The hike can be done as a there-and-back trip and is also the approach (and descent) for the Grandes Jorasses South face - a classic alpine climb which is described in detail in FATMAP.

The trip to the Boccalatte begins in the small Italian hamlet of Plampincieux, deep in the beautiful Val Veni. The trail is clearly marked all the way and begins with some quite steep but technically straightforward terrain up a good path.

As the trees thin out the trail steepens and becomes increasingly rocky. Cross a series of rocky, scree-filled gullies (which can be threatened by small rockfalls - don't linger in them) and keep climbing up through ever steepening ground towards the rock buttress directly below the hut.

Climb up through the rock buttress via some steep walls lined with huge, thick ropes. Pull on these and pay attention all the way - there are plenty of places where a fall would be disastrous. Some hikers might be a glad of a rope and harness in places.

At the end of the ropes it's a short hike to the hut itself, and your efforts will feel well and truly rewarded when you sit down on the terrace and soak in the staggering view. The Glacier de Plampincieux dominates the view close to the hut, and further afield you can see much of the Grandes Jorasses South face, and all the way down and across the upper section of the Aosta Valley.

Either book in for the night or hike back down after a lunch spent admiring the view.