Summit of Mont Blanc Is First Scaled
Mont Blanc, standing at 4,808 meters (15,771 feet), is the highest mountain in Europe, located in the Alps along the French-Italian border. This majestic peak is part of a larger geological formation known as a massif, characterized by its challenging terrain, which includes ice and glaciers. The summit was first successfully scaled on August 8, 1786, by Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard from Chamonix, France, and his guide, Jacques Balmat. Their ascent marked a significant moment in the history of mountaineering, as it was one of the early instances of mountain climbing being pursued as a recreational activity, a trend that grew more popular in the 19th century. Following their historic climb, Balmat became a key figure in leading other climbers on expeditions to Mont Blanc before his passing in 1834. Today, Mont Blanc remains a significant destination for climbers and adventure seekers, symbolizing the allure and challenges of high-altitude exploration in the European landscape.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Summit of Mont Blanc Is First Scaled
Summit of Mont Blanc Is First Scaled
At 4,808 meters, Mont Blanc, in the Alps on the French border with Italy, is the highest mountain in Europe. It is part of a massif, a broader geological formation, and is 15,771 feet tall at its summit. The terrain is difficult and many parts of the landscape are covered by ice and glaciers. On August 8, 1786, the first human beings reached the peak of Mont Blanc. They were Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard of Chamonix, France, and his guide, Jacques Balmat. Paccard and Balmat were among the first to explore mountain-climbing as a form of recreational activity, although it would not begin to become popular as such until well into the 19th century. Balmat went on to lead several other climbers on expeditions to Mont Blanc before his death in 1834.