The SkiStar group, which runs Scandinavia’s largest ski resorts has announced the a ski slope made from sugar cane will be a new attraction this summer at their Sälen resort.

Sugar cane can be used to produce a type of bioplastic called polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable and compostable material. The process involves converting the sugar from sugar cane into lactic acid, which is then polymerized to create PLA.

“We want to get more people moving and to be able to offer an active and relaxing holiday all year round. We want more people to enjoy and access the amazing Scandinavian mountain environment even in summer. Previous years have also taught us that summer brings an increasing interest in well-being and in living and eating well. That’s why we’re heavily invested in overall experiences where we offer all of this, not least through our activity hotels and lodges,” says Stefan Sjöstrand, CEO of SkiStar AB.

The new summer skiing area will cover a total of 7000 sqm of skiing on Sälen‘s Anna slope, served by the Kråkan lift.

“The artificial grass consists of biologically produced plastic from sugar cane, where the plastic mats are produced in Sweden,” a SkiStar statement explains.

A Rail Park designed by SkiStar ambassador Jesper Tjäder has also been added and there’ll be a ski school available throughout the summer.

The new ski slope follows the opening of a major semi-urban dry ski slope by SkiStar at their Hammarbybacken location in Stockholm using Neveplast slope surface last summer.

“With all these new attractions and investments, we’re taking yet another step towards becoming the leading year-round holiday operator for Scandinavia. We hope and believe that we will create many memorable mountain experiences for even more guests this summer, who want to experience both the joy of being active, relaxing and tackling a challenge. We always have something for everyone,” concludes Sjöstrand.