BOLZANO. “Those prices are more than justified. It’s absurd that someone is complaining. We are in Marmolada, at 3,342 meters above sea level; where all supplies must be carried out by helicopter. And the “good” days, in which climbers arrive at the refuge, are very few.” Charles Albert Zanellaprovincial president of the CAI, and Martin Knappthe Alpenverein’s representative for refuges, thus enters into the debate that has also opened up on social media channels, after we published the protest of two members of the board of directors of the Alto Adige on 6 August.Avs of Cortaccia for the bill paid to the Punta Penìa Hutthe refuge at the top of the Marmolada, the highest in the Dolomites, managed by Carlo Budel.
Total for three teas and two tarts: 24.50 euros. An interesting discussion, because it requires a reflection on prices in general – which in recent months have undergone a ‘surge everywhere and in tourist areas even more – but it also requires making distinctions; to understand what is the role, invaluable, and the enormous commitment of a high-altitude refuge keeper.
Only by helicopter
“Contrary to those who criticize – says Zanella – the newspaper did well to publish that protest, because it is an opportunity to explain – if it were not already clear – that the costs for a “real” refuge, that is, at over 3 thousand meters above sea level, are not those of any bar in the city; not even those of a refuge reachable by car or with the ski lifts. At Capanna Punta Penìa, transport of food, drinks, garbage, various materials must be done only and exclusively by helicopter. Do those who complain know what the costs are? Obviously not. This year, due to the weather, the season started late; there were few days available for climbing. However, the refuge is always open; the manager is there to guarantee a service to those who arrive at any time. For this reason, those who go up there – in my opinion – should not limit themselves to having a tea and a slice of cake, but should treat themselves to a full meal. Precisely to support the activity of those who guarantee the refuge’s opening in any weather: rain, wind, storm, snow».
For all these reasons, it is increasingly difficult to find managers for “inconvenient” refuges, which can only be reached by hours of demanding walking. “No one gets rich, practically everyone or almost everyone has a second job – explains Martin Knapp – because you can’t live all year long by working two or three months. If, as in the case of Capanna Punta Penìa, transport must be done exclusively by helicopter; water must be filtered and sanitized; waste water treated and waste disposed of by taking it down the valley by helicopter, the costs increase. Added to this is the effort of working at over 3 thousand meters above sea level. So let’s not be surprised if a cup of tea and a slice of cake cost more than the bar down the street.”
Fish at high altitude
“The incredible thing – Zanella gets angry – is that no one is surprised if you pay a lot of money for a fish-based dish in refuges that are now four-star restaurants/hotels. In fact, it has become normal to expect it to be included in the menu and if it isn’t there, ask for it. A madness that is popular. Given that many people take selfies with the super-dishes immortalized against the backdrop of the most famous peaks. Carlo Budel also deserves credit for making the true beauty of the mountains known, by publishing breathtaking photos of sunrises and sunsets in Marmolada on social media”.
But what does the person directly concerned think? He doesn’t get too upset and entrusts his very clear reply to an Instagram story: “They were really two losers.”
2024-08-14 06:32:00