To alpinists the Grandes Jorasses has every bit as much history and challenge as the Eiger but it is that bit higher and much broader, with better rock. Any ascent is a challenge, due to the remoteness and difficulty, but the traverse of the entire mountain from Torino Hut to Point Walker, is particularly fine and committing. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by the relatively modest alpine grade of D, due to none of the individual moves being that hard. This is a Grande Course which all but the slickest and fittest will need to carry overnight gear on. Fortunately there is a well placed hut to serve this purpose, the Canzio bivouac, in a sensational position at the lowest point of the ridge, at the Col des Grandes Jorasses. It is possible to make an abseil descent on the S side here in extremis, but it is not recommended. It may be possible to do this day with some time to spare, to enable a recce of the next section of the route, which is one of the hardest, towards Point Young.