105: A Tragedy on Longs Peak

About this episode

This episode discusses the tragic winter climb of Longs Peak by Agnes Vaille and Walter Kiener in 1925.

Mountain climbing was an unusual pastime in the 1920s. It was particularly unusual among women. But Agnes Vaille made a name for herself as a tough, formidable climber. Soon, she found herself setting records. In 1925, she and fellow climber Walter Kiener decided to make history as the first people to climb Longs Peak’s east face in the wintertime. Their friends warned them against the dangerous climb. But Walter and Agnes couldn’t be dissuaded. Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from: Alexander, Ruth M. “The Agnes Vaille Tragedy of 1925: A Turning Point in the History of Longs Peak.” In People and Nature on the Mountaintop: A Resource and Impact Study of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park . Colorado State University, 2010. American Alpine Institute. “Route Profile: Kiener’s Route.” November 4, 2019. https://www.alpineinstitute.com/route-profile-kiener-s-route/ . Fort Collins Coloradoan . “Sortland’s Body Found Near Hotel.” February 26, 1925. Jessen, Kenneth. “Tragedy Haunted Longs Peak Climber Walter Kiener.” Loveland Reporter Herald, June 18, 2015. https://archive.is/Im3f1 . Las Vegas Optic . “Many Visit Museum.” June…

People in this episode

Host: Norm

Topics covered

• mountain climbing
• women in history
• tragedy
• true crime
• 1920s
• adventure

Keywords

• Agnes Vaille
• Walter Kiener
• Longs Peak
• mountain climbing
• 1925 tragedy
• women climbers
• true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Alpine Institute, Fort Collins Coloradoan, Loveland Reporter Herald, Colorado Encyclopedia

Books & works: The Agnes Vaille Tragedy of 1925: A Turning Point in the History of Longs Peak, The Magnificent Mountain Women: Adventures in the Colorado Rockies

Places: Longs Peak

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