Történet: 02.10.2009
Monte Rosa hut (SAC) built with support from Alpiq
The Swiss Alps have gained another attraction. Since with the new Monte Rosa Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut within reach of the Matterhorn, an architectural gem has been created, which from the spring of 2010 will offer mountaineers both protection and accommodation. On 25 September 2009, the "Bergkristall" celebrated its official opening.
"Bergkristall" in the Valais Alps is open
The planners and initiators could not have picked themselves a more beautiful location for the new Monte Rosa mountain hut. They built it there where there is no road and no path, and except for snow, solid rock and ice there is nothing; no electricity supply and no running water. Encased in silver aluminium cladding, it lies at 2883 meter above sea level with a breathtaking view of the neighbouring 4000er and the Matterhorn. An ideal position that from the spring of 2010, mountaineers will learn to appreciate and love.
Mountain hut of the future is almost self sufficient
The implementation of this architectural gem was supported by Alpiq, which was engaged as a high-end sponsor for this milestone for sustainable building. The effort is well worthwhile, since after all, the building supplies up to 90 percent of its energy itself. The most conspicuous feature is the photovoltaic system mounted on the south-facing facade.
SAC and Alpiq share their love for the Valais
On 25 September 2009, representatives of the owner, the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), and the planners and developers, The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, together with the general planning team, benefactors and sponsors celebrated the official opening of the "Bergkristall" (Mountain Crystal). Many media representatives were present in order to inspect the SAC hut for themselves. Also present was Hans E. Schweickardt, who had encouraged the support for the 6.5 million building project in 2006. He named the motive as being the enthusiasm for the mountains that was shared with the Swiss Alpine Club. This applied in particular in the Valais and in Zermatt where the SAC conquers mountains and Alpiq today stores water which it converts into renewable kWh. And by the way, there is naturally another reason to promote this project together with the SAC: "Precisely like Alpiq, the Swiss Alpine Club has its roots in the Swiss town of Olten, where in the station restaurant it was founded in 1863.", said Hans E. Schweickardt at the Monte Rosa hut.