Alpine club huts (German: Alpenvereinshütten) or simply club huts (Clubhütten) form the majority of the over 1,300 mountain huts in the Alps and are maintained by branches, or sections, of the various alpine clubs.
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They provide hikers and climbers with accommodation and shelter, mainly in the Alpine region. The greater number of these huts are managed, several are only suitable for those able to be self-contained. Although fundamentally all those involved in mountain activities have access to the huts, preferential service is given to members of the Alpine clubs. These include: better sleeping accommodation, mountaineer's meals, hot water for tea, the right to provide one's own food and alcohol-free drink for a fee. For unmanaged huts members can obtain a master key (alpine club key or AV-Schlüssel) for a deposit from the local alpine branch. Sleeping accommodation may consist of beds, a mattress room (Matratzenlager) and emergency beds or shakedowns.
The larger alpine clubs in Europe have a multilateral agreement to treat members of other clubs as their own members at their club's huts (reciprocal rights). These clubs include: the German and Austrian Alpine Clubs, the Club Alpin Français, the Club Alpino Italiano, the Swiss Alpine Club and the Federación Española de Montanismo .
The German and Austrian Alpine Clubs as well as other alpine clubs divide their mountain huts into 3 categories based on situation and facilities as follows:
In addition to the alpine club huts there is also a large number of alpine accommodation huts run by private individuals. These are listed in the List of mountain huts in the Alps.
The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is Canada's national mountain club, based in Canmore, Alberta, the ACC has been a focal point for Canadian mountaineers since 1906. The Alpine Club of Canada operates the largest network of back-country accommodation in North America. Its network of 25 alpine club huts are scattered across Canada, predominantly throughout the Canadian Rockies. The extensive backcountry hut system (approx. 400 beds on any one night) can be enjoyed by its 10,000 members or non members. The ACC has 20 active regional club sections across Canada, membership in the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA), year-round mountain adventures. The Alpine Club of Canada fosters alpine experiences, knowledge and culture; promotes responsible access; and supports excellence in alpine leadership and skills. The Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse located in Canmore is also accommodation. The Clubhouse facilities, (affiliated with Hosteling International), are located 4.5 kilometers northeast from downtown Canmore. Positioned on the sunny north side of the bench, it has spectacular views of the Bow Valley. Step out the front door to a multitude of hiking/biking trails, climbing routes and a number of other outdoor activities. Members and Non-member are able to stay at the accommodation.