One can already see visions of parties of enthusiasts threading their way amongst intricate ice-falls, cutting steps up hard ice slopes, conquering by persistent effort splendid rock peaks, drinking in the glories of a new and fascinating world. Not climbing from a gymnast’s point of view, but climbing because—why? They cannot tell you why; but because they feel and know the physical and spiritual benefits of a closer contact with Nature, with an Omnipotent and Ever-guiding Hand, which rules all things and creates a heaven even upon earth.
A SHORT GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL ALPINE TERMS.
Arête.—A ridge either of rock, ice, or snow, or combinations of all three.
Bergschrund.—The crevasse or deep moat almost invariably found between the sides and upper portions of a glacier or ice slope and the rocks above, or the permanent clinging ice above, as the case may be. Of late the meaning of the term has become extended, and almost any crevasse in the upper parts of a glacier with one lip higher than the other comes under the designation.
Col.—Saddle, or dip in a ridge.
Cornice.—The overhanging edge of an arête caused by drifting snow.
Couloir.—A ditch or deep gully in the mountain side; in the upper regions being usually floored with ice and swept by avalanches.
Crevasse.—The rent caused by fracture of the ice under tension.