Membership

As a Mazama, you'll be part of a tight-knit community that shares your passion for the outdoors – you'll also enjoy free access to hikes and most climbs, plus these exclusive benefits:

• Best prices on Mazama education courses and activities – up to 20% off over non-members!
• Great discounts from local retailers and gyms to help keep your gear costs low and fitness level high
• Complimentary rescue insurance anywhere in the world below 6,000 meters (view policy)
• Full access to our world-class mountaineering library and archives collection
• Invitations to members-only pre-sales and special events
• Subscription to the Bulletin, our members magazine (6 issues per year)
• No fees on membership renewals year after year

Why did membership rates increase for 2024?
Up until last year the Mazamas charged members and non-members alike a participation fee for each activity. Now, the cost of activities is included in your membership—the only exceptions are for climbs in Mt. Hood National Forest, where permitting requires us to maintain a modest activity charge. 

We’ll always do our best to keep prices as low as possible, even as we adapt to the changing costs of business. Mazama membership rates have held steady since 2019. With this shift, our goal is to maintain—or even increase—affordability and value for members, while bringing the membership structure into closer alignment with more traditional models.

Are there other changes to my membership options for 2024?
Yes, but we think they’ll be welcome! New this year, we’ve added a discounted membership for active military and veterans. We’ve also combined full-time students and members 18 or younger into one membership to keep things simpler. We’ll now require that members be 65 years or better to qualify for the 40% discounted senior rate (this brings us into alignment with our peer organizations), but we’ve eliminated the five-year membership history requirement. You can also still add your significant other at a nicely discounted rate.

What is the $25 setup fee for?
The setup fee helps us cover additional operational and business-related costs, and goes into the same budget line item as membership revenue. The setup fee isn’t new or different from past years, and is waived for all renewing members.

How do I access my benefits?
Membership benefits take effect as soon as you place your order. Shortly thereafter, you’ll receive a packet in the mail containing your membership sticker and other important information. Make sure you’re signed up to receive our e-news, too, as we publish the latest list of retailers offering discounts and deals in the members-only edition on the first Tuesday of every month.

How do I purchase additional memberships with my order?
If you’re ordering by mail, simply indicate the membership type and contact details for the additional member(s) of your renewal slip. If it starts to get complicated, you can always call or email us—we’re happy to help.

Can I buy a membership as a gift for someone else?
Yes! Just give us a call or email us, and we’ll be happy to make sure we have all the details we need to make sure your gift is received exactly as planned.

How can I further support the Mazamas?
Have you considered making a charitable contribution? Membership dues cover only about 20% of our expenses—the rest is covered by program tuition and donations from supporters like you. Donations are tax-deductible and help keep the cost of programs affordable while we also invest in facilities and maintenance, our library and collections, research grants, and scholarships.