The Rock Ice & Mountain Club welcomes Dan and Janine Patitucci for a revealing evening presentation and discussion with friends: Dan and Janine Patitucci are professional mountain sport photographers (http://www.PatitucciPhoto.com) who also manage an online mountain sports resource (DolomiteSport : http://www.dolomitesport.com). The couple have relocated to the Italian Dolomites where they enjoy and fully utilize the vast European hut system.
Mountain huts allow for convenient travel, light packs, socializing, and easy access to the backcountry. The system is used throughout Europe and bonds the culture of mountain athletes. But is America ready? Would the huts work in America? Where would they work? Is it too commercial for wilderness? Who would use them and would the groups be compatible? Would they help nurture a mountain culture?
Recently, the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association asked the Patituccis to host a presentation to detail how the huts are used in Europe. The reason? Alaska wants a European hut system and the momentum is growing. With it, a debate surrounding the question of how and will they work.
Dan will present a brief slideshow explaining the system then opening up the discussion to hear your thoughts.
Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. Social Hour starts at 6:30. Free Beer for members. http://www.rockicemountain.org
