# Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 by Edward Whymper.

- [Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/notes-to-the-preface-of-the-fifth-edition.md): Whymper provides updates on changes since earlier editions, including new inns and huts, map revisions, early ascents of the Aiguilles d'Arve, the death of Christian Almer, alterations on the southern side of the Matterh
- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph presents a reflection on the intertwined nature of toil and pleasure, suggesting they are necessarily connected despite their opposing qualities.
- [Frontispiece](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/frontispiece.md): A brief note describes a fog-bow observed from the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865, which the Taugwalders associated with the subsequent accident.
- [Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/scrambles-amongst-the-alps-in-the-years-1860-69.md): This chapter recounts the author's early alpine adventures, including his commission to sketch Mont Pelvoux, the first ascent of that peak, and subsequent climbs and explorations in the Alps. It details the challenges of
- [I: Introductory](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/i-introductory.md): Whymper recounts his early Alpine experiences in 1860, including a perilous solo crossing of the Gorner Glacier, a near-fatal jump over a crevasse, and a night lost in the forest near Zermatt. He also describes encounter
- [II: The Ascent of Mont Pelvoux](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/ii-the-ascent-of-mont-pelvoux.md): Whymper describes the geography, history, and challenges of the Dauphiné Alps, focusing on Mont Pelvoux. He recounts his journey from Briançon, the inhospitable inns and suspicious locals, the tragic history of the Vaudo
- [The Mont Cenis—The Fell Railway—The Great Tunnel Through the Alps](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/iii-the-mont-cenis-the-fell-railway-the-great-tunnel-through-the-alps.md): Whymper describes the Mont Cenis pass, its transformation by Napoleon's road, and the subsequent Fell railway and the great Alpine tunnel. He details the engineering marvels, the dangers faced by workers, and the applica
- [My First Scramble on the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/iv-my-first-scramble-on-the-matterhorn.md): Whymper describes his first encounter with the Matterhorn, its imposing appearance, local superstitions, and the history of early attempts to climb it, including those by the Parker brothers, Mr. Vaughan Hawkins, and Pro
- [Renewed Attempts to Ascend the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/v-renewed-attempts-to-ascend-the-matterhorn.md): In 1862, multiple attempts to climb the Matterhorn are described, including Mr. T. S. Kennedy's winter ascent from Zermatt, Professor Tyndall's reconnaissance and subsequent failure from the south, and the author's own s
- [The Val Tournanche—Direct Pass from Breuil to Zermatt (Breuiljoch)—Zermatt—Ascent of the Grand Tournalin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/vi-the-val-tournanche-direct-pass-from-breuil-to-zermatt-breuiljoch-zermatt-ascent-of-the-grand-tournalin.md): Whymper describes his return to Breuil after a six-day tour of the Matterhorn, the crossing of the Breuiljoch to Zermatt, and the ascent of the Grand Tournalin. He reflects on the geological features of the Gouffre des B
- [VII: Our Sixth Attempt to Ascend the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/vii-our-sixth-attempt-to-ascend-the-matterhorn.md): Whymper recounts the sixth attempt to ascend the Matterhorn, starting on August 10, 1865. The party, led by Carrel with Caesar Carrel, Luc Meynet, and two others, faces treacherous icy conditions on the Col du Lion and e
- [From St. Michel on the Mont Cenis Road, by the Col des Aiguilles d’Arve, Col de Martignare, and the Brêche de la Meije, to La Bérarde](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/viii-from-st-michel-on-the-mont-cenis-road-by-the-col-des-aiguilles-d-arve-col-de-martignare-and-the-br-che-de-la-meije-to-la-b-rarde.md): Whymper recounts a multi-day expedition through the Dauphiné Alps, crossing several passes and culminating at the Brêche de la Meije. The chapter describes the challenging terrain, the strategic planning with companions 
- [IX: The Ascent of the Pointe des Écrins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/ix-the-ascent-of-the-pointe-des-crins.md): Whymper and his party attempt the first ascent of the Pointe des Écrins, facing extreme ice, steep rock, and dangerous conditions. After a difficult climb, they reach the summit but find the descent even more perilous, f
- [X: On the First Passage of the Col de Pilatte](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/x-on-the-first-passage-of-the-col-de-pilatte.md): Whymper and his party attempt a new pass over the Crête des Boeufs Rouges near Les Bans in the Dauphiné Alps. After a restful night at the chalets of Entraigues, they are joined by M. Jean Reynaud. They ascend a steep sn
- [Passage of the Col de Triolet, and First Ascents of Mont Dolent, Aiguille de Trélatête, and Aiguille d’Argentière](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xi-passage-of-the-col-de-triolet-and-first-ascents-of-mont-dolent-aiguille-de-tr-lat-te-and-aiguille-d-argenti-re.md): In 1864, Whymper recounts the inaccuracies in the mapping of the Mont Blanc chain, highlighting J. D. Forbes's earlier survey and Mr. Adams-Reilly's subsequent meticulous survey that corrected major errors, including the
- [XII: The Moming Pass—Zermatt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xii-the-moming-pass-zermatt.md): Whymper recounts the attempt to cross the Moming Pass from Zinal to Zermatt with Moore, Almer, and Croz, including a perilous ice-slope crossing and a night in a squalid chalet. The chapter also describes a journey to Si
- [XIII: The First Ascent of the Grand Cornier](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xiii-the-first-ascent-of-the-grand-cornier.md): Whymper describes his 1865 season, emphasizing his deliberate route selection based on snow and glacier travel rather than rocky arêtes. He recounts the first ascent of the Grand Cornier on June 16, 1865, via snow slopes
- [The Ascent of the Dent Blanche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xiv-the-ascent-of-the-dent-blanche.md): Whymper and his guides attempt the Dent Blanche, a notoriously difficult peak, facing extreme wind, cold, and technical challenges. They reach the summit ridge and find a cairn, confirming a prior ascent by T. S. Kennedy
