The Host

The Austrian Mountain Rescue Service (ÖBRD) is the world’s largest and one of the most experienced mountain rescue organizations, with over 13,000 volunteer rescuers operating across Austria. The ÖBRD is structured into seven regional branches (Landesorganisationen), each responsible for operational missions, training, and local coordination within its federal state. The Federal Association (Bundesverband) serves as the central body, focusing on nationwide coordination, crisis communication, international cooperation, and representing Austria in the ICAR. The ÖBRD rescue teams respond to more than 10,000 missions annually, covering a wide range of alpine and remote terrain emergencies, from hiking and climbing accidents to avalanche rescue and disaster response.

Austria is a founding member of ICAR, and ICAR 2026 will mark the fifth time the international conference is hosted in Austria and the second time in Innsbruck.