Above the Snow Line: Mountaineering Sketches Between 1870 and 1880

A lively collection of Alpine recollections, this volume offers the reader a glimpse into the golden age of 19th‑century mountaineering. The author revisits old expeditions with fresh phrasing, turning dusty journal entries into vivid sketches of crevasses, high‑altitude inns, and the quiet drama of climbing the Balfrinhorn and Südlenzspitz. Alongside the rugged terrain, he weaves thoughtful asides on the nature of record‑keeping, the allure of forgotten drafts, and the peculiar pleasure of confronting one’s own quirks in solitude.

Interlaced with practical observations—how to spot hidden crevasses or make a shelter breathe at altitude—are wry commentaries on the climbing craze that swept Europe, and on the social rhythms of alpine hostels. The writing balances dry humor with genuine affection for the mountains, inviting listeners to imagine the crisp Alpine air, the camaraderie of a well‑ventilated shelter, and the quiet triumph felt when a summit is finally reached.