Different Perspectives

The Mountain in the Making - Perspectives on the Future of the Alps

Episode 1: The Light Footprint—Welcoming Without Distorting

How can we rethink tourism infrastructure at high altitudes so that it contributes to landscape conservation? Faced with real estate development pressures and climate challenges, architects, tourism stakeholders, and urban planners are pooling their expertise to reinvent housing, sustainable land use, and the models of the future.

A summit featuring exchanges, debates, and immersion in the heart of a living laboratory.

The mountains of tomorrow are taking shape today. Come and share your perspectives.

September 24–25, 2026

Program

Thursday, September 24

Starting at 1:30 p.m.: Participants arrive at the " cabanotel " and the "Minipockethouse Ecolodge."
2:30–3:45 p.m.: Start of the event at the “ cabanotel ” – Introduction of the speakers.
4:00 PM–5:15 PM : Roundtable 1 – The Changing Mountain Landscape
Climate impact, self-sufficiency, and new models for hospitality at high altitudes.
5:30 PM–6:45 PM: Roundtable 2 – Living in Existing Structures
Restoring heritage sites, large hotels, and village centers for sustainable tourism
Starting at 6:45 PM: Cocktail reception and dinner to continue the discussions, followed by an overnight stay at the cabanotel or the Minipockethouse Ecolodge

Friday, September 25

Starting at 9:00 a.m.: Tour of the mini-pocket houses
Starting at 11:00 a.m.: Brunch at the Minipockethouse Ecolodge

Roundtable Discussion Schedule

Roundtable 1 – The Changing Mountain
Climate Impact, Self-Sufficiency, and New Models of Hospitality at High Altitudes.

Given the physical constraints imposed by global warming and the need to design lightweight, self-sufficient structures, how can we rethink tourist accommodations in a sustainable way? A cross-disciplinary discussion on flexibility, energy efficiency, and the resilience of infrastructure in the face of a rapidly changing alpine environment.

Roundtable 2 – Living in Existing Structures
Restoring historic buildings, grand hotels, and village centers to support sustainable tourism

The challenge: Faced with real estate development pressures and regulated zones, how can we breathe new life into existing built heritage (mountain pastures, historic hotels, village centers) to reinvent tourism hospitality, rather than consuming new spaces? This roundtable explores architectural rehabilitation as a radical alternative to urban sprawl, transforming the built heritage into a catalyst for hospitality that respects the local environment.

Speakers

Olivier Cheseaux, architect – Cheseaux Rey associés SA – owner of the “ cabanotel ” in Ferpècle

energy independence
heritage promotion
landscape harmony

Olaf Hunger, architect – MPH Architects – designer and owner of the Minipockethouse Ecolodge at La Sage.

minimalist accommodations
landscape integration
New Models for Mountain Hospitality

Lucien Barras, architect and urban planner – Nomad Architects Valais

land use management
sustainable mobility
balance between the economy and the landscape

Rates

CHF 240 per person in a single room at the cabanotel or in a private mini-pockethouse

CHF 150 per person in a dormitory at the cabanotel or in a shared mini-pockethouse

The rate includes meals, taxes, and lodging. Beverages are not included.

Limited space – Registration deadline: September 15, 2026

Accommodations

Two lodging options.
Single or double rooms (for couples) at the cabanotel.

In a private or shared minipockethouse.

Registration

Please fill out the form to register

Click here to sign up