Promotion of Alpine Infrastructure

The funding supports ongoing maintenance and improvement measures for alpine infrastructure in Vienna, focusing on mountain huts, bivouacs, trails, and material cableways. As a charitable measure, the federal government provides a total subsidy of €2.72 million to enhance the safety and accessibility of alpine facilities while balancing tourism and nature conservation interests. Only the Association of Alpine Clubs of Austria (VAVÖ) is eligible for funding; as the umbrella organization, it allocates the financial resources to its member clubs according to an annually adjusted distribution key. The objective is the sustainable strengthening of Austria as a tourism destination and the long-term maintenance of the alpine trail network and associated protective structures.

Applications can be submitted from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2027, and are generally free of charge. A prerequisite is a fully completed and officially signed application form that includes information on the touristic significance, object description, cost planning, and financing structure. Upon completion of the measures, a usage report with an ex-post evaluation must be submitted, documenting scope and impact. Receipt verification and on-site inspections ensure the proper use of funds. Through transparent allocation and monitoring, the preservation of alpine protective and trail structures can be secured in the long term, benefiting mountaineers and hikers with improved infrastructure.