The Alps were not "discovered" in the same way that a new species of animal or plant might be. They've always been there, and humans have lived in and around them for thousands of years.

Here's why it's tricky to assign a single "discoverer":

* Prehistoric Inhabitants: Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived in the Alps as far back as the Stone Age. These early inhabitants were certainly aware of the mountain range.

* Ancient Civilizations: The Romans, Greeks, and other ancient civilizations had knowledge of the Alps. They used the mountain passes for trade and military campaigns.

* Modern Exploration: While the Alps were not "discovered" in the traditional sense, modern explorers and mountaineers have made significant contributions to our understanding of the mountains. For example, Horace Benedict de Saussure, a Swiss scientist, was instrumental in promoting alpine exploration and scientific research in the 18th century.

In short, the Alps have always been known, and their discovery is a gradual process that spans thousands of years. It's more accurate to talk about the exploration and understanding of the Alps throughout history, rather than a single moment of discovery.