Rappelling or abbing is the process of descending on a fixed rope. The origin of abseil is attributed, to Jean Esteril Charlet, a Chamonix guide who lived from 1840-1925. Charlet originally devised the technique of the abseil ( or rappel) method of roping down during a failed solo attempt of Petit Dru in 1876. This was the first known use of a rope to absail. After many attempts, some of them solo, he managed to conquer the Petit Dru in 1879 in the company of two other Chamonix guides, Prosper Payot and Frederic Folliguet, whom he hired. During that ascent, Charlet perfected the abdeil.

Jean Charlet is known for the first winter ascent of Mont Blanc in 1872 with Isabella Straton. In 1871, Miss Isabella Straton was Charlet´s client during the first ascent of the Aiguille du Moine, and a year after Charleet´s and Straton´s winter ascent of Mont Blanc, the two were married.

The basic equipment you need is: Helmets are worn to protect the head from bumps and falling rocks. Gloves protect hands from the rope and from hits with the wall. Boots or other sturdy footwear. Knee-pads. Ropes used for descending are typically of kernmantel construction. A harness is used around the waist to secure the descender.

Tobia´s most mountainous region has enough rock for a lifetime of climbing. Experienced and skilled commercial guides offer a range of climbing and abseiling adventures in locations around Tobia.