Conrad Kain

Conrad Kain [1883–1934]

b. 1883 — Nasswald, Austria
d. 1934 — Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

Kain was an Austrian mountain guide who guided extensively in Europe, Canada, and New Zealand, and was responsible for the first ascents of more than 60 routes in British Columbia. He is particularly known for pioneering climbs in the Purcell Mountains and the first ascents of Mount Robson (1913), Mount Louis (1916) and Bugaboo Spire (1916).

Sources of biographical information about Kain:

  • Thorington, James Monroe [1895–1989]. “Conrad Kain, In memoriam.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 22 (1933):184-187
  • Kain, Conrad [1883–1934], and Thorington, James Monroe [1895–1989], editor. Where the Clouds Can Go. New York City: American Alpine Club, 1935
  • Wikipedia Conrad Kain
Kain is the namesake of the following places in the Mount Robson region:

Events in the Mount Robson region in which Kain was involved:

  • 1911 ACC-Smithsonian Robson expedition (guide)
  • 1913 ACC Camp – Mount Robson (guide)
  • 1924 Thorington to Tonquin Valley (guide)
  • 1924 ACC Camp – Mount Robson (guide)
Works pertinent to the Mount Robson region of which Kain was author or co-author:

  • —   Banff: Whyte Museum Archives. Die Erstbesteigung des Höchsten Giflei der Rockies, Mt. Robson (1913).
  • —   “The ascent of Mt. Robson.” Alpine Journal, Vol. 28 (1914):35
  • —   “The first ascent of Mt. Robson, the highest peak of the Rockies.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 6 (1914–1915):22-
  • —   “First ascent of Mt. Whitehorn.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 6 (1914–1915):42-43
  • —  and Thorington, James Monroe [1895–1989], editor. Where the Clouds Can Go. New York City: American Alpine Club, 1935

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