25-Year-Old Hiker’s Ex Broke Up with Her in One of the Worst Places. But Her Viral ‘Alpine Divorce’ Isn’t Her Whole Story

In recent months, the phenomenon of “alpine divorces” has generated discussions surrounding women’s safety in outdoor pursuits, following incidents where partners have abandoned their female counterparts during treks or climbs. Aila Taylor, a 25-year-old environmental writer and activist from Kendal, England, is one of the voices shedding light on this concerning trend, using her own experiences to highlight broader issues of toxic relationships and gender dynamics in outdoor settings.

Taylor recounts her own breakup in the Canadian backcountry in early 2024. With limited phone signal while hiking, she received a message from her boyfriend that he was ending their relationship. “Now is not a good time,” she responded, to which he coldly replied, “Well, there’ll never be a good time.” This jarring experience didn’t come as a complete shock; Taylor notes that her ex-partner frequently exhibited disrespectful behaviour during their hikes, often complaining about her pace before leaving her behind.

Since then, Taylor and other women have begun sharing similar stories that reflect a toxic pattern of behaviour among some male partners in outdoor scenarios. The term “alpine divorce” has emerged as a nickname for these incidents, drawn from a succinct yet unsettling 1893 short story by Robert Barr, which ends tragically for the female protagonist. This newer term has found traction on platforms like TikTok and gained further notoriety following the conviction of Austrian climber Thomas Plamberger in 2023 for gross negligent manslaughter after abandoning his girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner, who succumbed to hypothermia on a snowy peak.

For Taylor, although her own situation was less dire, it is reflective of a more widespread issue. She believes recognising harmful patterns in relationships early on can help prevent escalation. “I didn’t realise it was toxic behaviour at the time,” she notes, stressing the importance of women sharing experiences to foster discussions around safety and autonomy.

However, Taylor has nuanced views regarding the rising visibility of these stories. While they provide a crucial platform for women to express their concerns, she fears that too often these narratives can inadvertently reinforce existing gender stereotypes. “It presents women as powerless,” she argues, highlighting that such tales can overshadow the strength and agency that many women display in outdoor environments.

On a personal level, Taylor recounted an experience when she was climbing this past winter in Scotland, encountering a largely male crowd. An offhand remark from another climber, suggesting that women are inherently unsuitable for winter climbing, starkly illustrated the sexist attitudes that persist in such spaces. “The whole topic of ‘alpine divorce’ is just a small nugget that’s part of wider beliefs about women and our capabilities,” she asserts.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Taylor admits that she initially felt vexed rather than abandoned after her breakup when her ex-partner distanced himself due to her pace. “I’ve heard stories of women who didn’t feel as comfortable,” she continues, acknowledging different levels of resilience among individuals and the particular challenges faced by women in outdoor scenarios.

Following her challenging breakup, there was a moment of clarity for Taylor as she immersed herself in nature. She recalls a poignant swim in an alpine lake where, despite the turmoil of her personal life, she found beauty and solace. “I remember thinking my entire life had fallen apart — but the world in front of me was very beautiful,” she reflects, suggesting that moments in nature can provide grounding even in difficult times.

In her advocacy, Taylor calls for a shift in media narratives surrounding “alpine divorces” to focus on women’s resilience and solidarity rather than positions of victimhood. By reframing these conversations, there’s potential to empower women and reinforce the notion that they are not merely passive participants in their outdoor experiences.

Ultimately, as Taylor asserts, the narrative surrounding “alpine divorces” should not just be one of abandonment but a reflection on women’s strength, their ability to navigate challenges, and the communal support that can emerge from shared experiences in the great outdoors. As society continues to engage with this issue, it is imperative to champion voices like hers that call for a deeper understanding of women’s roles and capabilities in outdoor adventures, ensuring their stories contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced discourse.