PALIO DELLE CONTRADE – 1K SHOT IN LIVIGNO. AN ELITE BRAND ON THE AUGUST SNOW

Livigno calls and the champions answer. On 24th August, however, there will be what might be called a ‘choral’ event in Alta Valtellina  given all Livigno will be on the slopes. It is the Palio delle Contrade (competition between districts) - 1K Shot competition, or rather the traditional challenge on skis which is incredibly important to the people of Livigno and during which they ‘defend the prestige’ of their district. Alongside the many enthusiasts of this “vintage” trail, there will the crème de la crème of cross-country skiing and biathlon athletes, ready to test themselves in the 1K Shot. These are athletes who regularly choose Livigno to train for winter competitions.

A one kilometre track, a true “miracle” created using the snow-farming technique. Indeed, an incredible 150 cubic metres of the snow produced at the end of winter has been preserved and protected from the summer heat thanks to an innovative system, meaning it can be used in August.

It is a real treat, and gives Livigno the chance to offer an opening event for winter, a season synonymous with sport and fun in Little Tibet, as this area is also known. Indeed, it offers countless opportunities for enjoying a range of leisure activities on a blanket of snow.

Athletes from the Italian national cross-country skiing and biathlon teams will be on the slopes on the 24th August, amongst which the names Federico Pellegrino, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi, some of the leading figures in last season’s competitions, stand out.

A few sparks between high-ranking athletes and many ‘sparks’ amongst the people of Livigno, who are determined to win themselves a prominent place in the Palio delle Contrade (competition between districts), on 24th August with a night-time finale on the pure white snow.

Like every year in this period there is a hunt for vintage clothing and equipment that isn’t too difficult to find, however, given the age old passion for skis in this area of Alta Valtellina.

And speaking of cross-country skiing there is already a lot of excitement around the news of the return of the free technique of the Sgambeda. For the 2018 event, the organisers have really hit the target: two days of classical style within the sphere of the prestigious Visma Ski Classics circuit with the 15km Pro Team Prologue on 30th November, the Individual Prologue over 30km held on 2nd December and the traditional Sgambeda Open, for professionals and amateurs alike, held on 1st December. This time, however, there will be no ski wax, but rather “skating” skis.

The presence of RAI Sport has already been confirmed for the Palio delle Contrade - 1K Shot  with extensive coverage of the highlights.