Because they are so sparsely populated, there are few grocery stores or other shops that are easily accessible, meaning that people need to go a long way to get their basic needs met.
People who live in the Alps typically build their houses with steep slanted roofs to prevent snow from accumulating. They also usually place bedrooms on the second floor to allow heat to rise and keep the bedrooms warm!
To make the Alps easier to navigate, people have built many trains and cable cars that help people move through the region. These modes of transport are not only useful, but they also are often very scenic and beautiful, and they bring tourists to the area!