Imagine standing at over 2000 meters, surrounded by majestic peaks and an almost magical silence. In the Alta Val Nardis, the XII Apostoli refuge is not just a place to eat and sleep; it’s a paradise welcoming climbers and nature lovers alike. Who better to care for this sanctuary than Alessandro Beltrami, a former alpine guide? After two decades of leading adventurers through the wonders of the Dolomites, he has enthusiastically stepped into the role of manager of this historic refuge—an opportunity that fills him with both excitement and nostalgia.
A life of adventure and responsibility
Beltrami’s career has been filled with thrilling adventures and daunting challenges. In his youth, he constantly pushed his limits, and now he faces a new kind of challenge: managing an alpine refuge. “I’ve always seen refuges as my second home,” he smiles, “but now it’s time to change my perspective. It will be strange yet exhilarating!” His decision to become a refuge manager wasn’t random. His close friendship with Ermanno Salvaterra, the previous manager, significantly influenced this transition. “Egidio Bonapace encouraged me to take this step. I had already applied for another refuge, but life has a funny way of placing everything just right when you least expect it.”
The historical significance of XII Apostoli
Perched at 2487 meters, the XII Apostoli refuge is more than just a place to manage; it’s a piece of the Dolomites’ history. “I grew up here,” Beltrami reveals, his eyes sparkling with memories. “As a child, I came to visit Ermanno, and now I find myself taking his place. It’s an honor, but also a great responsibility.” Each year, this refuge welcomes countless climbers and mountain enthusiasts, offering 38 beds, a restaurant, and even a bar. Managing such a complex facility requires not just passion but also outstanding organizational skills. “We’re powered by a solar panel system and have a generator for our higher energy needs. In short, we have everything we need!”
Creating a welcoming environment
Beltrami has a clear vision of what a refuge represents. “When people think of a refuge, they often focus solely on food and drinks. Sure, a cold beer after a long hike is always appreciated, but a refuge is also a place of warmth and comfort—a home away from home.” His experience as an alpine guide has taught him that every guest carries a story, and he is determined to make them feel special. “I want every person who steps through the door of the refuge to feel like part of a big family.”
Daily challenges and small joys
Managing an alpine refuge isn’t a walk in the park; it comes with daily challenges, such as water supply, which is increasingly complex due to climate change. “We mainly rely on snowmelt and water from the glacier, but we have to be smart about resource management.” To this end, Beltrami has implemented a water storage system to ensure they are never caught off guard. Yet, there are also small daily joys. “I remember serving a group of hikers who arrived exhausted after a long trek. Seeing them smile as they savored our stew was one of the greatest satisfactions of my life.”
Plans for the future
With his enthusiasm and extensive experience, Alessandro Beltrami represents a new beginning for the XII Apostoli refuge. “I have big plans for the future. I want to organize events, hikes, and help everyone discover the beauty of the Dolomites.” His vision is clear: transform the refuge into a landmark not just for climbers but also for families and nature enthusiasts. “The mountains are a wonderful world, and I want more people to experience it.” And who knows, one day while enjoying a hot bombardino by the fireplace, you might even hear some stories from Alessandro’s adventures among the peaks.