Mont Buet via Cheval Blanc: 3000m peak in Chamonix French Alps

Описание: After completing the TMB in July, I went back to Chamonix with my wife in August to summit our first 3,000m peak - Mont Buet. Instead of following the classic, easier route from Le Buet up to Refuge de Bérard, then up to the summit and back the same way, we decided to opt for a bigger, more challenging route which would involve some scrambling (with the help of some chains and ropes), a quick visit to Switzerland, and summiting the 2,800m Cheval Blanc en route to Mont Buet.

It was an amazing hike and wild camping experience. We started by getting the train from Chamonix up to Vallorcine/ Le Buet and then hiking up to Tré les Eaux where we camped the first night. We camped on the very edge of the river bed which is a risk as the hydroelectric damn can open at any time and turn the trickle of water into a torrent - so do be careful! - but the spot was too good to pass up. In the morning the river was quite a bit bigger so we got wet shoes crossing back over, but it was so worth it!

The hiking and scrambling was quite straight forward but there was just one section of the scramble up to the Mont Buet ridge which was extremely exposed and quite a difficult move for shorter people. I felt the exposure but was able to get my leg out across the rock to the metal foothold and move past the crux, but my wife struggled and I had to take her backpack. Definitely a section to watch out for and consider before setting off on this route!