In parallel to the globally applied Multi-Summit approach, the GLORIA network aims to establish so-called Master Sites.

Master sites aim to:

1. further develop and test additional and extended field methods for long-term monitoring;
2. to include other organism groups (besides vascular plants), such as bryophytes and lichens (which are already considered in the Multi-Summit approach on an optional basis), arthropods and nematodes.
3. to carry out in-depth studies on region-specific ecological impacts in alpine environments cased by climate warming and their consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

The first GLORIA Master Site, Mount Schrankogel in the central high Alps of western Austria, dates back to 1994. A second Master Site was established in 2006 in the White Mountains of California, based on existing facilities of the University of California (Hall 2006).