Modern alpinists try to climb mountains by a route which will give them good sport, and the more difficult it is, the more highly it is regarded. In the pioneering days, however, this was not the case at all. The early climbers were looking for the easiest way to the top, because the summit was the prize they sought, especially if it had never been attained before. It is true that during their explorations they often faced difficulties and dangers of the most perilous nature, equipped in a manner which would make a modern climber shudder at the thought, but they did not go out of their way to court such excitement. They had a single aim, a solitary goal---the top!
It is hard for us to realize nowadays how difficult it was for the pioneers. Except for one or two places such as Zermatt and Chamonix, which had rapidly become popular, Alpine villages tended to be impoverished settlements cut off from civilization by the high mountains. Such inns as there were were generally dirty and flea - ridden; the food simply local cheese accompanied by bread often twelve months old, all washed down with coarse wine. Often a valley boasted no inn at all, and climbers found shelter wherever they could---sometimes with the local priest (who was usually as poor as his parishioners), sometimes with shepherds or cheese - makers. Invariably the background was the same: dirt and poverty, and very uncomfortable. For men accustomed to eating seven - course dinners and sleeping between fine linen sheets at home, the change to the Alps must have been very hard indeed.
Why, then, did the early climbers put up with such hardships? The answer, I think, is that they were less interested in the sport than in the sense of accomplishment they got from reaching the top. It is true that they took risks, but in those days they had to take risks. They would never have been able to reach the top at all if they had not been prepared to take risks. They were a hardy race, these early climbers. They were not looking for a comfortable life, but for a challenge, and a sense of pride that they could meet that challenge.
Today, of course, things are different. The modern alpinist may be interested in the sport as well as in the sense of accomplishment. He may also be interested in getting a good photograph or in making a film. But he will still be looking for a route which will give him good sport, and he will still be looking for a challenge. He will still be a hardy race, these modern alpinists.