Mont Buet via Tre les Eaux Loop

The summit of Mont Buet sits at an altitude of 3098 meters, making it the highest peak near Chamonix outside those that are part of the Mont Blanc Massif. The views from the summit are spectacular and provide wide vistas in all directions and into distant lands. There are a couple of options for reaching the summit of Mont Buet. The "standard route" goes through the Berard valley and climbs up to Mont Buet from its south-facing slope. After reaching the summit you then return the same way. We prefer the northern approach from Cheval Blanc which then enables us to make this into a loop by ascending from the north side and descending via the south face and returning via the Berard valley. We already have a detailed trail description for the trail to Mont Buet that passes by the Refuge de Loriaz and the Col de la Terrasse.  The version we present here follows largely that same route but comes up to the Col des Corbeux via de gorgeous Tre-les-Eaux valley. The one down-side of both routes is that you will have to tackle some pretty technical terrain with big drops. If you have a fear of heights then the traditional route from Berard is probably a better option for you.

The trail starts at the Le Buet parking. Easily reached by private vehicle or by train or bus. From there we go to the hamlet of Le Lay and enter the valley of Tre-les-Eaux. The imposing ridge line that runs from the Cheval Blanc to the summit of Mont Buet will be towering high above us all the way. You will probably be having mixed feelings realizing that you will be having to climb all the way up to this towering ridge line but you will also be excited about the views that await you there. The climb out of the Tre-les-Eaux valley to the Col des Corbeux is beautiful. Don't forget to look behind you every now and then. From Col des Corbeux you will make your way to the Cheval Blanc which from a distance will look a lot further away and more daunting than it will prove to actually be. Having said that, the actual climb up to Cheval Blanc is quite steep and there will be red ropes in the more technical sections. The views from Cheval Blanc are incredible. The slightly downhill smooth ridge line from Cheval Blanc will be a welcome change from the climb you just did. You will now continue along this ridge line all the way until you reach the summit of Mont Buet. Some of the sections here will be quite harrowing with big drops and lots of ropes and metal supports.  The views and the pictures you will be taking will be spectacular though. The summit of Buet itself has an orientation table and its a great location to spend some time to admire the many, many peaks around you. Including great views of Mont Blanc from a distance where you can finally appreciate that it really is much taller than all the other peaks. From the summit you will descend all the way down to the Refuge de la Pierre a Berard and then take the Berard Valley back to the Le Buet Parking.

Overall, this is some of the best scenery around Chamonix. Its long and strenuous but if you can handle it then this will be one of the most rewarding day hikes you can do in the region. Some practical information: no dogs as you will be passing through natural reserves. The technical difficulty is too high for anyone below the age of 15 in our opinion. The altitude of more than 3000 meters necessitates proper preparation and clothes for all temperatures and weather conditions. The summit of Mont Buet is only snow free for a limited couple of months per year and it changes drastically depending on how early the snow falls. To illustrate this, we did this route in the middle of September 2022 and were going through the snow. The video we shot in October 9, 2023 had us going up in t-shirts at 25 degree temperatures. So ask ahead of time. The northern approach is too technical to be handled in snowy/icey conditions and could pose real danger. There will be plenty of rivers and stream along the way. Both Refuge Loriaz and Refuge Berard have a water source. Check if those are open on the dates you plan to go. In any case bring plenty of water as there are long stretches without a water source.