How to become a member of the UIAA

The UIAA  brings together millions of men, women and children joined by their passion for mountains.The UIAA is an international federation, which means that our members are climbing and mountaineering associations. If your association is important in your country or region, you can apply to be a member!

Becoming a member of the UIAA will make your association a part of the global community for climbing and mountaineering. Together we share knowledge and experience. As a full or associate member you can:

• Access specialist advice through the network of UIAA volunteer experts, and share your own expertise by volunteering in the specialist commissions and the competition councils.
• Take part in the work of developing international standards, agreements and guidelines in areas such as guidebooks, instructor training, mountaineering competitive sports or environmental conduct.
• Take part in exchanges, seminars and conferences with UIAA members from other countries.
• Enter athletes in the Ice Climbing World Cups, World Championships and continental championships.
• Be a member of the only international mountaineering federation that is recognised by the United Nations, other international bodies and of course the Olympic Movement. This may mean that your organisation could qualify for recognition and financial support from your National Olympic Committee.
• Benefit from the UIAA’s campaigns to increase free access to mountains all over the world.

All member associations can take part in the annual General Assembly, which is the highest decision making body of the UIAA. However, only the most important national organisation or federation in a country has the right to vote on all decisions. If there is no UIAA member association in your country, you can apply for full voting rights. If there already is such an organisation, you can apply for associate membership with restricted voting rights.

New members must pay a one-time admission fee of 500 Swiss francs. The annual membership fee for full and associate members depends upon the number of members in your association but the minimum fee is 1’300 Swiss francs.

Observer members have specific rights and obligations (see matrix in right column).

Applications for membership

If you wish to apply for membership please read carefully the Articles of Association and Standing Rules to make sure you support the work of the UIAA and understand and accept your obligations as a future member. The final decision to include new members is made by the General Assembly, after the association has being recommended by the Executive Board and Management Committee.  

To apply, please send the following information to the UIAA office.

• A complete and signed application form (see "How to become a member" in right column) 
• Proof that your association has existed for at least two years (for example audited accounts, published annual reports etc).
•  A deposit of 500 Swiss francs.

We hope to have your association as a member!

Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.