Christmas greetings from ICAR

The International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) is the umbrella organisation for all mountain rescue organisations worldwide.

ICAR currently has 150 member organisations, with 732 delegates working actively on the international mountain rescue stage to further develop what our predecessors wanted to achieve when ICAR startet in 1948 and was officially founded in October 1955: a platform that promotes the further development of mountain rescue worldwide.

Interest in ICAR has grown steadily, especially in recent years. Today, 29 partners are part of ICAR, whose companies make a significant contribution to translating the expertise of our mountain rescue organisations into concrete, tangible solutions.

This results in modern and reliable rescue equipment – for the many thousands of rescuers worldwide as well as for the numerous patients and people seeking help in the mountains.

In 2025, ICAR conducted a survey among its member organisations.

The result was clear: ICAR should and must remain the umbrella organisation for mountain rescue.

We see this clear commitment as our mission.

We therefore ask our entire community to continue to actively participate in this joint development in the future – or even more strongly than before.
It is the express wish of the entire ICAR Executive Board that we continue to stay on track, openly share our experiences and maintain and further expand the global network of mountain rescuers.

As Christmas approaches, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all member organisations, partners, delegates and supporters.
Your commitment, expertise and willingness to cooperate internationally are the foundation of ICAR.

We wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and health, confidence and camaraderie for the coming year.

On behalf of the ICAR Board
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year