Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 · Character

Christian Almer

A Grindelwald guide of wide experience and surer foot, prized by Whymper as the steady counterweight who keeps bolder men in place on the rope.

supporting

Also known as Almer, Christian Almer of Grindelwald, Friend Christian Almer

First appearance: Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69

As a supporting figure in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69, Christian Almer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Old guide and friend; died on May 17, 1898, aged 72.

In the storyNotes to the Preface of the Fifth EditionOpen this moment free

Almer is the quiet professional of Whymper's Alpine circle, a guide whose truer heart and surer foot are vouched for by every employer. Where Croz supplies dash, Almer supplies judgment, and the two work together so smoothly that each praises the other's craft. His reliability anchors the middle expeditions, letting Whymper attempt harder lines knowing the rope behind him will not falter.

See Christian Almer in Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition Book page

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Christian Almer appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition
Old guide and friend; died on May 17, 1898, aged 72.
Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69
A guide from Grindelwald who assisted in various ascents.
From St. Michel on the Mont Cenis Road, by the Col des Aiguilles d’Arve, Col de Martignare, and the Brêche de la Meije, to La Bérarde
Guide of Moore and Walker, noted for his unruffled temper and safe, obliging nature.
IX: The Ascent of the Pointe des Écrins
Guide who relieves Croz in cutting steps and leads the descent, making a dangerous jump across a notch.
X: On the First Passage of the Col de Pilatte
Sent up to reconnoitre the route; serves as last man on the rope during the descent, urging caution.
XII: The Moming Pass—Zermatt
Advocates for the Schallhorn rocks route; expresses indignation during the dangerous crossing.
XIII: The First Ascent of the Grand Cornier
Leading guide alongside Croz; speaks little else than German.
The Ascent of the Dent Blanche
Guide; directs Whymper on handholds, works vigorously during the descent.
Lost on the Col d'Hérens—My Seventh Attempt to Ascend the Matterhorn
Attempted to correct the course but overshot the pass; expressed aversion to attempting the eastern face.
The First Passage of the Col Dolent
Works with Biener to cut steps and pay out rope; descends the ice slope with steadiness.
XVIII: Ascent of the Aiguille Verte
Became Whymper's leading guide for the ascent; described as a crack chamois-hunter and accomplished guide.
XX: The First Ascent of the Ruinette—The Matterhorn
Guide who refuses to attempt the Matterhorn; discharged by Whymper at Breuil.
D: Table of Attempts Made to Ascend the Matterhorn Previous to the First Ascent
Guided attempt 14 in 1865.
List of Illustrations
Portrait included; guide on several expeditions.

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See Christian Almer in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69

See Christian Almer in Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition