Racines: the historic shelter Bicchiere is closing

The granting of Cai di Verona expire at the end of 2010. "We have no certainties for the glove to the future and no one feels responsible", complains former manager Erich Pichler.  "Managing a refuge from high altitude is highly demanding",  says Pichler. "With the Cai I always worked very well, but then no one feels responsible for the essential work. Unfortunately, in Alto Adige everything becomes a political issue, so the license for the shelters." Part of the refuge in Alto Adige are managed by Cai, others from Suedtiroler Alpenverein, the South Tyrolean Alpine Club.

Il Bicchiere, a former Kaiserin Elisabeth Haus, is one of the 25 shelters operated by Cai and whose ownership is passed from State to Province. In South Tyrol part of refuges is managed by Cai, another from Suedtiroler Alpenverein (Avs), the South Tyrolean Alpine Club, and only some are in private hands. The operators of the shelters complain Cai uncertainties with regard to the period after the expiry of the concessions.

"Urge a solution", admits the Provincial Hans Berger hopes that a joint management of refuges from Cai and Avs. "Negotiations are well advanced. I hope in an agreement soon, otherwise might have to close other shelters", Berger tells.

"We have our hands tied," says the governor Luis Durnwalder. "The licenses expire at the end of 2010 and we can not take action before that date. We are waiting for a joint proposal of Cai and Avs. The Province could also fund the maintenance. The two alpine club have to assume the task of keeping open all 25 shelters, and not just those that suit. "

The shelters at high altitude, destination for generations of thousands of enthusiasts and mountaineers fascinating example of courage and genius of the pioneers of the mountain, among others have an important role in the safety in the mountains. "Managing a shelter to over 3,000 meters is very challenging," says Lukas Lantschner, manager of the refuge Cima Libera (3,145 m), not far from the rifugio Bicchiere. "In this moment - he adds from his mobile phone with the voice that comes and goes - I am in the middle of a snow storm and I'm split to release the generator for electricity."