We are very happy to showcase to you places whose potential is to be found in their unspoilt character, their traditions and their culture. The following key points, which are closely aligned with the aims of the Alpine Convention, are very important to us: the philosophy of tourism, visual impact and Alpine charm, mountain farming and forestry, nature and landscape conservation, environmentally-friendly mobility/transport, good communications and the exchange of information.
Strict criteria apply when new municipalities wish to join.

The Mountaineering Villages are fully committed to implementing the protocols of the Alpine Convention. The Alpine Convention is an international treaty concluded between the eight Alpine countries and the European Union. Its signatories believe wholeheartedly in the sustainable development and protection of the Alps.

The philosophy of the Mountaineering Villages comprises the following themes, from which the strict criteria for selecting municipalities are drawn:

Duties and role of the Mountaineering Villages

Mountaineering Villages are model regional development centres that showcase sustainable Alpine tourism with all its relevant traditions. They guarantee an attractive range of tourism activities for mountain sports enthusiasts, can boast excellent quality in terms of landscape and environment and are committed to the preservation of local cultural and nature conservation values. As Alpine centres of excellence, Mountaineering Villages put the emphasis on communal responsibility, capability and independence, as well as on the environmentally-aware and responsible conduct of guests when staying in the mountains.

The model role of the Mountaineering Villages also means that they must seek to meet the aim of sustainable development in the Alpine region, fully in harmony and compliance with all applicable legal regulations and programmes.

The philosophy of tourism

At its core are mountain sports in all their forms and the focussed, all-embracing experience of nature through these elements: physical exercise, coping with the difficult Alpine terrain, competence and risk management on the mountains, enjoyment of natural beauty spots, slowing down.

For local tourism providers this means showing restraint in the technical expansion of the mountain region.

When accommodating guests, the villages should show restraint and use only smaller businesses and promote established providers in the region.

Mountain refuges are to be retained for the long term in their role as high-altitude accommodation facilities, while serving as a base and as a functional extension of the accommodation available in the valley.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on tourism here …

Visual impact and image

Mountaineering Villages shall pay due regard to the quality of any building activity. In particular, they shall seek to ensure that buildings and facilities match the local style in terms of size, choice of materials and design.

Mountain farming, mountain forestry

Mountain farming, the management of the mountain forest and Alpine pastures are of the utmost importance for the role and image of the Mountaineering Villages. It is about achieving a balance between modern management techniques, reasonable profitability, an ecologically stable overall condition and a cultural landscape that makes sense in terms of tourist appeal.

The aim is to achieve close ties between producers and consumers at local and regional level, as well as the lasting conservation and care of the typical elements in a cultural landscape.

The use by tourists of Alpine pasture buildings must not jeopardise their key agricultural function. Particular care is to be taken to ensure that no additional motorised traffic is generated in Alpine pasture areas.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on mountain agriculture here …, and about moutain forests here …

Nature and landscape conservation

The Mountaineering Villages aim to secure the lasting preservation and renewal of conservation areas. To achieve this it is expected that the municipalities act as active partners in the care and maintenance of these areas.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on biodiverstiy and nature conservation here …

Mobility / traffic

The Mountaineering Villages are particularly keen to attract those guests who want to reach their village without using their own motor vehicle. The municipalities actively wish to retain and improve public transport, and in doing so will pay particular attention to the needs of their guests.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on transport here …

Communication and information exchange

The Mountaineering Villages regularly exchange their experiences with each other and discuss all internal and external suggestions that they receive.