Gear of the Week | Alpine Club Membership

First of all: This article does not claim to be complete or valid in terms of prices and services. Always check with the relevant section!

Advantages

A membership of the Alpine Club, regardless of the section, entitles you to a reduced overnight price at all Alpine Club huts in the Alps. Alpine Club membership also entitles you to mountaineering meals at affordable prices!

In addition, there are local discounts, for example in climbing gyms, but also in numerous stores.

Another great service is the rental equipment provided by the Alpine Club. From maps to via ferrata sets, beacon sets, crampons, ice axes and keys for Alpine Club huts. You have to be a member of the Alpine Club for this. If you are a member of your own section, you will receive a discount.

The Alpine Club also offers a wide range of tours and courses. From avalanche and mountaineering courses to guided hikes and children's climbing courses, there is something for everyone!

The fact that an accident is not always in your own hands is unfortunately a fact of life on the mountain. Even the best preparation and greatest caution sometimes don't help and you are suddenly dependent on a rescue. So that this does not become an additional financial burden, members of the Alpine Club are generally covered for the costs of this transport without any major discussions.

Important note here: The costs for transportation usually have to be paid in advance.

However, an accident does not have to happen in the first place. Each and every one of us has certainly misjudged a tour at some point, whether in terms of time planning or risk assessment. If your own safety is no longer guaranteed when you return from the mountain, you don't have to go for it, but can be rescued from the nonetheless dangerous situation without an accident.

However, this is not a free pass for reckless actions, as you will have to bear the costs yourself if you are negligent!

"There is no insurance cover for Damage caused by the insured person intentionally or through gross negligence, in particular by disregarding basic, generally accepted rules of mountaineering", https://www.alpenverein.de/verband/services/versicherungen-im-dav/alpiner-sicherheitsservice-ass.

In general, you should find out what insurance cover is available from the Alpine Club, especially before traveling or going on expeditions.

In view of the comprehensive insurance, the inexpensive equipment rental and the benefits at the huts, the annual fee of around €75 is a worthwhile investment in the quality of your next tour and your own safety, which you don't really need to think about!