The White Tower

Carla Alten is determined to conquer the unconquered White Tower in the Swiss Alps, driven by the memory of her mountaineer father's death there. She assembles a climbing party that includes Andreas, Radcliffe, Paul Delambre, Martin Ordway, and Hein, hoping to rely on a mix of experience and nerve. Her resolve sets the stage for a grueling ascent that will expose the climbers' strengths and weaknesses.

The party begins the ascent, testing loyalties and limits as the terrain grows harsher. Carla leads with steady resolve while Andreas offers seasoned guidance. The group learns more about each member's character as the climb progresses.

Nicholas Radcliffe realizes he cannot safely push further and decides to turn back to the base camp to avoid risking others. Carla remains focused on the goal, while Ordway watches his departure with a mix of concern and admiration. The retreat reduces the party to fewer climbers facing the mountain.

As danger mounts, Carla and Ordway grow closer, their attraction deepening in the high-altitude company of the climb. They share supportive moments and quiet exchanges that hint at a personal connection amid the struggle. The relationship adds emotional weight as the team presses upward.

The next morning Delambre cannot continue due to intoxication and dwindling stamina. The rest of the team leaves him in a tent with a safe fire, trying to preserve his life and keep moving toward the summit.

That night, a blizzard rages as Delambre, who has a hidden bottle, finishes his book and accidentally sets the tent on fire. The fire drives him into the storm where he dies, a grim reminder of the mountain's indifferent brutality.

Hein abandons the main group with the aim of proving Aryan superiority by becoming the first to reach the summit. Ordway, driven by loyalty and growing feelings for Carla, follows Hein's tracks in a dangerous pursuit.

On a fragile snow bridge, Hein refuses Ordway's outstretched hand and falls to his death. Ordway, fighting the cold, slides into peril and begins to suffer snow blindness as the peak nears.

Carla and Andreas reach Ordway, who collapses within sight of the peak. Andreas tells Carla that she could still reach the summit, but she insists on bringing Ordway down to safety instead.

There is no permanent damage to Ordway's eyes, and Carla and Ordway decide to marry, having survived more than just the climb. The expedition ends with a new bond formed by love and a shared commitment to life over conquest.