Trentino Alpine Club volunteers defend trail maintenance amid criticism

The Società Alpinisti Tridentini (SAT) in the Trentino region highlighted the extensive work of its volunteers on mountain trails in Val di Fassa and Riva del Garda. SAT officials in Val di Fassa rejected accusations by provincial councilor Luca Guglielmi that trail upkeep was insufficient, stressing that volunteers have long‑standing, continuous responsibilities for signage, cleaning and repairs in difficult terrain.

In Riva del Garda, the SAT section reported that its 18 volunteers logged nearly 3,000 hours in 2025, maintaining 43 trails covering 143 kilometres. The group receives just over €4,000 annually, which is fully reinvested in materials and equipment. SAT emphasized that the work is a collective public good, not a private service, and called for greater respect and institutional support for the volunteers who sustain safe access for hikers and tourists.

Both statements underscored the volunteers’ commitment, the modest funding they operate with, and the importance of their contribution to the region’s outdoor recreation and safety.