The section of the Cai Cortina turns 140, but it became “Italian” only in 1920

Curiosity: among the founding members 11 (4 women) were hoteliers from Cortina

HISTORY. Great celebration yesterday for the CAI section of Cortina which has crossed the prestigious milestone of 140 years of life. On February 26, 1882, the Ampezzo section of the German and Austrian Alpine Club was born. It became a section of the Italian Alpine Club in 1920, coinciding with the passage of Cortina to Italy. The first president was the painter Giuseppe Ghedina Tomas while the first president of the “Italian course” was Professor Arturo Marchi, director of the industrial school. The Ampezzo section was founded by 51 members, 49 plus two honorary ones, one of whom was the Viennese writer Richard Issler who in August 1974 climbed the Averau for the first time in the company of the guide Santo Siorpaes. Among the fifty members of the section there were traders and artisans but also government officials, landowners, teachers and mountain guides. Then again a doctor, a veterinarian, even a pensioner; but, above all, eleven hoteliers. Four of them were women: Giuditta Barbaria, Rosa Girardi, Filomena Manaigo and Rosina Verzi. In the statute, the founders of the section indicated as the main objectives to be pursued, “the extension of knowledge of the Alps, especially the Dolomites; the facilitation of access to the mountains, the procurement of a greater well-being of the country through the frequentation of foreigners “. This last mission sounds very modern, despite the passage of time: the tourist promotion of the mountain, as well as a more conscious use of the same, are still today the main objectives of each Cai section including that of Cortina which in the meantime crosses the prestigious captained goal. by the president Paola Valle, leader of an organization that is made up of a total of fourteen people. In the meantime, the CAI section of Cortina has become the owner of three refuges: the Palmieri, located at the foot of the Croda da Lago; Giussani, in Tofana; the Nuvolau, in 5 Torri.