Debate about summit crosses: Tyrolean ÖVP criticizes ÖAV boss

2023-06-28 13:58:23

Alpine Club President Andreas Ermacora told ORF Tirol that they had a similar opinion as the Italian Alpine Club. No new summit crosses should be erected. But that has less religious reasons. Some harsh criticism from the Tyrolean ÖVP, from Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig down, followed immediately.

Preserve originality

“The Alpine Club decided 100 years ago not to build any more new paths and huts. The Alps have been developed. The statutes call for the preservation of the originality and beauty of the mountains,” argued Ermacora. That is why the main committee at the time decided in the 1980s and 1990s not to set up any new summit crosses. “There are enough. The summit crosses are a cultural asset. Everyone has a different relationship to it. But the religious background is second or third for us,” said the President of the Alpine Club to the ORF.

No more summit crosses were erected by the Alpine Club sections. He can remember that there were two applications for new crosses on mountains belonging to the Alpine Club. But that was rejected. In addition, Ermacora alluded to the fact that setting up the crosses was also a big effort. In addition, there is also the question of liability if something happens during the work, according to the lawyer.

Around 4,000 summit crosses

“We have around 4,000 summit crosses in the western and eastern Alps. But we are not in favor of having a cross on every elevation. There are also cairns or Tibetan prayer flags that can also be used for orientation,” said the President of the Alpine Club. The existing summit crosses should of course remain, emphasized Ermacora. And if an old cross becomes rotten, it will be replaced. “But we no longer need new ones,” said the ÖAV President.

The reactions of the Tyrolean ÖVP followed immediately – and they were concentrated and sometimes sharp. The black Economic Chamber President Christoph Walser put it most sharply: “This is a completely unnecessary attack on Tyrolean culture and at the same time also damages tourism”. For many guests, the summit crosses are inextricably linked to mountain experiences and are therefore the highlight of numerous hikes and therefore part of a holiday in Tyrol. “Ermacora’s arguments are completely useless – neither the argument of development nor that of security justify these statements,” says Walser.

“Part of the Christian tradition”

One is “contrary opinion here,” said the People’s Party. “Summit crosses are part of our Christian tradition and our Alpine culture. Just as the church has its fixed place in every village, it’s hard to imagine our Alpine landscape without summit crosses,” Minister Totschnig told the President of the Alpine Club, who is also not very far from the ÖVP . The crosses are “a sign of gratitude, spirituality and, from a sporting point of view, a sign that you have reached your goal.” “The summit crosses are part of our mountains and that’s where they should stay,” emphasized the Minister of Agriculture.

ÖVP club chairman Jakob Wolf also spoke out in terms of “pro summit crosses”. “Summit crosses are part of our Tyrolean identity. They are not only distinctive landmarks and symbolize the summit victory and a mastered challenge, but also represent tradition and faith,” explained the black club chairman. He was therefore “clearly against a ban on the erection of new summit crosses, because this symbolism manifests our identity and connection with the mountains.” “For me, such a ban would be tantamount to breaking our alpine traditions,” the club chairman said.

“An experience for every hiker”

And the Tyrolean ÖVP Seniors’ Association also spoke up. “Our country is Christian and the erection of summit crosses has a centuries-old tradition. Of course, erecting a cross involves a great deal of effort. However, one should also consider what an experience it is for each individual hiker to reach one and to immerse oneself in it to be able to enter the summit book,” emphasized Patrizia Zoller-Frischauf, head of state and ex-councillor.

Meanwhile, Tyrol’s FPÖ leader Markus Abwerzger spoke of “questionable calls” by Ermacoras. “Summit crosses must not be used politically, they are a sign of Tyrol’s Christian heritage and therefore part of our country’s identity,” said Abwerzger. He didn’t want to speak out in favor of further crosses, but: “Many clubs want to set an example at the summits or commemorate their deceased members. That must also be possible in the future.” At the same time, the state party chairman took a dig at NEOS, who had demanded that wind turbines be set up instead of summit crosses: “I prefer summit crosses a thousand times over to wind turbines.”

“A Neutral Territory”

The discussion about the crosses had started in the neighboring country to the south. Marco Albino Ferrari, editorial director of the Italian Alpine Club CAI, said crucifixes would not appeal to all mountaineers. No one wants to remove the crosses that have already been set up, but no more should be set up. Mountain peaks should be a neutral area,” said Ferrari, which triggered heated discussions. The Italian Alpine Club finally rowed back. The topic of mountain crosses was never up for debate in the Alpine Club, which is why there is no official position on it. Editor-in-Chief Ferrari only has expressed his opinion.

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