Horse riding day in Vertosan Valley

Enjoy anadventure on horseback to discover a suggestive unspoilt corner hidden among the peaks of the Aosta Valley Alps: the Vertosan valley awaits you for a splendid day of sport, fun and nature.

In the saddle of your equine friend and accompanied by an expert guide, you will ride up mountain paths offering breathtaking views, until you reach the Court de Bard, at an altitude of over 2,000 m, from where you can enjoy a superlative view of Mont Blanc and the Gran Paradiso valleys.

A little-trodden itinerary, ideal for those who want to escape the city chaos, regenerate in the mountain nature and spend a day in symbiosis with a wonderful animal like the horse. Ready to saddle up?

What we will do

We will meet at 10 a.m. at the riding school in Vetan, a hamlet of Saint Pierre, a picturesque village a few kilometres from Aosta. We will be welcomed by the owners of the estate and, after taking a look at the surroundings, we will have a briefing to assess our horse-riding skills, so that we can be assigned the most suitable horse according to the type of riding required, American or English.

The briefing continues with an explanation of safety rules and a possible review of the fundamentals of horse riding, although - if we are considering taking part in this activity - we should already have some familiarity with and mastery of the three main gaits (stride, trot and gallop).

When we are ready, we set off in the direction of the Vertosan valley, a green esplanade furrowed by a stream, enclosed between the mountainsides. It is a corner of nature little frequented by tourists and has remained intact. Its forests are home to deer, roe deer and chamois, while its meadows offer local farmers' cattle an unspoilt place to graze.

We will explore the valley far and wide and then, still on horseback, reach the Colle di Bard (not to be confused with the Fortress of Bard) to enjoy the wonderful view of Mont Blanc and the Gran Paradiso valley.

For lunch, we will go to a mountain hut located halfway up the valley, where we will be able to refresh ourselves with products coming directly from the surrounding mountain pastures (lunch is not included in the participation fee and those who prefer can have a packed meal).

Around 6 p.m., we will be back in Vetan and, if we feel like it, we can end the day with an in-depth visit to the estate, observe the owners in thecare of the horses and other animals, and watch the processes of processing the milk used for the production of Fontina AOC. The activity lasts a total of about 8 hours, of which at least 6 on horseback.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is at an intermediate level and is reserved for riders who have a good command of the three gaits (walk, trot and gallop). Participation is possible from aminimum age of 14 years (10 years if in possession of a riding licence or certificate).

Other information

Attention! Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.

This activity is possible from June to October, only in favourable weather conditions.

On request, it is possible to conduct the tour with an English-speaking guide.

In October, it is not possible to stop at the hut for lunch, so participants will be asked to bring a packed meal. In the remaining months, lunch at the hut is optional. The possibility of taking a packed meal always remains.

In order to take outdaily insurance (compulsory and included in the fee), you are required to show your identity card and tax code to the organisation. We ask you to contact the guide in advance by Whatsapp message on the reference number (this will be provided to you by e-mail with the booking confirmation).

If you are a beginner, you can do theeasy level excursion.

Recommended clothing

• Seasonal comfortable clothing
• Long trousers (preferably dark trousers or jeans)
• Sneakers or, in winter, hiking boots

Don't forget to bring

• Packed lunch (required in October, optional in the remaining months)
• Identity card
• Tax code