Editing First ascent (section)

{{Short description|Mountaineering and climbing term}}
[[File:Spectrum514d.jpg| thumb|[[Jonathan Siegrist]] on the [[first free ascent]] (FFA) of ''Spectrum'' {{climbing grade|5.14c}}, [[Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area|Red Rocks, Nevada]].]]
{{Climbing sidebar}}
In [[mountaineering]] and [[climbing]], a '''first ascent''' (abbreviated to '''FA''' in [[climbing guidebook|guide book]]s), is the first successful documented climb to the top of a [[mountain]] or the top of a particular [[climbing route]].  Early 20th-century mountaineers and climbers focused on reaching the tops of iconic mountains (e.g. the [[eight-thousander]]s) and climbing routes (e.g. the [[great north faces of the Alps]]) by whatever means possible, often using considerable amounts of [[aid climbing]], and/or with large [[expedition style]] support teams that laid "siege" to the climb. 

As all the key tops were summited, the manner in which each top was reached became important, particularly the ability to complete the ascent without artificial aid, which is called [[free climbing]]. In free climbing, the term '''first free ascent''' (abbreviated '''FFA''') is used where a mountain or climbing route is ascended without any artificial aid (devices for [[climbing protection|protection]] in the event of a fall could be used as long as they did not aid progression).  Completing the FFA of a climbing route is often called '''freeing''' (or more latterly '''sending''') a route.

As the sport of climbing developed, additional types of ascent became notable and chronicled in guidebooks and journals.  In mountaineering, and [[alpine climbing]] in particular, the '''first winter ascent''' is recorded, given the significantly greater difficulty.  The '''first solo ascent''' is also commonly noted, although the '''first free solo ascent''' is a more controversial aspect, given the concerns about advocating such a dangerous form of climbing.  With the rise in female participation in climbing, the '''first female free ascent''' (or '''FFFA''') has also become notable.