Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Alpine Club of Canada?
A. The ACC is Canada's national mountaineering organization. We have been serving the needs of people interested in mountaineering in Canada since 1906. We have a proud history of alpine activity, backcountry hut operation, access protection and environmental conservation which continues today. The Club is the national voice for Canadian backcountry enthusiasts on critical issues affecting our wonderful alpine areas and heritage.
A. Membership rates vary from $36 to $139 a year, according to the type of membership, i.e., single, family, or junior; the section(s) chosen (if any); and any upgrades (CAJ, Huts, or Complete). Visit the membership page of our website for further information.
A basic, single unaffiliated membership with the huts upgrade is $60 a year for Canadian residents. This type of membership allows you to book huts up to one year in advance for yourself and anyone else in your party, with the exception of the Elizabeth Parker Hut (summer) and the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) and Kokanee Glacier Huts (winter). These huts are booked on a lottery system - see the facilities page of our website for further details.
Q. What are the benefits of joining a particular Section?
A. You will have access to newsletters, trips, activities, socials, courses and other events held by the Club's regional Section in your area. There are 19 sections across Canada, from Vancouver Island to Montreal.
A. Unfortunately, no.
Q. Can I go on a waiting list for your huts?
A. No, we do not have the resources to keep such a list. You may contact us weekly via email, or phone to periodically check on availability.
Q. I'm a member of another Alpine Club, can I get a discount at your huts?
A. UIAA members automatically receive discounted member rates at the Canmore Clubhouse. In order to receive member rates and advance booking privileges at our backcountry huts, UIAA members must purchase a huts upgrade from us, which costs $24 a year.
Q. I'm going to a hut in Europe. Can I get a discount there with my ACC membership?
A. ACC members currently have two options for getting discounts in European huts (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain and Liechtenstein):
Option 1: Members can take their ACC member card with them to Europe. Several Canadians have told us that when they have stayed at a European hut, they simply showed their Alpine Club of Canada membership card and were given discounted rates. Switzerland seems to be the only country that definitely does not give a discount to ACC members.
Option 2: Join the Austrian Alpine Club. Their fees are reasonable, and as a member, overnight discounts are guaranteed at the European huts which participate (all of them, as far as we know). For the Austrian Alpine Club contact information, visit www.UIAA.ch
Q. Where can I get rescue insurance for overseas?
A. A few options that we know of are:
American Alpine Club. Rescue insurance is a benefit of membership. Call the AAC at 303-384-0110, or e-mail them at or visit their website at www.AmericanAlpineClub.org
Worldwide Outfitter and Guides Association at 1-800-321-1493
Travel Underwriters, a travel insurance company that
may be contacted at 1-800-663-5389 or by emailing them at
If you purchase insurance from Travel Underwriters, be sure to quote
Reference #ALP762, as
the ACC will benefit financially whenever this code is used.
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