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Eiger

Eiger is a mountain in the Alps of Switzerland, rising to 3,970 metres (13,025'). Eiger is actually the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that also contains Jungfrau (4,158m) and Mönch (4,099m). The peak is mentioned in records dating back to the 13th century but there is no clear indication of how exactly the peak gained its name. The name has been linked to the Greek term akros meaning "sharp" or "pointed".

The spectacular North face of Eiger towers over 1,800m (5,900') above the valley below and has claimed the lives of many climbers attempting to conquer this difficult face. A portion of the upper face is called "The White Spider", as snow filled cracks radiating from the glacier resemble the legs of a spider.

The first ascent of Eiger was made by Swiss guides Christian Almer, Peter Bohren and Irishman Charles Barrington on August 11, 1858. The North face of Eiger was first climbed on July 24, 1938 by Heinrich Harrer, Andreas Heckmair, Ludwig Voerg and Fritz Kasparek of a German-Austrian expedition.

Timeline

1858First ascent.
1871First ascent by the southwest ridge.
1921On September 10, first ascent by the Mittellegi ridge.
1924First ski ascent via the Eiger glacier.
1932First ascent via the Lauper route on the NE face.
1934First attempt on the North face by Willy Beck, Kurt Löwinger and Georg Löwinger reaching 2,900m.
1935 First attempt on North face by the Germans Karl Mehringer and Max Sedlmeyer. They froze to death at 3,300m, a section now known as "Death Bivouac".
1936 Four Austrian-German climbers, Hinterstoisser, Kurz, Angerer and Rainer, died on the North face in severe weather conditions during a retreat from Death Bivouac.
1938First ascent of North face (three days).
1950First ascent of North face in a single day.
1961First winter ascent by Toni Kinshofer, Anderl Mannhardt and Toni Hiebeler.
1963First solo ascent of North face by Michel Darbellay.
1964German Daisy Voog becomes the first woman to summit via the North face.
1970First ski descent, on west side.

Since 1935, over 50 climbers have died attempting the North face.

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