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Ascent of Le Tarent on 2021-08-19

Climber: Richard Harbron

Other People:	Solo Ascent Only Party on Mountain
Date:	Thursday, August 19, 2021
Ascent Type:	Successful Summit Attained
Peak:	Le Tarent
Location:	Switzerland
Elevation:	8356 ft / 2546 m
Ascent Trip Report I largely followed the route of Lee Newton, except that I started from the village of L'Etivaz, where the closest bus stop was located. The route was entirely open country after reaching the farm buildings at L'Audalle. I picked my way up through the valley on grass, snow and scree before reaching the headwall beneath the summit. I could see a ramp leading up the face that I assumed was Lee's route, but decided to keep going further right (West). I could see what looked like an easy climb up to the shoulder of the ridge forming the West side of the valley and joining with the main ridge. I knew from looking at photos of the Le Tarent that this would give easy access to the summit. The climb was actually a short and very easy scramble up grippy, solid rocks, quickly leading to a grassy climb up to the crest of the ridge. From here, it was a very simple hike up to the summit. The visibility was poor, so I wasn't sure if I was on the highest point or not. I waited until the clouds cleared and could see the ridge falling steeply in all directions. The summit was marked by a tiny cairn and the remains of something wooden with some aluminium nailed to it, barely sticking up above the ground. There is a slightly lower second summit a few m to the West. I descended roughly the same way as I came up. Overall, not an easy mountain, but not especially difficult either. The main problem is the complete lack of a path or way markers. It is clear that Le Tarent is rarely climbed, and I did not see anyone all day, except for a couple of farmers low down. The lack of views was a shame, but I was delighted to reach the summit, especially after recent failures on Wildhorn and Grand Muveran.