International holidays - International Mountaineering Day (Mountaineer's Day)

Mountaineering Day is a holiday with a touch of adrenaline, excitement and dizzying thrills. It is celebrated by courageous and determined people who skillfully demonstrate the limitlessness of human resources and capabilities. This holiday, labeled “extreme,” is celebrated both by those for whom mountaineering has become their life’s work and even a profession, as well as by amateurs who adore this dangerous and risky activity – conquering heights. The official year of birth of the holiday is 1786. It was then, thanks to endurance, dexterity, the ability to concentrate and not to deviate from the goal of two brave people, Mont Blanc, the highest peak of the Western Alps mountain range, was conquered. The significant event was preceded by an equally interesting story. Horace Benedict de Saussure, a scientist and famous botanist originally from Switzerland, was obsessed with the idea of ​​​​climbing the highest point of the Alps. He made several independent attempts, but, alas, they were unsuccessful. However, the desire to climb to a height of about 4,800 meters was so great that he promised to generously reward the daredevil who could do it. The prize fund attracted many adventurers, but the attempts made ended in failure and even tragedy. However, the route to the Chamonix Valley was nevertheless paved by two residents of Switzerland - the doctor Michel Packard, who took as his help a true expert on those places, a local historian and hunter - Jacques Balmat. The doctor wanted to interrupt the ascent several times, despite the tempting prize, but the guide Jacques insisted on reaching the victorious finale. However, Packard was the first to reach the summit and plant the flag on August 8th. He made sketches of the mountain landscape and recorded actual data - temperature and pressure. The historic ascent took more than 24 hours. The doctor could not contain the surging emotions that he decided to throw out in the form of a voluminous book publication. The more enterprising and less enthusiastic Jacques went to Saussure to receive the promised money. So he “hit the jackpot” and became a pioneer. But Packard, who was both the initiator and the first conqueror, remained in the shadows. And even his fascinating and truthful work about the Alpine feat was not allowed for publication. The first official mention of mountaineering was recorded in 1900 (the year the Russian Mountain Society was founded). Although the “profile high-altitude direction” itself has existed for a long time. Every year, August 8 is celebrated by both mountaineering athletes, amateur tourists, and professionals - steeplejacks and industrial climbers, who are becoming increasingly in demand in the labor market. Due to the widespread construction of high-rise buildings and structures, their mission is becoming increasingly important in the operation and maintenance of residential and commercial facilities. Namely – washing facades and glass, removing snow and icicles, installing and repairing all kinds of structures, as well as in the entire cycle of service and rescue work “at heights”. On this holiday, it is customary to organize exciting competitions for the title of “best” in many “mountain categories,” spectacular competitions and concerts. On this day, people who are directly related to this extreme sport and dynamic recreation come together to exchange professional experience and set new records.