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- Grandes Jorasses
13,806 ft · Mont Blanc Group, France/Italy
Grandes Jorasses
Grandes Jorasses is a 13,806 ft peak in the Mont Blanc Group, France/Italy. The standard route is the Normal Route via Rocher du Reposoir: 13 mi, 8,510 ft of gain, AD+.
Grandes Jorasses at a glance
- Elevation13,806 ft4,208 m
- RouteNormal Route via Rocher du ReposoirAD+
- Distance13 mi8,510 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeMont Blanc GroupFrance/Italy
Climbing the Normal Route via Rocher du Reposoir
From Planpincieux in the Val Ferret above Courmayeur, Italy, approach the Boccalatte Hut, then summit the highest point of the Grandes Jorasses. The normal route via the Rocher du Reposoir (AD+) climbs La Bouteille and the Reposoir at UIAA II/III, then crosses the Whymper Couloir, a SW-facing gully that must be crossed before 10:00 or after sunset or any other hour gambles on rockfall. Most parties then reach Pointe Walker over the Whymper-Walker ridge. Not to be confused with the north face. Reckon on 1,400 m and about 6 hours up from the Boccalatte Hut, 4 hours down.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Carabiners
Belay Device- Prusik Cord
- Ice Screw
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Glacier Glasses
Sunscreen
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Water
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Heavyweight Gloves
Goggles
Offline Maps
Power Bank
Whistle
Approach Shoes- Slings
- Nut Tool
- Cams / Nuts
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Grandes Jorasses
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Grandes Jorasses
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grandes Jorasses?
Grandes Jorasses is 13,806 feet (4,208 m) tall. It is in the Mont Blanc Group, France/Italy. It is also known as Pointe Walker, Grandes Jorasses (Pointe Walker).
How does Grandes Jorasses rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,806 feet, Grandes Jorasses is the 31st highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Grandes Jorasses?
The Normal Route via Rocher du Reposoir is graded AD+ on the alpine scale, meaning fairly difficult: sustained snow, ice or rock that needs real climbing skills. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 8,510 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Grandes Jorasses?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Normal Route via Rocher du Reposoir, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Grandes Jorasses dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Grandes Jorasses?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via Rocher du Reposoir for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Grandes Jorasses?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grandes Jorasses reaches 13,806 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Grandes Jorasses?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Grandes Jorasses with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list