This route makes for a spectacular day hike or long run. It is a challenging route both in length, elevation and terrain but it is more than worth the effort as you summit Mont Buet at an altitude of 3096 meters (10,157 feet). On the way you will pass the Montagne de Loriaz and the Refuge the Loriaz. This is a beautiful place with wide alpine pastures and great views of the Aiguilette des Posettes. The climb up to the Col de la Terrasse is steep and the terrain gets increasingly barren and rocky. The climb up to the summit of Le Buet via the Cheval Blanc has some difficult parts with permanent ropes installed to help you keep your footing. The summit of Le Buet is absolutely spectacular and often compared to the surface of the moon. You will have 360 degrees views including a fantastic view of Mont Blanc. The descend towards the Col de Salenton has wonderful views into the valley towards les Chalets de Villy. The descend towards the Refuge de la Pierre a Berard is steep and with big rocks. The walk from the Refuge de Berard back to the start of the trail is wonderful and easy. The Refuge de Loriaz and the Refuge de Berard provide excellent options for a rest and some food and drink. A celebratory beer at the Buvette du Cascade de Berard at the very end of your trail is mandatory.

We have an alternative route to this approach of Mont Buet which follows the Tre-les-Eaux valley and connects with this trail at the Col des Corbeux. The rest of the trail remains the same. Both trails are equally spectacular and both the climb up to Loriaz as the climb up through the Tre-les-Eaux are equally beautiful in our opinion. The added benefit of this version are the views from Col de la Terrasse and the visit to Lac Vert. We did this trail too late in the 2022 season and there was considerable snow cover. In 2023 we did the Mont Buet northern approach loop via Tre-les-Eaux in perfect conditions.