Arvus

Access

The more usual access starts from the hamlet of Prailles-Dessous (1,560m) above Etroubles, where a car park is available. From here, follow the farm road that easily climbs the valley and leads to the alpine pasture. The route, which is also suitable in winter for snowshoeing and snowshoeing, is about 5 km long, with a difference in altitude of about 425 m. The walking time to reach Arvus is around 2 hours, on well-marked paths with no particular difficulties. In periods of melting snow, the terrain can be more challenging; care is therefore recommended in the intermediate seasons. The itinerary is signposted on the main hiking portals in the region and can be extended to the upper alpine pastures or the Col de Menouve.

Introduction

The Arvus mountain pasture is located in the upper part of the Menouve valley, in the municipality of Etroubles, in Valle d'Aosta. Situated at an altitude of about 1985 metres, it is set in an environment dominated by wide alpine pastures, on the slopes of the chains surrounding the Gran San Bernardo basin. The mountain pasture offers suggestive views of the valley, characterised by grassy slopes, with the presence of small streams and wooded areas at lower altitudes. The position, at the end of the valley, represents a panoramic viewpoint from which to observe the evolution of the typical alpine environment, with a gradual transition from meadows to high altitude environments.

Synthetic technical data:

• Top: 1985 m a.s.l.
• Commune: Etroubles (AO)
• Walloon: Menouve
• Pasture area: the entire area 400 ha
• Period of activity: June-September
• Activities: cattle breeding, production of Fontina AOC, cheese, butter, ricotta
• Access: from Prailles-Dessous, 5 km, 425 m difference in altitude, path E

Description

The alpine pastureland is loaded in the summer mainly with cattle, which graze on a total surface area of around 400 hectares, including the Menouve alpine pastures (Comba Germain, Menouve, Arvus and Tza Nouva). The habitat is rich in alpine herbaceous species, a fundamental element for the quality of forage and local dairy products. No particular protected species are reported, but the area nevertheless represents a significant environment for the biodiversity of the area. The structures present are typical of Valle d'Aosta alpine pastures: dry stone houses, stables and rooms dedicated to milk processing, in good condition given the seasonal activities that take place there.
The main activity consists of cattle breeding and the production of Fontina DOP, a cheese that represents a presidium of the local cheese-making tradition. In addition to Fontina, butter, ricotta and a cheese called 'formaggio di alpeggio' are produced, all derived from the milk of cows fed on the pastures of the Arvus and surrounding areas. At certain times, it is possible to buy these specialities directly from the mountain pastures, depending on seasonal availability. Processing still takes place according to traditional methods, handed down in the agricultural context of the valley.
The Arvus mountain pasture is fully integrated in the historical fabric of Valdostan 'monticazione', an activity that has marked the summer rhythm of local communities for centuries. In the past, the Menouve valley was also a secondary communication route to Switzerland, attesting to the cross-border importance of these environments. The attachment to traditions emerges in events such as 'Alpages Ouverts', events designed to acquaint visitors with the reality of Alpine pastures and production processes.

Information

Quota:1.985m
Alternative name: -
Pasture area: the entire district 400 ha
Period of activity: June-September
Typical production: cattle breeding, Fontina AOC production, cheeses, butter, ricotta

Collections

• mountain pastures in the Valley of the Great St. Bernard - map
• mountain pastures in the Aosta Valley - map