Kristina Ciari Tursi
At The Mountaineers, we strive to be a welcoming community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Over the past decade, we have grown from 10,000 members to a remarkable 16,000 strong. This growth has been inspiring, and speaks to the enduring love and passion for the outdoors that we all share. As we near the end of 2023, we have some important updates to our membership pricing.
Our membership prices have been steady since 2006, and it's now necessary to adapt our pricing to reflect the organizational needs of today. Membership dues support program infrastructure, facilities, and other operating expenses that make our work possible, and the cost of doing business, especially post-COVID, has significantly increased. Adjusting the price of membership allows us to continue providing the exceptional programs and experiences that make The Mountaineers special while responding to the cost increases of the past decade.
Beginning November 1, 2023, we will be implementing a pricing adjustment across our memberships. The adjustments will vary by membership type, ranging from $2 to $20 annually. Adult memberships will be $85 annually, Family memberships will be $150 annually, Senior memberships will be $38 annually, and Student/Military memberships will be $56 annually. We will be in touch with each of our members about what this means for the next renewal.
We assure you that this decision isn’t one we’ve made lightly. We know that many of you have been dedicated members for a long time - some of you for over 50 years! - and we deeply value your commitment to our mission and community.
We also want to emphasize our commitment to making outdoor adventures inclusive and accessible. Scholarships are available for both memberships and programs. If you're concerned about how these changes might affect your ability to engage with The Mountaineers, please apply for a scholarship. We awarded nearly $75,000 in scholarships in the last year alone, up from $55,000 in 2022. We want to ensure that no one is left behind.
Scholarships and other mission-driven programs are supported by Mountaineers donors. Many members already give above and beyond to support our mission and community. In recognition of their generosity, we’re launching a Ridgeline membership to recognize people who donate $500 or more annually. If you would like to join the growing number of members who elevate their annual giving in this way, we’ve made it easy to upgrade with a new Ridgeline option on our membership page.
Collectively, these changes are essential for us to continue providing the same high-quality, transformative experiences synonymous with The Mountaineers. As we navigate this transition together, please know that your feedback matters and we're open to hearing your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact us.
Your support has allowed us to thrive for over a century, and we look forward to building a stronger, more vibrant outdoor community into the future. Together, we will keep exploring, growing, and fostering a community where all people feel a sense of belonging. We're excited about the opportunities these changes will bring, and we hope you are too.
Did you know?
- Membership gives you access to world class outdoor instruction, free group activities, hostel-style lodges at popular recreation spots, discounts on books and gear, and more.
- In the last year, Mountaineers volunteers hosted 5,718 Mountaineers activities and offered 298 courses. That’s an average of 16 activities per day!
- We had 151 charter members in 1906 (half were women!), 10,000 members in 2013, and we have 16,000 members today, all joined by a shared passion for enjoying and protecting the outdoor experience.
- Membership dues support program infrastructure, facilities, and other operating expenses that make our work possible. Scholarships and other mission-driven programs are supported by Mountaineers donors.
- The last change made to Mountaineers memberships was in 2014, when the $35 new member initiation fee was removed and membership types were consolidated for our new website launch. The last membership price increase was in 2006.
- More than 350 individuals and families support our mission as Peak Society members by donating $1,000 or more annually.
- Membership dues and donations are 100% tax-deductible, and may qualify to be matched by your workplace giving program.
