Jour 1: Vetan
VETAN (-/-/D)
Have you ever had the chance to go horse riding in Valle D’Aosta? We offer you an experience in the area of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
This is the oldest national park in Italy and covers over 70,000 hectares. It is located partly in Valle d’Aosta and partly in Piedmont. Around the spectacular summit of Gran Paradiso, which exceeds 4,000 meters and lies entirely within Italian territory, it encompasses five concentric valleys featuring typical alpine environments with glaciers, rocks, larch and fir forests.
The establishment of this protected area was strongly supported to safeguard the park's symbolic animal, the Alpine Ibex, which during World War II was at risk of extinction. In fact, only 416 individuals survived worldwide, all within the park’s territory.
This beautiful animal, which we may spot with a bit of luck, lives in high-altitude meadows and rocky cliffs.
On horseback, we will experience all the magic of these places. The beauty of these mountains lies in the absence of mass tourism, making them ideal for riders who enjoy experiencing horseback riding in a natural and peaceful environment.
Here we will encounter small villages of ancient origin, nestled in a basin of pastures at the foot of Punta Leissé. The location offers an extraordinary panoramic view—at a glance you can observe the central Aosta Valley, the starting point of the Cogne, Valsavarenche, Val di Rhêmes, Valgrisenche valleys, along with numerous peaks and reliefs, including Becca di Nona, Mont Emilius, Pointe de la Pierre, Grivola, Ciarforon and Becca di Monciair, as well as the Rutor glacier.
Arrival in the afternoon in Vetan, in the municipality of Saint-Pierre (AO). Check-in at Chambres d’Hotes l’Abri de Vetan. Dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 2: Vetan
VETAN (B/L/D)
After breakfast, meeting at the equestrian center at 9:00 a.m. Horse assignment and departure to the Vallone di Vertosan.
Lunch break with a “bocconata alla valdostana” featuring a tasting of various local products. Return to Vetan in the afternoon.
Jour 3: Vetan
VETAN (B/L/D)
Everyone in the saddle by 9:00 a.m. Today we will ride up to the high alpine pastures and stop for a typical lunch in a charming stone mountain hut. In the afternoon, we will descend to the Pesse alpine pasture and return to Vetan.
Jour 4:
VETAN (B/L/-)
Departure at 9:00 a.m. for the last day on horseback. We will descend toward Thouraz, where we will stop for the final lunch before returning to the stables in Vetan.
Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Due to availability issues, the trekking may become itinerant, with a change in the overnight refuges.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: mountain refuges
EQUIPMENT: Western or English saddles
HORSES: mixed breeds, all docile and accustomed to trails
PACE: 4 TO 6 HOURS PER DAY ON HORSEBACK
WHAT TO BRING: equestrian clothing (layered and waterproof), protective helmet, sunscreen
MINIMUM AGE: 14 if accompanied by an adult
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 Kg
TYPE: equestrian holiday with overnight stays in refuges
ACCOMMODATION:
VETAN: 3 overnight stays at Chambres d’Hotes l’Abri de Vetan: located at 1700 meters altitude, in the hamlet of Vetan, in the municipality of St-Pierre. The road that leads here winds through well-kept pastures and flowery meadows and offers a comfortable and scenic route.
The old stone and wood building has been completely renovated with skill and taste, preserving several fine architectural features from the past.
On the ground floor is a small common room, decorated with flowers and other wooden sculptures. The upper floors house the rental rooms, which are spacious and each with a private bathroom and shower—some with balconies. All rooms offer panoramic views toward the Gran Paradiso area and the Pila basin.
Breakfasts are rich and abundant: with cakes, jams, and sweet black bread, all homemade by Antonella, the friendly owner.
As for lunch and dinner, right next to the B&B is the well-known Ristorante Vetan, also owned by the family, serving typical Valdostan specialties.
Other possible refuges:
VEDEUN: Hotel Vagneur: located 8 km from Saint-Nicolas, in the hamlet of Vagneur. A mountain hut, a magical and characteristic place. This family-run refuge is very welcoming and offers a terrace with a view and a delicious typical Valdostan restaurant.
PESSE: Mont Fallère Refuge: Located at 2385 meters, this is a new structure designed to resemble a traditional mountain hut. Both the interior and exterior use reclaimed old wood.
It is equipped with solar panels to ensure environmentally friendly hot water production and supplements the heating system during colder periods.
Nearby are streams and glacial lakes, and the abundant water supplies a turbine that generates electricity.
The refuge offers 8 traditionally furnished rooms, a restaurant with typical cuisine, sauna, hot tub, and a relaxation room.
Departure dates on request with a minimum of 2 participants during the months of JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 – MAX 4
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS
Single room supplement ON REQUEST
