Petites Jorasses - S Ridge

Magnificent, varied route with a complex glacier approach and excellent rock climbing on the ridge. In a wils situation with excellent views of the E Face of the Grand Jorasses.

Approach # (See approach for Gervasutti Bivouac.)

Route # 4-5h

From the Bivouac Gervasutti, go up rocks for 80m from where you can see a gully with loose boulder and scree. Go down this as best you can to reach the Fébrouzie glacier. Go up this, working your way through the large crevasses to a bergschrund. Overcome this and go up the large snow slope (150m, 45°). Turn to the right to reach a terrace at the foot of the rocks. From here follow the rocky ridge, mainly on its crest; 1 move of 5b, otherwise moves of 4b/c. Where the good rock ends either continue up the snow ridge or go along the rocks, rotten in one section. From a little col, go up easily to the summit.

Descent # 3-4h

By the normal rout or by climbing down the ascent route. Possible to make some abseils down the modern routes on the S face.

The bergschrund can cause problems at the end of the season. The rock is excellent on the ridge.