# Christian Almer — Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 character guide > Christian Almer in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 by Edward Whymper. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Almer, Christian Almer of Grindelwald, Friend Christian Almer **First appearance:** 0004-scrambles-amongst-the-alps-in-the-years-1860-69 ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/viii-from-st-michel-on-the-mont-cenis-road-by-the-col-des-aiguilles-d-arve-col-de-martignare-and-the-br-che-de-la-meije-to-la-b-rarde) Guide of Moore and Walker, noted for his unruffled temper and safe, obliging nature. ### [IX: The Ascent of the Pointe des Écrins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/ix-the-ascent-of-the-pointe-des-crins) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xiii-the-first-ascent-of-the-grand-cornier) Leading guide alongside Croz; speaks little else than German. ### [The Ascent of the Dent Blanche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xv-lost-on-the-col-d-h-rens-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/d-table-of-attempts-made-to-ascend-the-matterhorn-previous-to-the-first-ascent) Guided attempt 14 in 1865. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Portrait included; guide on several expeditions. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/christian_almer - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters