Regional Mountain Conference

Italy’s declaration of war on the Dual Monarchy on May 23, 1915, led to the creation of the 600 km long southwestern front. The westernmost and highest section in the monarchy’s war strategy was also known militarily as Rayon I. The front line started at the Dreisprachenspitze, where the borders of the Habsburg Monarchy, the Kingdom of Italy, and the Swiss Confederation met. In 1914, the War Ministry in Vienna still only planned to occupy the Stelvio Pass for defense purposes, stating that “the entire remaining terrain – rocks, glaciers, and precipices between 3,100 and 3,900 meters above sea level – is completely unsuitable for military operations of any kind.” When the monarchy collapsed in 1918, all the peaks in the Ortler region and all the passes between them were permanently occupied by one of the two warring parties.

Due to global warming and the associated melting of glaciers, barracks and caverns are emerging from the ice in the Ortler region. These “time capsules” contain finds such as gas masks, snow equipment, field post letters, votive offerings, glass bottles and cans, bone remains, and even lemons, as well as technical equipment in the form of field telephones and homemade lamps. Research into these remains provides important insights into aspects of work, leisure, family, nutrition, religion, and, of course, the war itself.

By comparing historical and modern images, one can clearly see the reduction and change in glaciers. With the help of the findings, the flow velocity and movement of the ice masses can be traced. The natural sciences help to understand the history of these findings, document climate change, and research the effects on the environment and society.