The stage from the Cabane de Valsorey (3037 m) to the Cabane de Chanrion (2462 m) is one of the most spectacular and technically demanding sections of the Haute Route. Right at the start, the steep climb to the Plateau du Couloir at around 3650 m is one of the cruxes of the entire traverse. The route then crosses the Col du Sonadon and the vast Glacier du Mont Durand deep into the remote glacier world south of the Grand Combin.
Over roughly 13 km, there are about 920 m of ascent and 1500 m of descent. The combination of steep, partly icy passages, extensive glaciers and a long descent calls for solid alpine skills and favourable conditions.