The "Mountaineering Villages" label is an initiative of the Alpine Clubs and recognises small, quiet places that are committed to nature-oriented tourism. They are characterised by their authenticity, their outstanding natural and cultural landscapes and the wide range of mountain sports they offer. Since 2021, Switzerland has also been part of this international network. St Antönien, the jointly participating Lower Engadine villages of Lavin, Guarda and Ardez and Valle Onsernone have been awarded the label to date.

• Stimulation without all the hustle and bustle

• A lively atmosphere but without the noise
• Intimacy but with respect
• Enjoyment without worries
• Independent mobility

These are the guiding principles of the Mountaineering Villages Initiative. The label was created in 2008 by the Austrian Alpine Club (OeAV). The network has since grown to encompass 40 villages and regions in Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. Selection is not random, but follows strict inclusion criteria. "Mountaineering Villages" are small mountain villages that offer their visitors a wide range of nature-oriented mountain sports opportunities in unspoilt landscapes. Their great potential lies in their unspoilt nature, the high quality of the natural and cultural landscape and an established tradition of nature-focused tourism. Here, treating the environment with care and creating regional added value play a key role.

Putting the Alpine Convention into practice

The initiative focuses on treating the mountain environment with care and respect, but also on strengthening regional value creation. Becoming a mountaineering village is therefore a commitment to continue nurturing village life, the local culture and the natural environment. The support of the village population and the local economy is a crucial element. Owing to its underlying values, the initiative is also a recognised implementation project within the Alpine Convention. The convention's aims include the comprehensive protection and sustainable development of the Alps.  

Exploring the mountains in harmony with nature

The sustainable development and protection of the mountain environment are also core tenets of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) – a direct consequence of which is a commitment to expanding the network in Switzerland. This is why the SAC has signed a partnership agreement with the OeAV and pledges to follow the specified criteria for the assessment of existing and selection of new mountaineering villages. The SAC also has a seat in the international steering group that strategically develops the initiative and decides whether to accept new candidates. The Swiss mountaineering villages are under the patronage of the SAC.

Pilot project in canton Graubünden

A three-year pilot project was launched in canton Graubünden in 2021. St Antönien and the jointly operating villages of Lavin, Guarda and Ardez were the first Swiss locations to be awarded the Mountaineering Villages label. The pilot project supported local stakeholders in implementing ideas for projects in mountain sports and nature- and culture-based tourism. To this end, they worked closely with partners including the SAC huts in the villages. The pilot project is funded by the Federal Government (Innotour) and the Economic Development and Tourism Agency of Canton Graubünden. The international network engaged in a regular exchange of knowledge and hatched joint ideas to address the often-similar day-to-day challenges in mountainous regions. The acquired experience provided a basis to develop the general conditions for a Switzerland-wide expansion from the end of 2023.

Expansion to other Swiss cantons

With the addition of Valle Onsernone in May 2024, the network has expanded to a further Swiss canton. The project supports local stakeholders in developing offers for nature-focused mountain sports and implementing impulse projects with sustainable development in mind.