Formigal, Valle de Tena: efficient lighting for a high-mountain landscape

FORMIGAL, VALLE DE TENA —14/3/2025— In the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, surrounded by towering peaks and vast forests, Formigal is the epicenter of winter tourism in Aragón. Its ski resort, one of the most renowned in Spain, attracts thousands of visitors each year, but its appeal extends beyond snow sports. Just a few kilometers away, the Lacuniacha Wildlife Park offers a chance to discover native fauna in semi-freedom, with trails winding through deer, Eurasian lynxes, and bison in a protected natural environment.

This balance between tourism and conservation has been a key factor in the renovation of Formigal’s lighting system, where strict Starlight criteria have been applied to minimize light pollution and preserve the quality of the night sky, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Commitment to the night sky and astrotourism

The modernization of Formigal’s lighting follows the same standards as other projects carried out in the Valle de Tena by ATP Lighting, aiming to achieve international Starlight certification for night sky quality.

The new lighting system features ultra-warm 2200 K LED, emitting less than 1.28% blue light at wavelengths below 440 nm. This technology reduces light dispersion in the atmosphere, preventing artificial sky glow and minimizing the impact on local wildlife and human circadian rhythms.

Efficient lighting design without over-illumination

To ensure efficient and environmentally respectful lighting, the design has been precisely calculated, avoiding over-illumination and ensuring that light is directed exclusively where it is needed. This not only optimizes energy consumption but also preserves the natural beauty of the Valle de Tena and enhances visibility for both residents and visitors.

In high-traffic areas, Metrópoli LP luminaires have been installed, while Villa XLA luminaires with Comfort Diffuser® have been used in low-height installations where greater glare control was required, providing uniform and pleasant illumination. In key locations with maximum visibility requirements, Aire® 3 Series floodlights have been implemented, also featuring Comfort Diffuser® to reduce glare and enhance visual ease.

Protection against storms and electrostatic discharges (ESD)

Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, Formigal is subject to frequent thunderstorms, which can cause power surges in the lighting grid. To ensure system safety and prevent damage to electronic components, Class II luminaires without grounding have been installed, blocking power surges from atmospheric discharges.

Additionally, ATP's exclusive polymeric materials eliminate the risk of electrostatic discharges (ESD), a common issue in metal luminaires. While conventional systems accumulate surface charge that can lead to internal discharges compromising electronic components, ATP luminaires completely eliminate this risk. This ensures reliable performance and an extended lifespan with no premature failures.

Guaranteed durability in high-mountain environments

The climate in Formigal and the Valle de Tena can be extreme, with heavy rainfall, frequent snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures. To ensure reliable lighting throughout the year, the installed luminaires have IP66+ hermetic sealing, preventing the entry of water and dust and ensuring stable operation under all conditions.

Additionally, the polymeric materials used in the project guarantee total corrosion immunity, a crucial advantage in high-mountain environments where de-icing salts can accelerate the deterioration of conventional metal luminaires. With a comprehensive 10-year warranty, this lighting system delivers long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance costs, optimizing public infrastructure investment.

Sustainable lighting for a premier tourist destination

With this project, Formigal reinforces its commitment to efficient and responsible lighting, aligning with the Valle de Tena’s broader strategy to implement a lighting model that respects the environment, promotes astrotourism, and enhances nighttime experiences in one of the most iconic destinations in the Aragonese Pyrenees.