Day 5 of Historic (Grand Saint Bernard)

Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard → Cabane de Valsorey

From the Hospice down the Combe des Morts to Bourg-Saint-Bernard, then over open slopes into the remote Croix de Tsousse area below the Mont Vélan. After another descent comes the long, steep, south-facing final climb through the Vallon de Valsorey to the Cabane de Valsorey, directly below the Grand Combin. A physically demanding stage that calls for an early start; the Cabane du Vélan offers a way to split it over two days.

Distance: 14.0 km
Ascent: 1 670 m
Descent: 1 112 m

Schematic line through the curated points on low-detail terrain, height ×1.25. The curated GPX route is in the app.

The fifth stage of the historic Haute Route leads from the Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard (2469 m) through the lonely mountain country east of the Great St Bernard to the Cabane de Valsorey (3037 m). The route passes through the Mont Vélan area and ends high above the Vallon de Valsorey, directly below the mighty Grand Combin.

With around 14 kilometres, 1670 m of ascent and 1110 m of descent, this stage is one of the most physically demanding sections of the historic variant. Several long climbs and descents, plus the steep final climb to the hut, make it a hard day.

Huts

Part of

Historic (Grand Saint Bernard)Day 5

Fly this stage before you ski it

Stage 1 is free. The full Haute Route is a one-time purchase.