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Above Bourg to the southeast the Valsorey tributary drains the west flank of the Combin massif and the north side of Mont Vélan, and is the way through which to approach the Cabanes du Vélan and de Valsorey. Leaving Bourg-St-Pierre an underpass sneaks beneath the main road and leads onto a minor road which cuts for a short way into this small tributary valley. After about 45mins you reach the Cordonna chalets at 1834m, and continue above the stream for another hour or so to a fork. The right branch is the one to take for Cabane du Vélan (see below), but by keeping ahead you shortly reach the Chalet d’Amont (2197m) about 2hrs from Bourg-St-Pierre. The view of Mont Vélan is impressive from here. Now the path goes up to the Six Rodzes rock barrier, ascends a gully aided by fixed chains and sections of ladder, then swings round to the east, heading for pastures and a long spur to reach the Cabane de Valsorey at 3030m, about 4–4½hrs after setting out. Owned by the Chaux-de-Fonds section of the SAC, this stone-built hut, with its direct view of Mont Vélan, is used by Haute Route skiers as well as by climbers. It has 60 places and is staffed in the ski-touring season (mid-March to May) and from July until mid-September (www.valsorey.ch).