# XII: The Moming Pass—Zermatt 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 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 Sierre and Zermatt, the social scene at the Monte Rosa hotel, and the abrupt end of Whymper's holiday due to disastrous news from home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Danger and Mortality

The ice-slope crossing is described as 'monstrous folly' and 'foolhardiness,' with Moore's heart in his mouth and Almer's strong language reflecting the life-threatening risk.

### Exploration and Discovery

Moore's ambition to find a direct pass between Zinal and Zermatt drives the expedition, highlighting the spirit of geographical discovery.

### Human vs. Nature

The violent thunderstorm on the Moming Glacier and the subsequent sullen morning force the party to decide whether to advance or retreat, emphasizing nature's power over human plans.

### Companionship and Trust

The group's debate over routes and eventual unity in following Croz's plan, despite misgivings, illustrates the reliance on each other in dangerous situations.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Whymper

Narrator and leader of the expedition; advocates for a southern route but defers to Croz's plan, later regrets the dangerous ice-slope crossing.

### Michel Croz

Proposes a middle route up steep glacier, then abandons it for Almer's rocks; cuts steps across a perilous ice-slope.

### Christian Almer

Advocates for the Schallhorn rocks route; expresses indignation during the dangerous crossing.

### Mr. Moore

Ambitious to discover a shorter pass from Zinal to Zermatt; hesitates during the route debate and later records his terror in his journal.

### Mr. Adams-Reilly

Expected to arrive with stores for the Matterhorn attack; Whymper awaits him only to cancel plans.

## Key lines

> I am not ashamed to confess, wrote Moore in his Journal, that during the whole time we were crossing this slope my heart was in my mouth, and I never felt relieved from such a load of care as when, after, I suppose, a passage of about twenty minutes, we got on to the rocks and were in safety.

Moore admitted in his journal that he was terrified throughout the twenty-minute crossing of the ice-slope and felt immense relief upon reaching the safety of the rocks.

_Illustrates the extreme danger of the crossing and the emotional toll on the climbers._

> A sullen morning succeeded an angry night. We were undecided in our council whether to advance or to return down the valley.

After a stormy night, the morning was gloomy, and the group debated whether to continue or retreat.

_Highlights the uncertainty and decision-making under adverse weather conditions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xii-the-moming-pass-zermatt
- 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