Dolomites mountain shelter closed due to vandalism

The Giovanni Menegazzi bivouac, a mountain shelter located at 1,737 meters in the Dolomites, has been closed due to repeated acts of vandalism and theft. The facility, situated in Pian Lonch in Gosaldo, was intended to serve as a refuge for hikers and an emergency shelter.

Operators reported significant damage, including broken furniture, improvised fires, and litter left behind. Additionally, thefts have occurred, such as an incident involving a group from Wales who lost technical equipment including tents and sleeping bags. Renato Chenet, head of the Gosaldo Alpini section, noted that some groups have treated the shelter like a free hotel, leading to the decision to close the site for security reasons since August 10.