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]]