Bouldering at risk at Chironico

Martin Keller warns that disrespectful behaviour may result in closure of the Chrionico bouldering area in Canton Ticino, Switzerland

PlanetMountain

May 2006

Traduci in

One of Switzerland's most famous bouldering areas, Chironico, is at risk of closure due to a handful of climbers disregarding the most basic rules of respect for the landowners and the environment. The problems are the same as always: disrespectful parking, wild camping, rubbish etc

The situation is so serious that Martin Keller and the local climbers have sent us the following, urgent appeal published below. Please take heed. Let's not risk losing the most precious thing we have: the freedom to climb outdoors. Thanks.

Serious problems in Chironico (Switzerland)
Chironico in the Ticino (Switzerland) is a classic bouldering area. But things are getting out of control during the BIG weekends. People are putting up fires, which is forbidden in the whole area because of EXTREME danger of forest fires all year long (if caught, the penalty is several hundred Euros!). People are parking their cars on the farmers' fields and camp right next to the path down to the bouldering area (this is also HIGHLY forbidden, free camping is forbidden in the whole of Switzerland!). The problem is that if this doesn't stop - Chironoco will be CLOSED to climbers!!!

This weekend (and the next one too) the crowds will be back in Chironico for some pleasant bouldering. Everybody is welcome but PLEASE obey the following rules:
- Don't camp in and around the boulder area, use outside camping areas.
- Don't park your cars on the farmers' fields, use the parking at the church or the spot BEFORE you drive down the road.
- Don't make fires, it is forbidden

This weekend there will be local climbers that will inform people friendly - but if there are some stupid guys who don't respect the rules - the POLICE will escort them out of Chironico - and it will be costly!!! So, welcome everybody that agrees on treating the nature with respect - we hope you will enjoy the bouldering session on some of the best Swiss-granite.