The Austrian Federation of Mountain and Ski Guides (VÖBS) brings together the Austrian regional mountain guide associations. As a professional Federation, it represents the Austrian mountain guides at international level.
The Austrian Federation serves 1521 members, of whom 1257 are currently registered to practise.
There are 40 trainees and 30 aspirants in training for the years 2004/2006. To date (October 1st, 2004), Austria has 16 registered female mountain guides.
The general meetings provide all members with an opportunity to play an active part in the decisions of the Federation.
Services provided by the Federation
The principal aim of the Federation is to represent the Austrian mountain and ski guides in international organisations such as the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).
In 2000, the Federation took out a legal expenses insurance policy for all members and also set up an emergency hotline in case of accidents.
The Federation manages the databank needed for issuing membership cards and for member services.
The Federation has signed sponsorship contracts with well-known mountain sports companies in order to raise funds for its work. In promotional campaigns, its members receive working clothes and mountain sports equipment at concessionary prices.
Public relations activities include contacts with the media and production of the “BergführerInfo“ newssheet, which is distributed with the Austrian Alpine Club’s magazine “Berg&Steigen“. The Federation’s e-mail newsletter and its new website with a special “members’ corner” make up the modern channels of communication among the members.
