PD Celje Matica to build new Kocbekov dom on Korošica

Kocbekov dom on Korošica (1808 m) was completely destroyed by fire last Friday, 20 October, and Planinsko društvo (PD) Celje Matica will presumably start building a new mountain hut on Korošica in the spring. The investment will be worth at least 400 thousand euros according to initial estimates. The insurance funds will not suffice, so PD Celje Matica has opened a special bank account to assist in collecting funds for the construction of the new hut; they will be grateful for all contributions.



Kocbekov dom on Korošica was already in winter operating mode and closed at the end of October, and the fire spread to the entire building due to the carelessness of winter room visitors and completely destroyed the mountain hut. At the southern foot of Ojstrica, only a scorched site with some charred stone walls and twisted facade sheet metal remained. Unofficially, the damage is estimated at 300,000 euros, referring to damage to the structure, not including lost revenue.



The first hut on Korošica was destroyed by fire as early as 1881, just five years after opening. The following year, they built a new one, which over time received several renovations and extensions; more extensive renovations were undertaken in the recent period. "We have just completed a twelve-year period of the third renovation of Kocbekov dom. Static renovation of stone walls was carried out, waterproofing of facade walls by cladding the hut with sheet metal, replacement of internal furnishings, repainting of the entire hut, and a week ago we finished installing new toilets and photovoltaics. In this period, more than 200,000 euros and numerous volunteer hours of our members were invested," explains PD Celje Matica president Mirko Doberšek.



The mountaineering association will presumably start building a new mountain hut on Korošica in the spring. "The association's board of directors decided to erect a new Kocbekov dom on Korošica, as the importance of this high-altitude station at the intersection of paths from Koroška, Štajerska, and Kranjska is too great. A construction committee has been appointed to prepare guidelines for further work. The hut was insured, but the funds we receive from the insurance company will not suffice for the hut construction, which will depend on finances and weather; I expect the hut to be built in two years," predicts Doberšek. The construction of a modern mountain hut taking into account ecological and energy efficiency will be worth at least 400 thousand euros according to initial estimates. "Following media reports on the fire at Kocbekov dom, we experienced a very broad response from people, associations, and civil organizations who want to help, so we opened a special account at Abanka Celje. With broad support and rational use of money, we are confident we will succeed," adds PD Celje Matica president.



For all who wish to help with the construction of the new mountain hut on Korošica, PD Celje Matica has opened a special account. They will be grateful for all contributions.

TRR: 051 0080 1595 8723

Reference: 00 005

Purpose: contribution for the construction of the new hut on Korošica



"All actions taking place at the fire site will be led by our association and carried out with the help of mountaineers and other lovers of mountain nature, whom we thank in advance. The first cleanup action at the site is already planned, as we cannot protect it from the curious and hidden traps of freshly fallen snow, which can be deadly dangerous," also report from PD Celje Matica, who will publish current information on their website, also available on the PZS website.



"In the Alpine Association of Slovenia, we are aware that the fire that destroyed Kocbekov dom on Korošica caused damage not only to the diligent mountaineers and the facility owners, PD Celje Matica, but it is a great loss for the entire mountaineering community. Therefore, we are in constant contact with the mountaineering association leadership and expect to actively participate in all construction committee activities for the preparation and execution of the new build. Together, we will agree on which areas PZS can most effectively assist given available options," emphasizes PZS Vice President Miro Eržen and adds: "In the misfortune that affected PD Celje Matica, many individuals want to help in one way or another. Also on behalf of PZS, we sincerely thank them for this willingness and inform them that financial funds can be transferred to the special TRR; those who wish to help with volunteer work should follow the PD Celje Matica and PZS websites, where appropriate information on dates and other conditions for work actions will be published. We ask for understanding and patience in this regard, as the construction committee must properly plan the work actions to proceed effectively and safely given the specificity of the situation, the fire site location, and other circumstances."