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Mountain Recreation and Exploration
Swiss Guides, ca.1910 (WMCR-V263/NG-71) |
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With the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885,
mountaineers from all over the world gained access to the Rocky and
Selkirk Mountains for the first time. Because the mountains were
largely unexplored and the peaks were unclimbed, these mountaineers
were excited about the prospects of new discoveries. They instantly
set out to make first ascents. However, some of these early
climbers lacked experience, and one fell to his death in
1896.
Concern surrounding this first climbing
death in the Rocky Mountains lead to the employment
of expert climbing guides
from Switzerland to assist climbers and tourists on potentially
dangerous mountains. The Canadian Pacific Railway engaged
Swiss guides at their mountain hotels to safely escort clients
to surrounding summits and ensure their safe return. |
The Swiss Guides gained their skills
through extensive training in the Swiss Alps. With sound advice and amiable assistance,
these mountain guides helped clients safely conquer mountain
peaks.
Mountaineers decked out for climbing dressed very differently than we
do today. The Swiss Guide shown in the photograph to the left, wore a
tweed jacket, alpine hat, necktie, nailed boots and knickers with long
woolen socks. Guides wore ropes around their shoulders for climbing,
carried long ice axes and often smoked a pipe. Initially, women climbers
wore skirts and even long coats while climbing but soon adopted more
practical clothing.
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Advanced mountaineers would take
extended trips into the mountains. Their expeditions would require
much preparation and gear. To carry all the food and equipment
they needed, mountaineers would hire tail guides and packhorses for
their journeys. Some of Harmons famous Columbia Icefield
Expedition photographs show pack trains crossing glaciers.
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Packtrain on
Columbia Icefield expedition,
1924
(WMCR-V263/NA-5996) |
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