There are two huts for overnight stays:

• The charming and cozy Cabane de Valsorey (3037 m), which is further from the route, making the ascent to Vélan about an hour longer.

• The modern Cabane du Vélan (2642 m), featuring interesting architecture but with very narrow beds, making it almost impossible not to wake each other up when your neighboring sleeper turns during the night.

Cabane de Valsorey (3037 m) from Bourg-St-Pierre

7.5 h: 10 km 1327 m up 100 m down (5 h moving)

Depending on snow conditions, the route begins on foot at Bourg-St-Pierre (1650 m) and may vary to avoid fording when streams are not frozen. In our case, we had to ford a river on rocks and walk around a gorge at 2040 m.

The way back down is the same. 

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Alternative: Cabane du Vélan (2641 m) via Col de Pro (2779 m) (top by feet >35°)

5.8 h: 9 km 1350 m up over 2992 m 650 m down

1. Bourg St. Bernard (1920 m)

2. ↑ Col de Pro (2779 m) (top by feet >35°)

3. ↑ Col de Montorge (2900 m) >35°

4. ↓ to 2320 m

5. ↑ to Cabane du Vélan (2642 m)

The Cabane du Vélán has the smallest beds I've ever slept in. They are so narrow that it is almost impossible not to get mutually awaken by your rotating neighboring sleeper during the night.

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