In the middle of the mountains around the Lötschental is a lonely village that is exposed to the forces of nature. A state of excitement arouses when an international mining company discover a gold vein and acquired mining rights.

As sole female Junta is the only one who can climb a dangerous mountain, villagers deem her as a witch.

Melodrama about a young mountain guide who, as an illegitimate child, becomes an outsider in his village and retreats bitterly into solitude. When he is unjustly blamed for the death of a climber, he sets out on a dangerous first ascent to win recognition and the hand of his beloved bride.

Hannes is employed at the Mont Blanc Observatory; the only outside connection is a pilot and Hella over the radio. Hella ascends the mountain but her father dies along the way.