The ascent of 3096-metre Mont Buet takes you to the summit of the highest peak immediately north of Mont Blanc and consequently you enjoy superlative panoramas of the Mont Blanc Massif from its summit.
This alone would be worth the effort of this walk, but the mix of shady forested valleys, sunny alpine pastures, the jade green water of the Emosson Dam and rugged mountain trails make this a truly memorable mountain day – in fact we’d recommend making it a two-day expedition.
This allows for an easy start on your first day with the two-hour ascent through the forest above the village of Le Buet to the Refuge de Loriaz, set on a wide shelf where if the gods are smiling you can enjoy a cold beer and magnificent mountain views before settling in for the night.
The next day begins with the very steep hike up to the Col de la Terrasse at 2648-metres. The payback is obvious when you look over your shoulder – Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks revealed in all their magnificence, and the views only get better from here on.
A brief descent follows, with the waters of the Emosson Dam on your right, before your first peak of the day, the 2831-metre Cheval Blanc. Like the upcoming ascent of Mont Buet this is achieved via an easy via ferrata, and a break for refreshments and to admire the views is more than called for once you reach the summit.
Mont Buet now calls, standing proud to the south-east. A brief descent from Cheval Blanc, then the exciting ascent of your target taking in the via ferrata (which requires a reasonably good head for heights) will eventually have you upon the summit.
Allow time to soak up the views and enjoy the satisfaction of your achievement; but bear in mind that you now have a 1,750-metre descent, first across tricky rocks before dropping down past the Pierre à Bérard refuge where – joy! – beer is available.
Suitably refreshed, continue down the lovely, wooded Bérard Valley where you follow an easy trail back to Le Buet – and probably another beer.
