chamonix summit history conquest monument first ascent of mont blanc summit

1760 accomplishment achievement admire aiguilles alpenstock alpinism alps ascent axe backpack balmat bianco blanc blue bronze chamonix cliff climb climbing complete completed conquest courage determination doctor duchy early endurance enjoying enjoyment erected europe father financial first france french goal guide highest hiker hiking history hot landscape major massif mont monte monument mountain mountaineer mountaineering napoleonic paccard physician reach reached reward saussure savoy savoyard sky statue summit sun trek valley wars