The NKBV, phonetically: The Nùkùbùv
De Koninklijke Nederlandse Klim- en Bergsport Vereniging (website) is the Dutch sports association for alpinists, (sport)climbers, and the better winter sports enthusiasts.
The NKBV is committed to the development of mountaineering in the Netherlands. This includes standardizing mountaineering training, establishing safety standards, and issuing licenses to climbing and mountaineering instructors (cadre). The NKBV also organizes national competitions in various climbing disciplines, including ice climbing, lead climbing, ski touring, skyrunning, and bouldering.
Besides being the national sports association for climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts, the NKBV is also the national umbrella organization for the various climbing associations in the Netherlands, including local clubs, the NKBV regions, and, since the VvA of June 15, 2019, the NSAC and the SACs.
Why should you, as an SAC member, become a member of the NKBV? Below are five reasons:
- The NKBV offers its members Travel and Mountaineering Insurance. It’s great! Definitely take it out if you’re planning to go climbing or winter sports outdoors; it only costs a few euros a year. This insurance covers a lot if you crash or suffer damage on vacation. From new ropes to helicopter rescues, it covers it! (Disclaimer: Reimbursement for a helicopter rescue and hospital recovery doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be safe, so always climb safely and responsibly.)
- The Hoogtelijn! The NKBV publishes a fun magazine with lots of information about our noble sport of mountaineering.
- Hut discount: Pay (considerably) less for overnight stays in most mountain huts.
- A climbing annual pass is required for climbing in Belgium, as most areas are owned by local landowners and leased by the CAB or KBF. This pass is only available through the NKBV for just under 20 euros per year.
- The NKBV Mountaineering Day! At the beginning of the year, the NKBV organizes the Mountaineering Day… a kind of Kama Sutra fair for mountaineering enthusiasts (definitely go, admission is free for members).
The NKBV also represents us at the UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme), the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing), and the NOC*NSF. You also get a 10% discount at De Bever, which is great for climbers because you can sometimes buy useful items there.