Ben Tibbetts talks to me about alpine bivouac huts, and his project to visit and document hundreds of lesser known cabins and mountaineering routes across the Alps.
Ben is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and a professional photographer whose first book Alpenglow showcases the finest routes on the 4000m peaks of the Alps. With his partner Valentine Fabre, he has recently self published Cabin Wild: Alpine Bivouac Huts in two volumes which explore a selection of simple mountain shelters across the Alps detailing the trips and common mountain itineraries accessable from these special places. The books are illustrated with Ben's stunning photography throughout.
We talk about the allure of these (usually) quiet huts, and get a sense of the scale of Ben and Valentine's project to visit them over the past decade or more. Ben's interest in the history of alpinism is clear, and the link between mountaineers and bivi huts across the ages is also a fascinating journey. Ben's interest in simple mountain shelters started with Scottish bothies, and we compare and contrast the UK and Alpine networks.
We delve into some alpine mountaineering history, as well as the paradox of promoting quiet places. Ben sees a lot of scope for a spreading of demand across a wider number of places and objectives - for example we discuss the brilliant Balanselmo Traverse, a practically unknown route at around 3300m altitude above the Gressoney Valley.
Mountain cabins are not without issue or conflicts, and we discuss visiting these places with respect, as well as the cultural generosity of those who build and maintain these places.
Ben's website is at www.bentibbetts.com where you can find out more about him and his books: Alpenglow, The 4000m Peaks of the Alps (West), and Cabin Wild. The Central volume of his 4000m guidebook is due for release later this year.
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