Sparking Swiss enthusiasm, the adventure of 'Mountain Tinder' ignites climbing passion
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, a unique dating phenomenon is blossoming. Known as "Mountain Tinder", this innovative approach to romance eschews digital screens and algorithms in favour of red summit books and handwritten notes.
The brainchild of 29-year-old Thibaud Monney, an avid hiker from Fribourg, Mountain Tinder works by placing these red notebooks on various Alpine peaks. Hikers can leave messages with personal details and expressions of interest, and others reaching the same summit can read these notes and contact the authors if they share a spark.
Monney conceived the idea in 2023, initially as a joke. He placed the first notebooks on summits like Wandflue and Dent de Broc, encouraging visitors to leave messages. The system's success lies in its natural ability to connect like-minded and adventurous individuals, as only those physically capable and passionate about hiking can reach these summits.
One such success story involves Cathy Rotzetter and Patrick, both 58. They found each other through a message left in the red book at the 2133-meter Wandflue peak. Nine months later, they are happily together, demonstrating the service's potential to create genuine relationships away from digital platforms.
Cathy, who declined to give her surname, wrote that she enjoys relaxed hikes and having a drink afterwards. Patrick, also 58 and reluctant to share his surname, was charmed by her message a week later. Their first date was a long scenic walk, ending with a picnic. Cathy appreciated that Patrick brought food and drink for her and kept pace with her during the walk.
Monney prefers this analogue dating method to online dating apps because it requires physically reaching a peak instead of choosing a partner based on a picture and swiping left or right. He believes that if you contact someone through the notebooks, you already have something in common, such as a love for nature and mountains. Cathy agrees, noting that walking makes for a perfect first date and provides good insight into the other person's character.
As the notebooks on La Vudalla are filling up fast, others have congratulated Monney for liberating dating from algorithmic dictates. Monney, who also provides woodwork vocational training for disabled people, has placed Mountain Tinder notebooks on seven Fribourg peaks.
Whether you're passionate about mountains, skiing, climbing, or simply enjoy a good hike, Mountain Tinder offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. So, grab a red notebook, head to the mountains, and who knows? You might just find your mountain mate.
If you're drawn to the charming outdoor-living atmosphere of the Swiss Alps, Mountain Tinder presents an exciting alternative to conventional dating platforms. This home-and-garden project, comprising red notebooks placed on various Alpine peaks, allows one to express love-and-dating interests organically, fostering relationships that thrive in nature's embrace.
