Souls of the Alps #03: Christian Almer – The Guide of Great Firsts

In the 19th century, as the Alps began to attract British adventurers chasing glory and altitude, one quiet figure stood at the heart of the greatest alpine triumphs: Christian Almer, the Swiss guide who led dozens of climbers to uncharted summits — with courage, humility, and deep respect for the mountains.

Born in 1826 in the alpine village of Grindelwald, Almer knew the mountains like one knows their own home. The son of farmers, he quickly became one of Switzerland’s most sought-after mountain guides. But it wasn’t just his skills that set him apart — it was his calm presence, his ethics, and his unwavering companionship.

His career was marked by over 30 first ascents, a remarkable achievement even by today’s standards. Among them: the Eiger (via west, 1858), the Mönch (1857), the Dent Blanche (1862), the Barre des Écrins (1864), and the Dom (1858).

Alongside legendary names like Edward Whymper and Francis Fox Tuckett, Almer was the quiet force guiding them through danger. He wasn’t the one making headlines in London, but he was the one holding the rope — making the decisions, navigating the storms, and often saving lives.

In 1874, at nearly 50 years old, he did something that reflects his spirit perfectly: he took his own son, Ulrich Almer, to the summit of the Aiguille Verte, making him one of the youngest climbers to ever reach that peak. In doing so, he passed on more than technique — he passed on love for the mountain.

Christian Almer died in 1898, but his name remains etched into trails, stories, and stone. More than a guide, he was a guardian of the peaks, and one of the purest alpine souls to ever walk among them.

“Better than reaching the summit… is bringing someone safely there.”
— Christian Almer (quote attributed by fellow guides)