Expeditions — By Mountain

Mont Buet

Three days on Alpine trails, two nights in mountain huts, and the 3,096m summit of Mont Buet. A hut-to-hut journey through the Aiguilles Rouges with views across the Mont Blanc massif.

Altitude3,096M
LocationChamonix Valley, France
Duration3 Days / 2 Nights
Experience NeededRegular Mountain Walking
Fitness LevelStrenuous
Guided ByInternational Mountain Leaders
SeasonJuly–September

Good fitness and confidence on rocky mountain paths are needed for consecutive walking days. Get in touch to discuss whether this trek suits your experience.

Hut availability: The Pierre à Bérard refuge is closed for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This route is an outline; an alternative overnight plan must be agreed before a departure in those years can be confirmed.

The Route

Day By Day

Three days of summer trekking with two mountain hut nights. Walking figures are approximate; your leader will adapt the route to weather, the group and hut availability.

Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.

DAY 1

Servoz To Refuge Moëde Anterne

Overview

Meet your mountain leader in the Chamonix valley for a kit check and a discussion of the route before travelling to Servoz. Bring a packed lunch, drinks and the clothing needed for a full day outside. The opening stage gives everyone time to settle into a steady walking rhythm.

Today’s Objective

Reach Refuge Moëde Anterne via the Pormenaz approach.

Route & Preparation

Climb through woodland and the Pormenaz pastures, leaving the valley settlements behind as the surrounding peaks come into view. The changing terrain makes this a mountain journey in its own right, rather than simply an approach to the summit.

Reach Refuge Moëde Anterne at around 2,000m in the afternoon. Settle into the shared hut accommodation, organise equipment and enjoy the setting beneath the Fiz. Your leader will review the forecast and explain the plan for the longer summit stage.

Approx. Time
5–6 hours
Elevation Change
+1,000m net
High Point / Reference
Refuge Moëde Anterne · approx. 2,000m
Overnight
Refuge Moëde Anterne
Refuge Moëde Anterne
Refuge Moëde Anterne
DAY 2

Col De Salenton, Mont Buet & Refuge De La Pierre à Bérard

Overview

After breakfast, leave the refuge and cross the quieter mountain ground towards Col de Salenton. This is the longest stage, so start with your food, water and extra layers organised for a sustained day on the trail.

Today’s Objective

Cross the Salenton area, attempt Mont Buet and descend to the Bérard refuge.

Route & Preparation

Continue towards Mont Buet’s 3,096m summit if conditions permit. The ground becomes rockier and more exposed to the weather as height is gained. Your leader will set the pace, select the appropriate route and decide whether the summit is suitable for the group that day.

Take time to appreciate the surrounding peaks before descending into the Bérard valley and the Pierre à Bérard refuge area, at 1,924m. The overnight plan depends on the refuge’s operating status; an alternative is required during the 2026–27 closure. Prepare for the final descent to Le Buet.

Approx. Time
Around 8 hours
Elevation Change
+1,400m / −1,450m
High Point / Reference
Mont Buet · 3,096m
Overnight
Pierre à Bérard refuge for operating seasons; alternative overnight required in 2026–27
Natural-colour photograph from Mont Buet's snowy summit, showing sculpted snow cornices and the surrounding Alpine mountains
Natural-colour photograph from Mont Buet's snowy summit, showing sculpted snow cornices and the surrounding Alpine mountains
DAY 3

Descend The Bérard Valley To Le Buet

Overview

Leave the Pierre à Bérard refuge area and follow the valley trail downhill towards Le Buet. The final stage passes alongside the stream and through the lower woodland.

Today’s Objective

Complete the descent to Le Buet and return to the Chamonix valley.

Route & Preparation

Follow the downhill trail past the Bérard waterfall and continue to Le Buet village and railway station.

Allow time for the agreed local transfer after the walk. The overnight arrangements and route are confirmed before booking.

Approx. Time
1½–2 hours, plus local transfer
Elevation Change
Approx. −600m
High Point / Reference
Start: Pierre à Bérard · 1,924m → Le Buet · approx. 1,330m
Overnight
Return to the Chamonix valley
Pierre à Bérard refuge and the Bérard valley
Pierre à Bérard refuge and the Bérard valley

Quality costs more. We plan the trip around the group and the conditions, with mountain hut stays bringing you closer to the route.

Season & Pricing

Guide Price From £420 Per Person

Typical season: July–September. Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.

Indicative price based on a group of 12. The final cost depends on your dates, group size and accommodation arrangements.

For availability, a confirmed quote and booking arrangements, please get in touch.

Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.

Your Trip

What’s Included

The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.

Included In The Package

  • Three days led by an International Mountain Leader.
  • Two nights in shared mountain-hut accommodation.
  • Breakfast and evening meals at the huts.
  • Pre-trip preparation advice and route briefing.

What’s Not Included

  • Travel and airport transfers to Chamonix.
  • Valley accommodation before or after the trek.
  • Packed lunches, drinks and trail snacks.
  • Personal walking kit, hut liner and travel insurance.
Get In Touch

Ask About Mont Buet

Typical season: July–September, subject to conditions and hut availability. Ask about a confirmed quote.

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