In the early hours of January 19th, 2025 Kirsten Gurtner died of hypothermia on Austria’s tallest mountain. Her boyfriend and climbing partner, Thomas Plamberger, maintains his version of events - that he left Kirsten behind to get help - but not everyone believed him. Kirsten’s death and the circumstances surrounding it launched a global discussion focused on the phenomenon of “alpine divorce”, and how trusting your partner can sometimes quite literally mean the difference between life and death.
Episode Partners Bilt: Download the Bilt app and join the membership for where you live at http://joinbilt.com/park
Ka’Chava: Go to https://kachava.com and use code NPAD for 15% off your first order
Quince: Give the gift of quality this holiday season. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Whatnot: Download Whatnot today and get $20 off your first live purchase. Terms apply.
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/npad
SourcesNo Return: a New Yorker feature on the case by William Finnegan, including reporting from the trial in Innsbruck.
Mistakes vs. Manslaughter: How Austria’s Guilty Verdict Could Reshape Recreational Climbing: a Climbing magazine news analysis on the trial, the verdict, and its implications
An Alpine Divorce: the full text of Robert Barr’s 1893 short story
If He Leaves You on a Mountain, End Your Relationship: a New York Times article on the “alpine divorce” trend
Women are being abandoned by their partners on hiking trails. What’s behind ‘alpine divorce’?: a Guardian feature on the trend, with first-person accounts and expert commentary
Hohe Tauern National Park: Austria’s official website for Hohe Tauern National Park.
