Nature: Safeguarded

The OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBANEN regularly plant trees, take cuttings, and sow seeds to compensate for the damage caused by storms or construction work. In spring, shortly after the ground has thawed but before the plants sprout, they get to work: cuttings and young plants are placed in the nutrient-rich soil. Protected, they grow under watchful eyes until, after a few decades, they provide pleasant shade for hikers in the two-country region.

Not all reforestation is created equal

As diverse as the nature of Oberstdorf/Kleinwalsertal is, different construction projects also require different reforestation measures. For projects involving technical structures, such as the modernization of the Ifen cable car or the Kanzelwand valley run, the OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN rely on planting cuttings. The new family slope on the Fellhorn also required protective forest reforestation after its upgrade. Under the guidance of the ecological construction supervisor, they planted various deep-rooted young plants on an area of approximately 1.8 hectares to prevent erosion and preserve the forest.

Grass over it

Greening projects require special seeds instead of trees or cuttings. Depending on the altitude, the OBERSTDORF · KLEINWALSERTAL BERGBAHNEN selects different seed mixtures: The Alpine Mix, for example, is perfect for altitudes up to 1,800 meters, while the Alpine Extreme Mix is only used above 1,800 meters. Another alternative for greening is to apply grass clippings from a compensating area to the built-up area – this way, exactly the vegetation that occurs locally grows.

Bauphase im Frühsommer

im Frühjahr danach

1 Jahr später

Laying a snow pipe

The soil and the grass patches are excavated separately. As shown in this example, the soil is spread to the left of the trench and the grass patches are placed next to it on the right. The snow pipe is then laid in the trench, and finally, the soil (left) is spread first, followed by the grass patches (right).