- [Lost on the Col d'Hérens—My Seventh Attempt to Ascend the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xv-lost-on-the-col-d-h-rens-my-seventh-attempt-to-ascend-the-matterhorn.md): Whymper recounts a failed crossing of the Col d'Hérens due to a late start caused by Biener's delay and a sudden fog that disoriented the party. After hours of confused navigation, they were forced to retreat to Abricoll
- [The Valley of Aosta, and Ascent of the Grandes Jorasses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xvi-the-valley-of-aosta-and-ascent-of-the-grandes-jorasses.md): Whymper examines the glacial theories of Professors Ramsay and Tyndall regarding the excavation of Alpine valleys, using the Valley of Aosta as a case study. He argues that the evidence from roches moutonnées, the mouths
- [The First Passage of the Col Dolent](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xvii-the-first-passage-of-the-col-dolent.md): Whymper and his party attempt a new pass over the Col Dolent, hoping for a quicker route from Courmayeur to Chamounix. The ascent is straightforward, but the descent on the Argentière side reveals a treacherous ice slope
- [XVIII: Ascent of the Aiguille Verte](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xviii-ascent-of-the-aiguille-verte.md): Whymper recounts the ascent of the Aiguille Verte with Christian Almer and Franz Biener after Michel Croz leaves for another engagement. The chapter details the journey over the Mer de Glace, observations on glacial stra
- [XIX: The First Passage of the Col de Talèfre](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xix-the-first-passage-of-the-col-de-tal-fre.md): Whymper recounts the first crossing of the Col de Talèfre on July 3, 1865, a new pass between the Aiguille de Triolet and the Aiguille de Talèfre, offering a quicker route from Chamounix to Courmayeur than the Col du Géa
- [XX: The First Ascent of the Ruinette—The Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xx-the-first-ascent-of-the-ruinette-the-matterhorn.md): Whymper and his guides ascend the Ruinette, then cross glaciers and passes toward Breuil. He discharges Almer and Biener after they refuse to attempt the Matterhorn, and seeks Carrel, who is unavailable. After a series o
- [The First Ascent of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xxi-the-first-ascent-of-the-matterhorn.md): Whymper and his party successfully make the first ascent of the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865, after a relatively easy climb from the Swiss side. They reach the summit, plant a flag, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps,
- [Descent of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xxii-descent-of-the-matterhorn.md): The chapter recounts the tragic descent from the Matterhorn's summit in 1865, where a slip by Mr. Hadow leads to a catastrophic fall, dragging Michel Croz, Rev. Charles Hudson, and Lord Francis Douglas to their deaths. T
- [The Death of Bennen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/a-the-death-of-bennen.md): Mr. Gosset recounts the tragic ascent of the Haut de Cry on February 28, 1864, during which an avalanche was triggered on a steep snowfield. Despite warnings, the party continued, and the avalanche swept them down. Benne
- [Struck by Lightning Upon the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/b-struck-by-lightning-upon-the-matterhorn.md): Mr. R. B. Heathcote recounts his 1869 ascent of the Matterhorn via the southern route, during which he and his party were struck by lightning near the summit. The group descended safely but suffered various injuries from
- [Subsequent History of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/c-subsequent-history-of-the-matterhorn.md): This chapter details the development of routes on the Matterhorn after the first ascent, including the construction of huts, the opening of the Zermatt railway, and the establishment of marked paths. It recounts later as
- [D: Table of Attempts Made to Ascend the Matterhorn Previous to the First Ascent](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/d-table-of-attempts-made-to-ascend-the-matterhorn-previous-to-the-first-ascent.md): This chapter is a chronological table listing all known attempts to ascend the Matterhorn before its first successful ascent in 1865. It details the dates, participants, sides attempted, heights reached, and remarks for 
- [E: Ascents of the Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/e-ascents-of-the-matterhorn.md): This chapter provides a chronological table of ascents of the Matterhorn from 1865 to 1880, listing the names of climbers, guides, routes taken, and brief remarks. It includes the first ascent by Lord Francis Douglas, D.
- [Courte Note sur la Géologie du Matterhorn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/f-courte-note-sur-la-g-ologie-du-matterhorn.md): This chapter presents a geological analysis of the Matterhorn by Signor F. Giordano, describing its stratified sedimentary rocks, metamorphic structure, and the distinction between the base and the peak. It also recounts
- [G: Stratification of Snow and Formation of Glacier-Ice](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/g-stratification-of-snow-and-formation-of-glacier-ice.md): In this chapter, Whymper details his 1866 expedition to the Col de Valpelline, where he supervised the digging of a 22-foot pit in the Stock Glacier to study the transition of snow into glacier-ice. He describes the hars
- [H: Denudation in the Valley of the Durance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/h-denudation-in-the-valley-of-the-durance.md): In 1869, while walking up the Valley of the Durance, Whymper discovers remarkable natural pillars formed from an old moraine. He examines their composition, deduces their glacial origin, and discusses the processes of de
- [Maps](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/maps.md): This chapter presents a collection of maps and a vertical section of snow, illustrating the geography of the Valpelline, Valtournanche, Zermatt, Mont Blanc, and the Matterhorn regions.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The endnotes provide supplementary details, corrections, and reflections on various events described in the main text, including observations on weather variability in the Alps, a personal account of a fall and its sensa
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations.md): This chapter provides a comprehensive list of illustrations included in the book, depicting landscapes, portraits, equipment, geological features, and key events from the author's alpine adventures.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters