The Alps are a sought-after destination not just in winter but also during the summer months, attracting visitors for hiking, mountain biking, and capturing selfies against breathtaking backdrops. Day-tripping has notably surged, especially on the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak. At Austria’s Dachstein, a trail with a glass floor spans a chasm, culminating in an audacious “Stairway to Nowhere,” a site where countless selfies are snapped daily. Remote valleys are now reachable by car, with cable cars whisking visitors to concrete observation decks atop the peaks. And for those who attempt the ascent themselves but find themselves stranded, mountain rescue services stand ready for retrieval. Yet, there remain untouched villages in the Alps, overlooked by the tourism frenzy, and consequently facing depopulation as the younger generation seeks opportunities elsewhere. While tourism undoubtedly fuels economic growth, the question looms: are there sustainable alternatives to the relentless expansion that threatens to engulf every corner of the Alps?