Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Ebersbacher Ledges

Many on this board are familiar with the Ebersbacher Ledges, especially those who've done the Mountaineer's Route or climbed the East Face of Mount Whitney. Most here, however, do not know the history of the Ebersbacher Ledges. Back in 1953, 59 years ago, a young married couple, Dale and Frances Ebersbacher, set out to climb the East Face. As they made their way up the North Fork, the two of them discovered the ledge route. Since they were the first to climb the ledges, the ledges were named after them.

That young married couple continued their marriage for 65 years, until this past Sunday, May 27, when Frances Ebersbacher passed away at the age of 85.

Her daughter, Diana, sent me an obituary saying: "Fran was an accomplished mountaineer, having made first ascents in the Yukon and Canadian Rockies. As far as is known, she was the third woman to climb the east face of Mt. Whitney. She and Dale discovered the route into the east face of Mt. Whitney, which is well-known in climbing circles as the Ebersbacher Ledges."

The obit further states: "A memorial will be held at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral on June 7th at 2:00 in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations could be made in her name to the Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Par Circle, Fort Myers, Florida 33908." Just so you know, Diana Ebersbacher reads this board and will no doubt keep her father apprised of your condolences.

Five years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Dale and Frances, and listening to them relate their lifetime climbing experiences on Mount Whitney and their pioneering of the ledges that, unbeknownst to them, would be named after them. Frances will be sorely missed by all those dear to her and Dale. Their love for one another and the majestic mountains they experienced was remarkable.

Thank you for this, Wayne. And yes Diana, condolences to you and thanks in memory of your parents, who made this part of our world, and no doubt many more more, a little richer for their presence and sense of adventure.

Thanks for sharing this Wayne.

65 years! Wow!

Our prayers and best wishes go out to Dale and Diana.
Every time I go up the Ledges, I will think of them.

CaT

Wayne, repeating here the same request I made on the portal board -- how about an Excel spread sheet showing the route through the ledges? !

Condolences to the family, and to our community, for the loss of a mountaineering icon.

It is hard to imagine the enjoyment that she and her husband have given to so many by way of the discovery of the ledge route bearing their name.

Thanks Wayne for passing along the news. I want to send my sincerest condolences to Dale and Diana Ebersbacher.

Here's their picture, from the "Ebersbacher Ledges Discovery" post.




What a fine couple! We all appreciate their contribution to the hiking community.

Whitney Fan,

It takes four satellites to properly GPS the route, but each time I've been up the route, I could not access four satellites. The wall is so big and my GPS units were right up against the wall, yielding a very narrow window for accessing satellites.

Others have posted detailed photographs of the entire ledge-route.

Thanks so much. I'll pass the condolences along to my Dad. Your comments are very much appreciated, and I completely agree with you!

Diana

CaT,

What a lovely thought that you will remember my parents whenever you go up the Ledges. Thanks for the prayers and wishes. I'll pass them along to my Dad.

Diana

I'm just checking in to let anyone know who knows of the Ebersbacher Ledges that my father, Dale Ebersbacher, passed away on March 31, 2019. He and my mother discovered the Ebersbacher Ledges route. My mother passed away in 2012.

Diana Ebersbacher (daughter)

Diana,

Please accept my condolences. I am embarrassed to admit that I didn't know the history of the ledges until today. From now on, I will think about your brave parents every time I pass the ledges instead of thinking about climbing Mt. Whitney (in fact, climbing in the Sierra's) for the first time in 2009 - we could not find the correct way down the ledges in the dark after climbing the East Buttress route car-to-car and had to bivy until sunrise ... brrrr.

Diana, thank you for posting the news. I've shared your news on the Facebook Mt Whitney group, and many people are acknowledging Dale's passing.

We all wish you well during your time of grieving and loss.

Thank you, Anton. Well, there's a positive thing to come from my father's passing. You now know a bit of history you didn't know before. I'm glad you didn't attempt your descent until you could see properly! Be safe.

Thank you, Steve. I remember I posted elsewhere years ago, but I couldn't remember where. I appreciate your taking care of that for me. I've read all the old posts again since I came back here, and it warmed my heart all over again. My one and only climbing experience was when I was VERY young. (I tried to post it, but it didn't work.) Suffice it to say, this apple did fall far from the trees! Thanks again for your kindness!
Diana