Dale Bechtel

Expertise: Alpine environment, tourism, society, immigration. Initials: db.

When mountaintops sway like trees in the wind

This content was published on Jan 10, 2022 If even mountains are in constant motion, then we should accept the inevitable shifts in our lives when everything around us is changing.

When a wildlife encounter says little about alpine biodiversity

This content was published on Sep 30, 2021 What happens if you're caught, blue-handed, by a group of ibexes in the middle of a patch of wild berries?

A good reason not to cry but to welcome the wolf

This content was published on Aug 13, 2021 Ian is a relatively unknown - but certainly not endangered - breed of guide.

Pristine Swiss Alps? What a load of rubbish!

This content was published on Jul 9, 2021 The trouble with rubbish at higher elevations is that what goes up, often doesn’t come down.

Visit Switzerland but don’t wear out your welcome

This content was published on Jun 17, 2021 More and more countries in Europe are rolling out the red carpet for “digital nomads”. Switzerland is not one of them.

People in white protective clothing passing boxes up the ramp of an airplane.

Decision time in Geneva: For the sake of our health

This content was published on May 23, 2021 The World Health Assembly is meeting this week in what could be a defining moment to outline a better response to future pandemics.

Overtourism could give way to sustainable travel

This content was published on May 13, 2021 You won’t get a discount if you tell your travel agent that you read this article when you book your trip to Switzerland.

How much is an ounce of snow worth?

This content was published on Apr 7, 2021 I wouldn’t advise you to trade an ounce of the precious metal for a bit of snow, but do think twice before you let it melt from your grasp.

Alpine exposure: how good are our survival tactics?

This content was published on Feb 4, 2021 What did the Alps look like in lockdown during one of the coldest, whitest Januaries in recent memory?

How nostalgia lifts the mental load of lockdown

This content was published on Dec 24, 2020 I got a head start preparing for the upheaval in our lives this past year, and it’s helped me cope with not being able to travel home.

When an alpine lockdown is inspiring

This content was published on Nov 26, 2020 I never think “what fun!” when faced with going up a mountain, either slow footing my way or searching for a lower bike gear that doesn’t exist.

Staycation blues: Why I envy the humble hoverfly

This content was published on Nov 4, 2020 A mutant gene could be responsible for the author's inability to look forward to his staycation.

Mountains have our cross to bear

This content was published on Oct 2, 2020 Besides great views, have you ever wondered what’s at the top of some of the highest peaks in the Alps?

Alpine queuing: join the crowds

This content was published on Sep 29, 2020 On any given day close to a million people an hour are heading up a mountain somewhere in the Swiss Alps.

Once a ‘playground’ for the few, the Alps are now an amusement park for all

Swiss Alpine resorts are installing rides and other attractions on their slopes.

Opinion

Let’s save the glaciers, but what about the wolf?

This content was published on Aug 31, 2020 Where can you be called to the ballot box to save the glaciers one day and be asked to decide the fate of the wolf the next?

Opinion

How Swiss staycationers are scouting out your next Alpine getaway

This content was published on Jul 31, 2020 If you’re reading this and don’t reside in Europe, chances are you’re not going to make it to Switzerland this year. Now for the good news.

Opinion

Why mountains should not be named after people

This content was published on Jul 17, 2020 I’m not aware of any controversy surrounding the many Swiss mountains named after their gleaming peaks or dark summits.

Opinion

The chance of a lifetime to visit Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 9, 2020 I’m pleased to tell you my prediction that I would have the mountains to myself this summer was way off the mark.

A helicopter transports material for the construction of the water purification system of the SAC s Terri Mountain Hut

Low expectations for high life in Swiss mountain huts

This content was published on May 9, 2020 Swiss alpine huts are not exactly putting out the welcome mat, warning that visitors can only come if they bring a mask, disinfectant, and their own sleeping bag liners.