The Disturbing Trend of 'Alpine Divorces': When Hiking Partners Abandon
Over the past week, the unsettling term "alpine divorces" has surged across social media platforms, particularly on Threads, sparking widespread conversation. This phenomenon refers to instances where individuals, often women, are left behind by their partners during outdoor excursions like hikes. The discussion originated from a TikTok video posted last month by a woman who claimed she was abandoned by a man who invited her on a hike.
The Viral Video That Started It All
The video, which has amassed over 21.8 million views, features the woman recounting how her date rushed ahead during a hike in the North McCullough Wilderness area of southern Nevada to beat other hikers to the summit, leaving her to catch up alone. "He said he wanted to run and I remembered thinking, 'Why are we chasing strangers to the top of the mountain?'" she said in the clip. While attempts to verify her claims were unsuccessful before publication, her follow-up video confirmed the incident.
In the comments section, women expanded the conversation, revealing that being abandoned on hikes or other outdoor outings is a surprisingly common experience. Some mentioned online support groups dedicated to women who have faced similar situations, labeling it an "alpine divorce." The eerie phrase traces back to an 1893 short story by Scottish-Canadian writer Robert Barr, about a man plotting to kill his wife in the Swiss Alps.
Real-Life Stories of Abandonment
As women shared their tales, they encountered skepticism, primarily from men. However, real-world cases underscore the seriousness of such abandonments. For instance, last month, an Austrian climber was convicted of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, who was less experienced, froze to death on Austria's highest mountain in 2025. Similarly, the tragic case of Gabby Petito, who was strangled in Wyoming in 2021, highlights the dangers women can face in remote areas.
Carol, a 51-year-old from Central Texas, shared her story of being left behind by an ex-boyfriend on a ski slope in Lake Tahoe in 1993. "My boyfriend dragged me to the very tip-top so he could show off his mad skills," she said. After Carol became lightheaded from altitude and a hangover, her boyfriend dug an "emergency" hole for her to sit in while he skied for the rest of the day. She was eventually rescued by a good Samaritan and taken to ski patrol, where she fainted from dehydration. Reflecting on the incident, Carol noted, "At 19, I didn't understand what an absolute dick move that was."
Expert Insights and Safety Tips
Amelia Ehrens, an experienced hiker from British Columbia, emphasized the power dynamics at play. "There's immense power in being able to abandon someone in a dangerous or terrifying environment, and for certain types of abusive people, that's very enticing," she said. Ehrens herself was left behind for 10 days at Kearsarge Pass in the Sierra Nevada while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
To stay safe, experts recommend preparing as if hiking alone, even when with others. Amanda Neiman, operations director for Wildland Trekking, advises, "Plans change. Weather shifts. People leave. Confidence comes from knowing you can handle it." Essential tips include:
- Pack your own supplies: snacks, water, a map, and a basic first aid kit with a light.
- Check weather forecasts and dress appropriately, always carrying a rain shell.
- Build confidence by hiking alone on small trails to prove self-reliance.
Heather Balogh Rochfort, a freelance adventure journalist, suggests getting to know a person's character before hiking with them. "Do they care about their goals over people?" she asks. Ultimately, she encourages women to shift their mindset: "You're not dependent. It's a powerful shift to go from 'please don't leave me' to, 'If you leave, I'll be mad but totally fine.'"
If abandoned, Rochfort's advice is straightforward: "Screw them. Eat your snacks. Drink your water. And get yourself out with the knowledge that you'll never let them waste your time again."
