Now, we can hear you guys thinking; ‘What about the special game mode?’. Unfortunately we made the decision to postpone this event for the second half of the White War expansion. We believe we need a little bit more time to tweak the game mode and map to give you the experience you all deserve and will enjoy! We hope for your understanding.
Marmolada History
The Marmolada map is based on the Marmolada mountain, which lies in northeastern Italy and it’s the highest mountain of the Dolomites. Standing strong between the borders of Trentino and Veneto, it has an ultra-prominent peak (meaning its 1.500 metres/4,900 ft or more) which is known as “the Queen of the Dolomites”. Relating to WW1, the deep inside tunnels in Marmolada’s glacier were known as the “Ice City”. These were tunnels, almost maze-like, stretching to almost 12km(7.45mi). All tied together, there were ruins such as barracks, kitchens, chapels, stores etc. The Austro-Hungarians settled on the “Forcella Vu”, named after the shape and was on top of the glacier. It was difficult for them to get supplies on top of the mountain. Not only due to their location, but also because the Italian troops kept a watchful eye over them from their bastion of Serauta.
Source: Marmolada Grande Guerra Museum
That’s why in the summer of 1916, Lieutenant Leo Handl came with the idea of digging a tunnel deep into the glacier. This would allow him and his men to reach the top, hidden away from the Italians, and save from avalanches and snow storms. To eventually get to what we now know as The Ice City, it took 10 months of work. It ended up being a living space for up to 200 soldiers.
Source: Nicolai Eberholst
Unfortunately in December that same year, an avalanche did strike the Austro-Hungarians barracks, outside The Ice City. This event is also known as “White Friday”, where 270 soldiers were killed. Multiple other avalanches occurred that day, and both Austro-Hungarian- and Italian soldiers lost their lives. According to some reports, both parties shot shells into weakened snowpacks, an attempt to bury the other side in snow.
Overall, White Friday had claimed 10,000 soldiers and its known as one of the greatest numbers of deaths caused by snow and ice debris from avalanches in history.
Last year on July 3rd, a serac (block of glacial ice) from Marmolada had collapsed, sliding down 200 000m3.
Source: Trentino
Get your snow boots ready
Mark November 9th down and be ready to brave the snow. A devblog about the map will follow as well, so you can fully prepare for your departure to The Ice City! If you haven’t already, you can get the Deluxe Edition of Isonzo now with a 55% discount and the First Wave DLC set with 20% off.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2542160/Isonzo__First_Wave/
