Abstract ID: 3.11575 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Glacial retreat is reshaping both the physical landscape of high-altitude environments and the lived experiences of those who depend on them. While glaciers have become global symbols of climate change, mainstream narratives often overlook the perspectives of those directly affected. This study, based on ethnographic research and visual anthropology, examines the evolving relationship between glaciers and alpine communities by focusing on the experience of the keepers of the Quintino Sella mountain hut in the Monte Rosa massif (Aosta Valley, Italy). The glacier is not only a backdrop but an active force shaping the hut’s infrastructure and future. As the ice recedes, the stability of hiking routes and climbing access deteriorates, raising safety concerns and threatening the hut’s role as a base for alpinism. The retreating glacier also forces continuous adaptation, requiring significant investments in infrastructure, from water supply systems to structural reinforcements. Moreover, the glacier holds deep cultural significance for the local community, where it is an enduring symbol of identity and belonging. However, as conditions worsen, the hut keepers find themselves questioning its long-term viability and exploring alternative futures for the space. By centering the experiences of hut keepers and alpine inhabitants, this research challenges dominant media narratives, instead highlighting the entangled futures of glaciers and those who coexist with them. In doing so, it contributes to broader discussions on adaptation, resilience, and the role of local knowledge in understanding climate change beyond crisis narratives.