What are the main elements of The Austrian Alpine Club Insurance

1. Insurance Coverage (Alpenverein Worldwide Service

This is a key reason many foreign visitors join the ÖAV. It provides a level of insurance that is difficult to get elsewhere, particularly for mountain activities.

• Mountain Rescue and Evacuation: The policy covers costs for search, rescue, and transport operations in case of an accident.This includes helicopter rescue from off-piste or out-of-bounds areas, which is often not covered by standard travel insurance.The coverage is worldwide and has a significant limit (e.g., up to EUR 25,000).

• Worldwide Medical Treatment: It covers medically necessary treatment and transport to a hospital abroad for a set period (usually the first eight weeks of a trip), with a defined limit (e.g., up to EUR 10,000).

• Repatriation: The policy includes coverage for repatriation back to your home country.

• Legal Protection: Some policies also include a level of legal protection and third-party liability coverage within Europe.

Policy Wording : 

https://www.alpenverein.at/portal_wAssets/docs/service/versicherung/AWS-Folder_E_2023_ebook.pdf

2. Alpine Huts and Trail Maintenance

The ÖAV is a massive infrastructure provider for the Austrian Alps and beyond.

• Mountain Hut Discounts: Members receive a significant discount on overnight stays at over 200 ÖAV-owned mountain huts in Austria.

• Reciprocal Rights: Through international agreements, ÖAV members also get discounts at huts owned by other alpine clubs across the Alps, including the German Alpine Club (DAV) and the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).This is a major benefit for anyone doing multi-day treks or ski tours.

• Trail Maintenance: The club's volunteers and staff maintain and mark over 26,000 km of mountain paths, hiking trails, and via ferratas. 

3. Education and Training

The ÖAV is a leading authority on Alpine education.

• Courses and Tours: They offer a huge range of courses and guided tours for members of all skill levels, from basic hiking and rock climbing to advanced mountaineering, ski touring, and avalanche safety.
   

• Guides and Instructors: The club is involved in the training and qualification of mountain guides and instructors, ensuring high standards in the industry.

4. Environmental and Nature Protection

The ÖAV is a strong advocate for environmental protection in the Alps.

• "Advocate of the Alps": It actively works to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and has a say in regional planning and environmental policies.

• Conservation Projects: Members can participate in volunteer projects focused on conservation, such as tree-planting and trail restoration.