Olympic values

The UIAA is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the international federation representing mountaineering sports. Therefore we are committed to Olympic values and to creating a better world through sports. Click here to read the full text of the Olympic Charter.

The core values of the Olympic movement are:

Excellence In mountaineering and climbing, excellence can mean making the first ascent of a mountain or winning a World Championship. For most of our members however, climbing and mountaineering is not about competing with others, but about challenging ourselves, doing our best and reaching our own goals.

Friendship The UIAA has members in more than 90 countries on all continents. In the mountains friendships and partnerships are formed. We believe mountaineering and climbing are activities which bring people together and make them overcome differences based on age, politics, economy, gender, ethnicity and religion.

Respect Mountaineering and climbing is based on respect. Most of all respect for the mountains we visit and our responsibility to help keep them beautiful. In our competition sports, respect for the rules of the game and fair play is essential.

Non-discrimination We believe that everyone should have the possibility to take part in mountain sports, and not face discrimination whether it is based on gender or economic and social status.

Sustainability Mountaineering and climbing are dependent on economically, socially and environmentally sustainable development of mountain areas.

Humanism According to the Olympic principles it is a human right to be able to practise sport.

Universality Our sport is open to anyone in any part of the world.

Solidarity Our members stand together to fight for what we believe in, whether it is to protect the environment or make sure everybody can access mountains.

 

Alliance between sport, education and culture The spirit of Olympism emerges where sport, education and culture meet. Mountaineering and climbing is not only about competition and exercise, it is also about learning about the natural environment and the meeting of cultures.

 

 

 

Play true is the motto of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Honesty has always been essential to mountaineering because it is a self regulating sport.  If mountaineers are not honest when they claim ascents, we cannot trust each other’s accomplishments.

The UIAA is aiming to join the Olympic Games with our sports Ski Mountaineering and Ice climbing. Anti-doping is fundamental to fair competition. Therefore we take a stand for playing fair and against the use of performance enhancing drugs, in competitions and in the mountains. Read more about our Anti Doping work here