Country:
District:
Start at the end of the road in Salvagny (Sixt - Maison Neuve - Salvagny).
(S/E) Do not cross the bridge, but climb to the left (sign indicating Chalet de Grenairon).
The path, which is a little steep at first, climbs in regular switchbacks. After crossing the slabs, the slope becomes less steep. You will arrive at Chalet de Grenairon. Allow about two hours from the start.
(1) The rest of the route is marked with red dots. Climb up to the ridge above the refuge and follow the ridge for a while. Follow the contour line across a wide traverse to reach Lac du Plan du Buet.
(2) Continue climbing a little further, following the cairns (follow the HT line) towards Cheval Blanc.
(3) Turn right (sign) to reach the Buet ridge via a clearly visible trail. It is relatively easy (if dry), with regular switchbacks that become a little more direct towards the end.
(4) You reach a well-rounded ridge (with breathtaking views of the Argentière glacier) which quickly leads you to the steepest part of the ridge, equipped with a cable from bottom to top. It's easy (well, if it's dry and you're careful). Then, we climb a little further along the ridge and reach the summit of Mont Buet. This is where the crowds are!
(5) Still following the ridge, descend (relay antenna on the left). We pass in front of the Abri Pictet. We begin to see blue dots that will guide us from here on.
Leave the path that climbs up from the Refuge de la Pierre-à-Bérard and head right, still on the ridge (mark the Fonts in blue on a rock). At first, the path is easy. Then descend slightly to the left of the ridge and take care on a few sections: this is a challenging, schistose part with a drop below, and a slip could have serious consequences.
You will arrive at the chain passage (now a cable), which may be daunting for those who are not used to this type of passage (a rope may be reassuring). This is the last difficulty (for now).
(6) We change slopes (passing to the west of the ridge) and descend the slope below the ridge, following the cairns and blue dots.
Soon, you will find the grass that disappeared shortly after Grenairon and you will enter the Fonts cirque. The path, which is clearly visible at the beginning, more or less disappears at the edge of a large ravine that you have to cross (keep a close eye on the trail and the blue markings). After that, the path is always clearly marked, even if it is sometimes hidden in the tall grass. The lower part of Les Beaux Prés requires renewed attention as the terrain is quite slippery (wet, schistose and muddy) and there are a few crossings with quite a drop beneath your feet. You can only relax once you reach the stream.
(7) At the stream, you will reach a wide track at a place called Les Mitaines. All that remains is to walk gently down this track, which passes in front of the Fonts chalets (you can always stop for a drink at the refuge)
(8) Continue along this track, which eventually takes you back to the bridge at Salvagny (S/E).
(travel broadens the mind, as they say). This is one of the possible escape routes in such a situation, as the descent via Les Beaux Prés is technically challenging and dangerous in bad weather and/or poor visibility. I completed the entire route two years later in good weather, which was a real treat 
.
Visorando member
Difficult 
Moderate 
Extremely difficult 
Easy 
