First ascent
375674
219291850
2008-06-14T14:47:59Z
201.37.229.117
De-linked - target is aviation term
{{refimprove|date=January 2008}}
In [[climbing]], a '''first ascent (FA)''' is the first modern recorded climb to reach the top of a [[mountain]], or the first to follow a particular [[climbing route]]. First ascents are notable because they are the climbs that entail genuine [[exploration]]; the risks are higher and the challenge greater than for any later climber.
Many of the earlier first ascents, particularly for difficult routes, involved a mix of [[free climbing|free]] and [[aid climbing]]. As a result, purist free climbers also identify a '''first free ascent (FFA)''', made using equipment for protection only and thus more challenging.
First ascents, free or otherwise, are generally carefully recorded as part of the history of a mountain or [[climbing area]], and usually mentioned in guidebooks. Some area guidebooks consciously choose to omit this information, so as to discourage disputes over priority and excessive [[Bolt (climbing)|bolting]] of faces so as to be able to add up new "first ascents." In some cases, particularly those of prominent mountains, the details of a first ascent are scanty or unknown; sometimes the only evidence of prior visitation is a [[cairn]], artifacts, or inscriptions discovered at the summit.
The term '''"last ascent"''' has been used facetiously to refer to a climb that is so unpleasant or unaesthetic (due to loose rock, excessive brush, etc) that no one would ever willingly repeat the first ascent party's ordeal.
==See also==
*[[List of first ascents]]
*[[Exploration of the High Alps|List of first ascents in the Alps]]
*[[List of highest mountains|List of first ascents in the Himalaya]]
* [http://www.alpinist.com/doc/ALP17/verite-mortimer Alpinist Magazine] Peter Mortimer's <i>First Ascent</i>. Issue - 17
[[Category:Climbing]]
[[de:Erstbesteigung]]
[[es:Primera ascensión]]
[[eo:Unua montogrimpo]]
[[fr:Première ascension]]
[[no:Førstebestigning]]
[[nn:Førsteklatring]]
[[simple:First ascent]]
[[sk:Prvovýstup]]