Ru courtod

2,150 meters of altitude for trekking lovers

The Ru Courtod rises at 2,150 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Monte Rosa massif. Its waters flow for almost 25 km along the right orographic of the Val d'Ayas through pastures, coniferous forests, ancient villages and, very often, in the rock carved along the steep slopes of the mountain.

Forty years of immense toil and dedication by its founding fathers were needed to build the Ru (1393 - 1433) which was thus able to water the arid hills of Saint-Vincent, Emarèse and Challant-Saint-Anselme, giving back hope to local farmers. After 600 years, the Ru Courtod is still present and its role has remained intact, although its appearance has changed somewhat, especially during the 1970s, when important works of intubation have partly erased the charm of the past.

The design of the original plant, however, has remained intact: the pleasure of walking along the open-air canal is still possible today for long stretches.

Ru courtod trekking

Ru courtod

Ru courtod villaggi

Ru courtod bike

Ru courtod trekking

Discover the Ru

Between trekking and nature

Nature

The meadows have many varieties of flowers among which stand out, for connoisseurs, tasty herbs that can be used for soups and salads, taking over the culinary traditions of our ancestors. Not to forget that the particularity and quality of the forage are at the base of the production of Fontina, PDO cheese symbol of the gastronomy valdostana.

Along the stretch of the River Ru, which flows in the open air through the forest of Col de Joux, you can walk in a beautiful mixed coniferous wood, mainly made up of wild pine and to a lesser extent red fir and larch, among the typical undergrowth of the characteristic conifers. Among the herbaceous species, we report the presence of anemones, red primroses, gentian and, more rarely, alpine aquilegia.

On foot

The Ru Courtod is certainly, for trekking lovers, one of the favorite destinations of the Val d'Ayas: along its course there are in fact splendid easy walks following the ancient course of the "Mountain Channel". The really minimal difference in altitude to be faced during the walk makes it ideal for families or for those who want to dedicate a few hours only to movement before having lunch at the picnic or in one of the excellent restaurants typical of the area.

Two separate routes run for several kilometers along the orographic right of the valley, often following and accompanying the flow of the water of the ancient canal: an ideal destination for all those who feel the need to combine physical exercise with the pleasure of a walk immersed in nature.

By mountain-bike

The less experienced can start with the sections of the service farm following the new underground water pipe that cuts the forest and pastures in half coast, while the more trained pedalists will certainly like the single-track that runs along the old canal where the waters still flow in the open air. Even this second part is never really challenging, as the difference in altitude is very small and the terrain is never too rough.

A first interesting route winds from the entrance of the channel on the Ventina stream and runs practically flat on the side of the mountain, a second one flanks a stretch of the ancient canal between dense larch woods and wide pastures where the herds graze, A third route starts from the Col de Joux and crosses a dense coniferous forest.

Whatever route is chosen, it is possible to imagine alternative routes, more or less short and demanding.

Horse riding

The course has a minimum difference in altitude, almost imperceptible, is easy to walk and therefore suitable for all types of equestrian users, from the beginner rider to the most experienced. Nowhere are there particularly challenging passages, which allows riders to relax and appreciate the breathtaking panorama that opens up on the glaciers of Monte Rosa, dense forests, pastures and picturesque villages that populate the slopes of the valley.