Usually the membership fee in an alpenverein includes an insurance that covers rescue/recovery costs up to a certain limit (25k in austria [1], similar in germa

Usually the membership fee in an alpenverein includes an insurance that covers rescue/recovery costs up to a certain limit (25k in austria [1], similar in germany). There are alpenverein sections all over europe, so if you like to go climbing and hiking in the mountains, being a member is a good investment. They also take care of maintaining shelters and marking/maintaining the hiking routes. You also get a guaranteed place to sleep in the huts - though you might have to squeeze on a bench in the guest room if you're late and the place is full. [1] http://www.alpenverein.at/portal/service/mitgliedschaft/mitgliedervorteile/0100_weltweit-versichert.php?navid=971928971928 http://www.alpenverein.at/portal/service/mitgliedschaft/mitg...