Smith's early death was to prevent the establishment of his reputation beyond the borders of the British Isles. However several summer alpine seasons saw him achieve a number of notable ascents. Although he was prevented from attempting the north face of the Eiger due to poor weather and an itinerant Haston, he was able to make the first British ascent of the Walker Spur on the north face of the Grandes Jorasses. Their ascent came just before that of another British party including Don Whillans and Hamish MacInnes.