The Cime de l'Est is the first of the seven mountains that makes up the Dents du Midi, the mythical 3 kilometer long chain that dominates the valleys of Illiez and Rhône. Previously named Mont de Novierre (before the middle of the 17th century), Mont Saint-Michel (after the landslides of 1635 and 1636) and Dent Noire (until the 19th century), it culminates at 3'178 m. It is an integral part of the landscape of Saint-Maurice. It was climbed for the first time on August 16, 1842 by Nicolaz Delez. Its first winter ascent, by the guides Werner Kleiner and Marcel Maurice Demont, dates from December 23, 1970.