Alpenstock places they use sticks tipped with iron, by leaning upon which they climb steep slopes. These are called alpine sticks, and are principally in use among the shepherds." On August 8, 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard made the first ascent of Mont Blanc. Balmat, a chamois hunter and crystal collector, had experience with high mountain travel, and Paccard had made previous attempts to climb the peak. Illustrations show Balmat carrying two separate tools (whose respective functions would later be re-assigned to the ice axe): an alpenstock (or baton), and a small axe that could be used to chop steps
Froze-to-Death Mountain County, Montana. While it is a challenging summit in itself, most climbers bypass it for the saddle between Froze-to-Death and its neighbor, Prairie View Mountain, to take one of two trailways that lead up to Granite Peak, the highest peak in Montana. The name "Froze-to-Death" is said to derive from the experiences of the local Crow tribe of Native Americans. The area can be deadly for unprepared visitors. Its rocky, broken terrain is difficult for travelers and snow is possible at any time of the year. The imposing conditions of the mountain and the surrounding plateau preclude nearly all wildlife