The highest mountain in Western Europe was first climbed on the 8th of...

The highest mountain in Western Europe was first climbed on the 8th of August 1786 by a local crystal hunter, Jacques Balmat and a local doctor, Michel Gabriel Paccard. They claimed the prize money that Horace Benedict de Saussure had offered in 1760.

People had been trying for years but the breakthrough didn't come until the June of 1786 when Jacques Balmat was trapped out overnight on the glacier, AND SURVIVED; thereby destroying local myths and proving that a 2-day ascent was feasible.

Nowadays, in summer, their exploit is repeated by as many as 200 people a day.
The speed record is held by the Swiss P.A. Gobet. He ran from the centre of Chamonix to the summit and back in 5hr 10min !
Most mortals take 2 days and use lifts and trains to cheat for the first few thousand metres !

For fun and share.

Carlos

Added: May 23, 2006
Date produced: 2002
Producer: Carlos Moreira
 This item has been viewed 7489 times