From the Great St. Bernard pass to Valpelline – The Ru of Valle d’Aosta

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THE JOURNEY – July 20–25, 2026 · 6 Days

 

Walking Together Along Ancient Waterways from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Valpelline



The Great St. Bernard Pass is the starting point of an alpine journey along historic routes and, above all, alongside the ru, the medieval irrigation channels that carry glacier meltwater to the sunlit slopes and mountain pastures of the Aosta Valley. History accompanies us every step of the way. Our journey begins at the welcoming hospice on the pass, founded by Saint Bernard of Aosta in 1050. We follow a section of the Via Francigena, discover an ancient Napoleonic road, and explore the more recent military fortifications of the Cadorna Line. And all of this takes place on the very first day. After an evening among the alpine pastures of Allein, where the silence is broken only by the gentle murmur of a ru, we set out to explore Valpelline, one of the most unspoiled valleys in the Alps, untouched by mass tourism. We walk along the Ru de By to the By Basin, crossing mountain pastures and traditional alpine farms while enjoying magnificent views of Grand Combin (4,314 m), just across the Swiss border, as well as other impressive peaks including Mont Vélan and Mont Gelé. Our route then descends to Ollomont, where we venture quite literally into the mountain itself to discover stories of miners and life along the Ru du Mont. The journey concludes with a tasting of some of the finest Fontina cheese, matured in the remarkable setting of former mining tunnels.

Useful Information

  • Small pets only
  • Nature guide
  • Additional charge for small groups - please refer to "notes"
  • Historical and cultural tour
  • Nature tour

Description

Day 1 – From Aosta to the Great St. Bernard Pass

From Aosta, we take a bus to the pass. A short walk leads us to the Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard, on Swiss territory, where we spend an evening in the spirit of pilgrimage, admiring the magnificent alpine scenery and visiting the fascinating treasury museum.

Day 2 – From the Great St. Bernard Pass to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses

We follow the Via Francigena for a short stretch before continuing along a panoramic mid-slope route to the tunnel fortifications of Plan Puitz, built during World War I. A comfortable military road then leads us to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, the first village beyond the pass.

Technical Information: 11.6 km, +170 m / -1,020 m

Day 3 – From Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses to Baravex Mountain Hut

The journey continues along the mountainside, following the markings of the Tour des Combins on easy gravel tracks beside the Eternod and Menouve ru. A well-equipped mountain hut welcomes us for the night among the high alpine pastures of the municipality of Allein, with spectacular views of Mount Emilius and La Grivola.  

Technical Information: 16.3 km, +600 m / -300 m

Day 4 – From Baravex Mountain Hut to Ollomont

The Ru de By accompanies us throughout the day. Sometimes flowing in the open and at other times underground, it descends from the By basin. From Fenêtre Durant, where the Tour des Combins continues, and which we will not reach, Luigi Einaudi found refuge in Switzerland while escaping the Fascist regime.

Technical Information: 18.2 km, +330 m / -865 m

Day 5 – From Ollomont: Circular Hike Along the Ru du Mont

We remain at a lower elevation, walking through forest trails along the ru. Along the route lies the entrance to the Saint-Jean mining gallery. At the end of the ru, a real tunnel awaits us, so a headlamp is essential. On the return journey, we visit the Visitor Centre of the Fontina and Milk Producers’ Cooperative, where another fascinating underground experience awaits.  

Technical Information: 11.4 km, ±360 m

Day 6 – From Ollomont to Aosta

Return to Aosta by bus in the morning, with time for a short visit to the historic city centre and a farewell lunch together.

 

Contact us

What is included

Notes

Food & Local Specialties: Fontina is the culinary excellence of this region and may well have originated here. Its delicate flavor enriches one of the Aosta Valley’s most traditional dishes, Seupa à la Vapelenentse, a hearty soup made with cabbage and bread. The perfect accompaniment is a locally brewed Bière du Grand St. Bernard.

Region, Society & Environment: Valpelline is such a remarkable destination that even the United Nations has recognized a local initiative as an example of sustainable tourism. The NaturaValp Cultural Association connects around sixty local businesses, accommodation providers, producers, and tourism professionals. As a result, the Valpelline community offers a warm welcome to walkers seeking authentic mountain culture and unspoiled natural landscapes.

 

Difficulty Level: Moderate. The route follows hiking trails, gravel tracks, forest roads, and historic mule paths. Some sections along the ru are equipped with cables and safety features.

Departure: Meeting point at Aosta Railway Station at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Return: Return by bus from Ollomont to Aosta in the morning. Departure from Aosta is scheduled for late morning or early afternoon.

Guide: Roberta Ferraris, certified environmental hiking guide for the Piedmont Region. She is the author of Aosta Valley: Walking and Cycling Along the Ru, published by Fraternali Editore in 2024.

For further information, please contact the guide at +39 334 226 5612.

Additional Note: Small Group Supplement (6 to 9 participants): €200.00

Before leaving

  • A valid ID card or passport is required
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking boots (preferably high-ankle)
  • Walking poles (strongly recommended)
  • Backpack (35-45 litres) and rain cover
  • A small umbrella or waterproof poncho
  • Fleece or another warm layer, windproof jacket, and long trousers
  • Water bottle
  • Do not carry a backpack weighing more than 13 kg for men or 10 kg for women (to check the weight, step on a scale while wearing the backpack and calculate the difference)

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