# IX: The Ascent of the Pointe des Écrins explained — Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69

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

## What happens

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, forcing them to navigate a treacherous western arête.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conquest and Perseverance

The party's relentless effort to summit the Écrins despite extreme ice, steep slopes, and dangerous conditions exemplifies the drive to conquer.

### Danger and Mortality

The descent is marked by life-threatening situations, including a precarious jump across a notch and the risk of falling into the Glacier Noir.

### Human vs. Nature

The climbers battle the mountain's icy face, rotten rock, and avalanches, highlighting the struggle against natural forces.

### Companionship and Trust

The team relies on each other's skills and judgment, especially during the dangerous descent, where guides and climbers work in unison.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Whymper

Narrator and leader of the expedition, describes the ascent and descent of the Écrins.

### Michel Croz

Guide who cuts steps on the hard ice and later assists in the descent.

### Christian Almer

Guide who relieves Croz in cutting steps and leads the descent, making a dangerous jump across a notch.

### Mr. Moore

Member of the party who agrees with Walker and Whymper to avoid descending via the 'last rocks.'

### Horace Walker

Member of the party who concurs with Moore and Whymper about the descent route.

### Peter Perrn

Guide who assists in the descent of the couloir during the reconnaissance.

## Key lines

> It was evident thus early that the ascent would not be accomplished without exertion, and that it would demand all our faculties and all our time.

From the start, it was clear that climbing the mountain would require great effort and full concentration.

_Whymper sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the challenge ahead._

> Croz’s blood was up, and indignant at this slight on his powers, he ceased working, turned in his steps, and rushed towards me with a haste that made me shudder: 'By all means let us go there, the sooner the better.'

Croz became angry when his ice-cutting was questioned, and he stormed back toward Whymper in frustration.

_Shows the tension and pride among the guides during the difficult ascent._

> Had anyone then said to me, 'You are a great fool for coming here,' I should have answered with humility, 'It is too true.'

Whymper felt so overwhelmed by the danger that he would have agreed with anyone calling him foolish for attempting the climb.

_Reflects the extreme peril of the descent and Whymper's regret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/ix-the-ascent-of-the-pointe-des-crins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters