Swiss mountain guide chalets in Canada: “A dream came true”

Ilona Spaar and Johann Roduit, both Swiss abroad, fought side by side to preserve the former homes of Swiss mountain guides in the Rockies.

These guides were hired around 1900 by the Canadian railway company Canadian Pacific Railway to lead tourists to the many peaks of the Rockies.

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Three years ago, the Edelweiss village was put up for sale. The possible disappearance of these Swiss vestiges has affected many people in Canada. And the fate of the chalets also moved the international community.

About a year ago, a buyer was found for the six wooden houses. For several weeks now, tourists have been able to spend the night in these historic monuments.

The renovation and rescue of the village was celebrated on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Swiss mountain guides in Canada. SWI swissinfo.ch spoke to the two rescuers.

SWI swissinfo.ch: Three years ago, the chalets of Swiss mountain guides were for sale. Today we are sitting on the terrace of Chalet Hermann. You even slept in Edward and Walter Feuz’s house. What does this day mean to you?

Ilona Save: A dream has come true. Three years ago, Johann Roduit and I realized that we had to do something to save the chalets. It was our vision that the history of Swiss mountain guides and these chalets would not be lost and also that the houses would be accessible to the public. It’s simply fantastic and very moving to have achieved this with our association.

Johann Roduit: It’s truly incredible what has happened here over the last three years. And it’s confirmation that few people can make a difference. Even if the obstacles were numerous. It gives courage.

The Haesler Jr. family cabin, built in 1911.

swissinfo.ch

What do you like most about renovated chalets?

JR: The fact that all the chalets are still there and that the history can be perpetuated. Because the preservation of cultural heritage is not as well anchored in Canada as in Switzerland. The fact that they are open to the public is also important to us.

IS: What stands out to me is that traces of history have been preserved and mixed with contemporary design. For me, this is not a contradiction.

The 125th anniversary logo.

Swiss Edelweiss Foundation

What have been the biggest challenges of the last three years?

JR: Combining the financing of cultural heritage with economic interest and tourism is a big challenge. Because in reality, a project that is not economically profitable is not an attractive investment object either.

And what was the biggest motivation?

IS: The history of these houses and what they represent. I got to know the direct descendants of mountain guides when I wrote my book “Swiss Guides”. These people are no longer with us and I felt responsible for the survival of this monument.

JR: I couldn’t believe that cultural heritage could be sold like that and disappear. It was important to me that we become aware of the importance of these traces left by Switzerland in Canada.

What gave you the idea to celebrate this anniversary now? Did you take advantage of the chalet rescue to organize the 125th anniversary of Swiss mountain guides event?

IS: We wanted to organize something somehow. 125 years is an important anniversary. But it is a happy circumstance that we can celebrate both today.

Now that the chalets are saved, is the “Swiss Edelweiss Foundation” association still necessary?

JR: The first chapter is written. Now we want to start the next one. Because there is still a lot to do. For example, raising awareness of the historical value or organizing the conservation of historical objects from the chalets that have been donated to the association.

IS: We are going to meet with the members of the association to begin the next phase. We look forward to continuing our work.

Translated from German by Emilie Ridard

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