Freistadt alpine club: new elections and new ways in mountain sports funding

Freistadt alpine club: new elections and new ways in mountain sports funding

On Friday, November 15th, the 96th annual general meeting of the Freistadt Alpine Club took place in the inn for the stop. This meeting was an important occasion to choose new managers and present the current state of the over 1,600 members. The old and new chairman, Gerhard Kutschera, reported on the activities and plans of the association, which will organize a total of 77 tours this year. The association, which has had long history since its foundation in 1926, celebrates its 100th anniversary in two years. Despite this anniversary, the meeting is not the 98th due to the dissolution of the association in 1945 and 1946.

The voluntary positions have been filled, with the choice of a hut attendant for the Braunberghütte and the new route speaker of the Nordwaldkammweg. A consultant for the trail running program was also launched. These decisions are of great importance, since the maintenance of the paths and huts is increasingly challenging due to the effects of global warming.

challenges in mountain sports

The increasing global warming has an impact on mountain sports, which is a serious topic for the Alpine community. Kutschera emphasized that the preservation of the hiking trails and huts is becoming increasingly complex and expensive. In response to this, the alpine clubs started a petition to save the alpine environment, which is supported by many members. The request for support becomes loud and clear: "Please sign!"

Although mountaineering offers a wonderful experience, it is also associated with dangers. The chairman pointed out that responsibility and personal responsibility in the mountains are of central importance. "Mountaineering is dangerous, but driving or other everyday activities are risks," said Kutschera. In order to convey the necessary skills to the members, the Alpine Association offers a variety of courses, including first aid on the mountain, climbing courses, high tours and avalanche courses.

Special praise was praised by the tour guide Heidi Kapfer, who has carried out an impressive number of 122 tours since 2012 and has hiked with 182 different participants. This recognition underlines the commitment of the members and their contribution to active participation in the club activities.

projects and nature conservation

Another central point of the meeting was the report by nature conservation manager Alois Wagner about the planned certification of the Braunberghütte with the ÖAV environmental seal. Wagner also emphasized the commitment of the Alpine Club to work for an earth management in the UVP process instead of the originally planned overhead line along the Nordwaldkammweg. These steps are part of a greater effort to protect nature and the environment and encourage members to travel environmentally friendly.

The evening was rounded off by an impressive multimedia show, which brought the diversity of the tours carried out last year. Johannes Resch, who was the oldest participant at the age of 96, was also honored at this meeting and was awarded for his 50-year membership. These honors show the connection and loyalty of the members to the Freistadt section.

The entire event reflects the high commitment of the Freistadt Alpine Club, which not only promotes love for nature and the mountains, but also aims to establish a responsible and community culture among members. The next few years have exciting developments ready and it remains to be seen how the club will develop in the coming times, especially in view of the challenges through global warming and the necessary environmental protection.