German Alpine Club Sees Record Growth: Surge in Young and Female Members Amid Mountain Sports Boom

The popularity of mountain sports is on a significant upswing, as evidenced by the rapid growth of the German Alpine Club (DAV), which is attracting a record number of enthusiasts interested in hiking, climbing, and biking. The club's membership demographics are notably shifting, with a marked increase in women and younger members.

In the last year, the DAV experienced an unprecedented growth of 4.79 percent, reaching 1.52 million members. This is the most substantial annual increase in both percentage and absolute terms in the club's history since its re-establishment in 1950, with an addition of 69,500 new members. Notably, female membership has risen to 43.9 percent, up from 40.9 percent a decade ago. Concurrently, the average age of members has slightly decreased to 42.9 years. The growth is especially prominent among individuals aged 26 to 40, at almost 7 percent, and among children and youth up to 18 years old, at over 6 percent.

DAV Managing Director Andrea Händel expressed enthusiasm about these results, attributing them to a widespread passion for mountain sports and the mountains themselves. She also highlighted the significant role of the club's 356 sections across Germany and the dedication of numerous volunteers. With over 30,000 people volunteering and contributing more than two million hours annually, volunteers are the backbone of the association.

Furthermore, a recent survey among new members in April 2023 revealed their priorities. The survey showed a strong preference for huts and paths maintenance and nature conservation, with mountain sports also being highly valued. In response, the DAV plans to focus on enabling sustainable mountain sports through necessary infrastructure, conservation of mountain environments, and promoting mountain sports skills.