CANYONING E RIVER TREKKING

If you think of the element of water in the Stura Valley, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely the Stura River, the scene of splendid descents in a canoe, kayak or raft.

In reality, there are other disciplines to discover aquatic life, in environments other than the Stura: in recent years, in fact, some young local guides have introduced two outdoor activities that already exist but have never been tried in the Valley: Canyoning and River Trekking.

These two disciplines, although distinct from each other, present some similarities.

Both take place from late spring to autumn, they involve free-body descent of a minor watercourse (a torrent or stream), without the aid of means of transport such as canoes or similar. You proceed along these courses to discover new and aquatic landscapes. But what distinguishes one from the other?

River Trekking takes place in streams along which there are NO obstacles that require the use of ropes, harnesses or other types of mountaineering equipment. In practice, you walk in wild and unknown places, immersing yourself in a natural environment of extreme beauty. The water level is constantly medium-low and you always touch the bottom of the river with your feet. The activity is suitable for families, adults and children, so much so that some schools have already gone down the stream accompanied by trained and prepared guides!

Canyoning (or Torrentismo) is the “adrenaline-filled” version of River Trekking, where you are likely to find rock jumps, waterfalls and obstacles that require the use of mountaineering equipment. There may be short stretches where the seabed is deep and you need to swim. Jumps, toboggans and natural slides, abseiling, waterfalls and dives, all in a wild and isolated environment that leaves the most amazed. These are the characteristics of the torrents of the Stura Valley where this adventurous and fascinating activity takes place!

To independently carry out both disciplines, a strong knowledge of the risks involved is required, as well as knowledge of specific techniques of canyoning, mountaineering, orienteering, first aid and much more.

In the absence of this knowledge and to make the trip in complete tranquility and safety, it is advisable to rely on an expert and trained guide, whose contact details you can ask for at Porta di Valle – Valle Stura (Via Nazionale 17, Demonte. Tel. o Whatsapp: +39 3282032182

Mail: portadivalle@vallesturaexperience.it).