Ru Courtod, Val d'Ayas
Places
Hike·Easy·Family·Hidden gem

Ru Courtod, Val d'Ayas

Aosta Valley

The Ru Courtod is one of the great "rus" of the Aosta Valley — a hand-dug medieval channel that still carries meltwater along the hillside for kilometres at a gentle gradient. The towpath contours through larch and pasture between Saint-Jacques and Fiéry with the Monte Rosa glaciers filling the head of the valley.

Duration
3 hours
Distance
9 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
June – October

Parking · Free

Free parking at Saint-Jacques (Ayas), end of the valley road.

Water

Fountains in Saint-Jacques and Fiéry; the ru water is not for drinking.

Highlights

  • Level medieval canal towpath
  • Monte Rosa glacier views the whole way
  • Larch wood and open pasture

With your dog

Off-leash tolerated on the level towpath away from the hamlets; watch the channel edge.