In article <[email hidden]>,
Electric Death Ferret <[email hidden]> writes
Quoted message said:I want to climb Mt Buet.
Hi EDF!
I'll assume you are referring to Le Buet (3094m) in the
Chamonix valley.
You do not mention when you are going. The following refers
to the end of the summer season (September). In June through
July, snow conditions are likely to be a more serious
consideration, but I do not know specifically for this hill.
I have climbed the hill (alone), but it was something like
23/24 years ago so my memory of it is hazy. As I recall, in
high summer season it was a walk requiring no technical
climbing skills on rock, snow or ice. There are no glacier
crossings.
The weather may be good enough to go up and down in minimal
clothing, but I would carry the gear I usually take in the
UK in winter - include a bivvy bag for emergencies. Check
the weather forecast in Chamonix and respond accordingly -
you would not want to be caught in an alpine storm even on a
relatively minor hill.
I will undoubtedly have carried ice axe and crampons
because, like you, I did not know with any certainty what
to expect. However, I am reasonably sure that I did not
use either.
A quick google search pulled up commercial walking holiday
sites which advertise itineraries with an ascent of Le Buet
included. The holidays are described as walking trips
suitable for reasonably fit hill walkers.
The companies appear to include a night in the nearby hut
(Refuge de la Pierre a Berard). However, I found it to be a
reasonable day trip from the valley. I caught an early train
from Chamonix to *Le Buet station?*, walked up a beautiful
valley in the early morning sunshine to the hut (no memory
of this building at all), climbed the hill, sat on the top
in glorious weather and enjoyed the spectacular views for an
age, then reversed my route. I was back in Cham. some time
in the late afternoon. I was quite fit at the time - you may
prefer a two day trip.
You will almost certainly feel the effects of altitude, but
acclimatisation should not be a serious issue at 3,000m max.
However, if your five day period allows, you could start by
doing a simple alpine walk eg cable car to Plan de
l'Aguille, walk to Montenvers, walk down or catch the train.
This will give you a feel for the terrain, and an
opportunity to assess how you are going.
For someone with no alpine experience and with very limited
time, Le Buet is a great opportunity to get in among the
peaks, to climb a big hill (relatively), and to enjoy some
of the most spectacular mountain views in Europe, and
without the acclimatisation problems and risks of more
serious ascents - enjoy.
Disclaimer: this is not authoritative advice, just a
reflection of my personal experience. Consult guide books
and maps. Seek advice about conditions for the time of year
you are going - if you anticipate the need for ice axe and
crampons, don't go on the hill without learning how to use
them first. If you doubt your ability to do it on your own,
sign up for a professionally run holiday, or hire a guide /
join a guided party in Chamonix.
HTH
--
Russ Clare
