
The diversity of the region and the compilation of the associated, wide-ranging topics were an exciting challenge, as was the involvement of the many stakeholders and partners in the region. The internal approaches to sustainability in general also differed greatly in some cases, which stimulated lively discussion.
At the same time, however, the process was also satisfying from the outset, especially in view of the realization that many areas were already pursuing a resource-saving, sustainable, and innovative approach that was in harmony with the company’s sustainable attitude.
RESULTS ACHIEVED
One of Merano 2000 Bergbahnen AG’s primary goals was to protect the mountain habitat and strengthen the area’s resilience to ecological challenges. With this central concern in mind, Meran 2000 Bergbahnen AG launched a strategic sustainability process in which goals and measures for the future-oriented alignment of the company were defined.
In March 2025, Meran 2000 Bergbahnen AG published its first sustainability report, which is based on the VSME standard and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This milestone marks the beginning of a structured, company-wide approach to sustainability that integrates ecological, economic, social, and governance perspectives. The first report, developed in collaboration with the Terra Institute and local stakeholders, identifies key areas for action and sets measurable indicators to track progress. It provides a basis for communicating the company’s efforts and their impact transparently, while also informing future decisions. This framework ensures that the ski and hiking area remains a responsible, forward-looking partner for the environment and the community.
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MOUNTAINS – ANDREAS ZANIER, PRESIDENT OF MERANO 2000 BERGBAHNEN AG, ON THE PROJECT
“Sustainability is a joint project that connects us all. Only together can we contribute to ensuring that the mountains remain a valuable living, economic, and recreational space for everyone in the future.”
TERRA INSTITUTE CONSULTANT AND PROJECT MANAGER PAOLO AGNELLI
As an economist, Paolo Agnelli advises companies of different industries and sizes. He has profound marketing knowledge, coupled with creativity and extensive intercultural experience. He speaks several languages and is thus considered a door opener and bridge builder. As a true South Tyrolean with Sicilian roots, he effortlessly moves between Hamburg and Palermo and knows the cultural differences of these markets like no other. Growing up in a multicultural family, he quickly learned to always approach the world’s issues with open eyes and solve challenges creatively.
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