Mountains for everyone: a conversation with Cat Mittins of the AAC (UK)

Could you tell us a bit about your role at the AAC (UK) and what a typical week in the office looks like?

I lead our office team here in the UK. There are four of us, and we do everything from membership administration to answering queries, organising events, supporting leaders, and running the website and social media… Every week is different, though there are trends throughout the year – the summer and winter are especially busy with tours and events, as members head off to the mountains to walk, climb, ride or ski.

The AAC (UK) has grown to more than 21,000 members – what do you think it is about the club that keeps people coming back year after year?

First and foremost, we're a really friendly and welcoming club, and the fact that we're not just for elite climbers and mountaineers is a vital part of our success. Looking back, the club was very focused on alpine walking, and while that's still a big part of what we do, we now encompass a much wider range of activities, including climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering and via ferrata. We've also got active local groups, a full UK programme of events, and a fantastic group of volunteers who support activities all year round. When you look at all we offer, membership is great value, and our members seem to agree.

You came to the AAC (UK) via teaching and outdoor education. How has that background shaped the way you think about the club's training and activities programme?

What I bring from outdoor education is first-hand knowledge and experience of how being in the outdoors enhances our lives, especially when that's combined with adventurous activities that inspire and build confidence. The wonderful thing about the AAC is that every day we're working to make that easier and more accessible for our members, young and old, experienced travellers or first-time adventurers. I should also say my background in Geography teaching makes me acutely aware of the challenges facing alpine environments, and I fully support the work of the club's Climate and Sustainability group. The club is really moving towards promoting alpine adventures in more sustainable ways, which feels very positive.

For anyone who hasn't come across the AAC(UK) before, what does membership give you access to beyond the obvious insurance and rescue cover?

There's so much I could mention, but to highlight just a few: membership provides discounts at hundreds of alpine huts, which alone can easily pay for the annual fee. We also have a big programme of activities, with over 200 tours, other led activities and meets every year, and this is growing year on year, with training and activities for climbers, skiers, alpinists, mountain bikers and more! We support training and skills development with grants of up to 75%. For families, we offer free membership for dependent children and have dedicated events for families, namely the Family Bergfest, which takes place in Austria every year!

We recently worked with the AAC(UK) on a piece about trekking in the Bernese Oberland. How do routes like that tie into what AAC(UK) members are getting out into the Alps for?

Multi-day trekking tours are still central to the club's activities. Our knowledge and expertise, and our links to Austria, mean we're the go-to place for information and support when people want to make that step from UK walking to the Alps. Routes like those in the Bernese Oberland, or the GR5, or the Rucksack Route in Austria, are hugely popular. Cicerone's guides help to make them even more accessible, and we often have enquiries from members who are planning trips based on the routes that Cicerone covers so well.

You're a parent yourself – how has that changed the way you think about getting families out into the mountains, and do guidebooks play a part in your own planning?

There's no doubt that mountains make for wonderful family adventures and truly lasting memories. As a parent with children who have been brought up with adventure, it's been wonderful to see my children grow in confidence and skills, founded on the same enthusiasm and love of the outdoors. And yes, we use guides all the time, for inspiration, for information on where, when and how to go, and for all the expert insight that can make a trip that extra bit special.

The AAC(UK) offers free membership for children of members up to age 27 while they're in education – why was this introduced, and how many families are taking advantage of it?

It's long been part of what the club offers, and yes, we are seeing more and more families take up the benefit. Summers in the Alpine resorts are now buzzing with activities compared to, say, twenty years ago, with families looking for mountain adventures rather than just beach holidays.

What would you say to a parent who loves the Alps but isn't sure how to introduce their own children to mountain walking, via ferrata or alpine huts? Are there particular routes or areas you'd point them towards?

I know Cicerone produce a great series called Mountain Adventures, which are great for families. The Innsbruck edition, for example, includes mountain activities and walks for families, plus all sorts of information on accessing walks, climbing, cycling and more, all around Innsbruck.

Are there particular AAC(UK) courses, meets or resources that you'd point families towards if they wanted to build confidence together in the mountains? Where do you think guidebooks like Cicerone's fit alongside that kind of structured training?

The annual Family Bergfest is our headline event for families. Based in an Austrian hut, it's a week of heavily subsidised activities and skills training, ideal for families with youngsters and teens, and a great way to build confidence, learn new skills and make friends. We're pleased to say there are plans to increase events like this moving forward, to reach more families! And because it's based in a hut, many families take the opportunity to tag on a tour, for example the classic Rucksack Route in the Stubai, for which Cicerone has an excellent guide.

Every September you run a membership promotion where new members joining for the following year get the rest of the current year free – what's your advice to anyone thinking of signing up around that time?

I'd say that whatever time of year you join, membership is amazing value, but obviously the September promotion is great for new members joining the club later in the year. Their membership then covers the autumn and winter, and the whole following calendar year. Which reminds me – we have a full winter programme too, including overseas ski touring and snowshoeing, UK meets, and training in Scotland, including winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing!

Finally, what's on the horizon for the AAC(UK) that you're most excited about, whether that's new courses, partnerships, or plans for growing the family side of membership?

All of those and more! And I'm especially excited about the opportunity to widen our reach. In the past, the club seemed to be a secret in the mountaineering community, but now the word is certainly out, and we look forward to welcoming more members who want to be part of our wonderful mountain community.

Thank you!