The Scrambles Among the Alps

Edward Wimper set out to conquer the Matterhorn in 1865. He was accompanied by an Italian guide named Jean Antoine Corel. The two parted ways just prior to his approach from Zermatt. Seven men joined him at the outset, most of whom had very little experience climbing mountains. They reached the foot of the upper peak before 10 a.m., then they crossed over the ridge line to the north face where the slope was gentler. At that point, with just a few hundred feet left to go, Wimper and Michelle Kross detached themselves from the team's rope and began sprinting toward the summit With the others following behind.