The idea for Cassandra comes from Jacopo, who would like to descend the northwest face. The start is not very encouraging, with skis on our backs all the way to the Porro hut. Things improve afterward. We spot a lone skier on the horizon—a local, as we later discover—who is at least an hour ahead of us. We meet him at the start of the final slope, him on the way down and us on the way up. He advises against the north face, and we find his suggestion wise after testing the depth of the fresh snow covering it. The final ridge is long, enjoyable, and entirely in snow. Despite the slightly wet snow, the descent is fantastic, and I let loose with long, fast turns before reaching the stream, where three river crossings thoroughly soak our boots.