Remoteness on a Vertical Axis – Social Dynamics of Ski Touring in the Alps

Ski touring in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region reveals a paradox: participants actively seek remoteness and authenticity, despite proximity to urban centers. This vertical remoteness—defined by ascent and navigation of demanding landscapes—creates social hierarchies based on skill and endurance, challenging conventional notions of rural-urban access. The study uses a patchwork ethnographic approach, combining field observations, interviews, online media, and historical sources, to explore the cultural and ecological dimensions of ski touring. It highlights the tension between sustainable leisure activities and the pursuit of 'authentic' nature experiences, offering new insights into mobility and social dynamics in alpine tourism.

Walter, A.-M. (2026). Remoteness on a Vertical Axis – Social Dynamics of Ski Touring in the Alps. Ethnos, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/00141844.2026.2626394