A disturbing trend is gaining traction online, fueled by a surge of shared experiences on TikTok. Women are recounting instances of being abandoned by partners during outdoor excursions, a behavior now being dubbed “alpine divorce.” The term, while newly popularized, draws its unsettling origins from a 19th-century short story and has resurfaced alongside a recent, tragic case in Austria, raising concerns about relationship abuse and safety in the wilderness.
The phrase “alpine divorce” first went viral in mid-February when a TikTok user, @EverAfterIya, shared her story of being left alone on a hike on Valentine’s Day. Her video, which has garnered over 21 million views, quickly sparked a flood of responses from other women detailing similar experiences. The shared narratives highlight a pattern of partners abruptly ending relationships while in remote, potentially dangerous locations, leaving their companions to navigate their way back to safety alone. This isn’t simply a breakup; it’s a deliberate act of abandonment that exploits the vulnerability of being isolated in nature.
The term itself isn’t new. It originates from a short story of the same name written by Robert Barr in 1893. As detailed by Yahoo News, Barr’s story depicts a husband plotting to end his marriage by intentionally pushing his wife off a cliff during a hike in the Swiss Alps. While the modern usage of “alpine divorce” doesn’t typically involve physical violence, the underlying theme of betrayal and calculated abandonment remains chillingly consistent.
What Does ‘Alpine Divorce’ Really Mean?
While the original story envisioned a far more sinister outcome, the current understanding of “alpine divorce” centers on the act of emotional abandonment. Women are using the term to describe being deliberately left stranded in a remote outdoor setting, often after a partner initiates a breakup. The power imbalance inherent in such a situation – one person holding the knowledge of the trail and the means to return to safety – adds another layer of control and potential danger. Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse, told USA Today that being abandoned in such a vulnerable position taps into a primal fear of losing control and being left to fend for oneself.
The shared experiences on TikTok have prompted a wave of advice and support among female hikers. Users are sharing tips on staying safe outdoors, such as bringing a companion – preferably another woman – or utilizing apps to track their route. A common refrain is the importance of trusting one’s instincts and not allowing a partner to override personal judgment. “Do not hesitate to ask another woman to chaperone you back to base, ever,” one TikTok user wrote, encapsulating the growing sense of solidarity and mutual protection.
A Recent Case in Austria Highlights the Dangers
The viral trend coincided with a disturbing case in Austria that brought the potential consequences of such abandonment into stark relief. In February, an Austrian court found a climber guilty of gross negligent manslaughter in connection with the death of his girlfriend near the summit of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, in January 2025. CNN reported that the defendant, Thomas P., left his girlfriend, Kerstin G., alone to find shelter during a freezing winter night after she became too exhausted to continue. He continued on without her, and she later died of hypothermia.
Prosecutors detailed that wind speeds reached 45.9 mph and the temperature was around 17.6°F, with a wind chill of -4°F, on the night Kerstin G. Died. The defendant was also accused of failing to notify emergency services of his girlfriend’s location for several hours. While the judge, Norbert Hofer, ultimately delivered a suspended sentence and a fine of roughly $11,300, he acknowledged the poor judgment displayed by Thomas P. The BBC reported that Hofer stated the couple should have turned back, as Kerstin G. Lacked sufficient winter climbing experience.
Adding another layer to the case, a past girlfriend of Thomas P., Andrea B., testified in court that he had previously left her alone on a climbing expedition on the same mountain in 2023, leaving her “screaming and crying” as he continued on without her.
Beyond the Headlines: Recognizing Controlling Behavior
While the Austrian case involved a tragic outcome, the broader conversation surrounding “alpine divorce” highlights a pattern of controlling and manipulative behavior. The act of abandoning someone in a vulnerable situation, even if it doesn’t result in physical harm, can be deeply traumatizing and indicative of a larger pattern of abuse. Experts suggest that recognizing these red flags – a partner who dismisses concerns, overrides boundaries, or isolates you from support networks – is crucial for personal safety.
The rise of the “alpine divorce” narrative serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing personal safety and trusting one’s instincts, especially when venturing into the outdoors. As the conversation continues online, and as authorities continue to investigate cases like the one in Austria, a clearer understanding of this disturbing trend and its potential consequences is emerging.
The Austrian court is expected to release a full transcript of the proceedings in the Grossglockner case next month, which may provide further insight into the defendant’s motivations and the circumstances surrounding Kerstin G.’s death. What are your thoughts on this emerging trend? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.
