Le Buet, Haute Savoie, France
AAC Alpine Meet, Summer 2008
by Chris Culley
Camping des Montets is in a stunning location, at 1300m in alpine meadows, uniquely bisected by the Mont Blanc Express railway line and surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges, Aiguille du Charmoz and Aiguillette des Posettes. Le Buet proved to be an excellent base to sample the tremendous scope of the area. It was possible to walk from the campsite and access numerous tracks, without recourse to mechanical means. Accessibility was further enhanced by free use of the railway between Vallorcine and Servoz.
A popular objective, for acclimatisation and fitness, proved to be Lac Blanc, at 2352m, on the Aiguille Rouges side of the Chamonix valley. Another party, ascending steeply from the Col des Montets and reaching the high balcon, which gave spectacular views of the Mer de Glace, was surprised by a group of chamois passing across the track directly in front of them.
Others ascending via part of the Tour de Mont Blanc, up various sections of rusting ladders and cables, were surprised how much perseverance was necessary to find Lac Perseverance, some 200m above Lac Blanc. The track disappeared amid a huge boulder field and it became a test of route finding through the maze of gigantic boulders.
A mass effort was also made in ascending Mont Buet, at 3086m, in one day, i.e. not staying overnight at the Pierre Berard Refuge. This was achieved in nine and a half hours, after a leisurely stop on the descent at the refuge for tea and excellent myrtle tart.
A ‘shake down’ route on snow and ice was achieved in ascending the Aiguille des Grands Montets. The purpose was to become familiar with rope techniques and general equipment usage again. This proved to be a very useful exercise, though somewhat embarrassing for one member of the party on finding an essential item of equipment missing!
Once acclimatised and fit, excursions by the fourteen meet members varied from river walks to 4000m high peaks. Objectives were planned taking into account the prevailing weather pattern of cloud building by late afternoon, followed by torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in the evenings.
Fortunately, on the last night, a fine evening was experienced allowing le Grand Pique-nique. A great finale to the week!
This was in stark contrast to the midweek meet dinner, held at La Ferme des Trois Ours, (the Farm of the Three Bears), when we were treated to mountain views illuminated, as if for a son et lumière, by lightning strikes across the darkened sky amidst claps of thunder and torrential rain. All viewed, fortunately, through the huge picture windows of the restaurant.
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Last updated 05 December 2008