First Snowder Fest!

One week after the end of Snowder Fest, it’s time to reflect on its debut.

When we envisioned this gathering, we set ourselves three goals: sport, mountain culture, and conviviality.

We never imagined achieving such a great result, especially with such tight planning timelines.

For this, we must thank Conitours, which greatly simplified our task through a convenient booking platform for the various activities.

All the success is thanks to you and the exceptional guests who took to the “stage” of Sant’Anna.

Things kicked off on Friday, September 19, with a dish of Ula under the stars before diving into the stories of Ernesto Sommaruga, who came from Varese to Valle Gesso to present his book “Basta Poco.”

Ernesto carried the backpack of his journeys and opened it to share his steps, thoughts, and itineraries with us.

The evening was moderated by Marika Abbà.

At the same time, Alpine Guides Adri and Pallo, with help from young Ivan Vittone, spent the night at the Remondino refuge with two groups of people.

The next morning, they woke at dawn and set off for Colletto Freshfiel and Passo dei Detriti, from which they climbed the Sigismondi Ridge and the Normal Route to Argentera respectively.

Everyone met at the summit, with views stretching from the Matterhorn to Corsica.

On Saturday, it wasn’t just mountaineers in action but also bikers, led by MTB Guide Erik Rolando, who tackled the entire Granfondo loop of the Maritime Alps.

A highly varied route, alternating between S2–S3 level single tracks and more flowy sections, including a dirt road where all riding techniques could be put to the test.

A route that revealed stunning views of the Maritime Alps, from the summit of Argentera to the plains of Cuneo.

Back in Sant’Anna, we enjoyed a great chat with “ThisAvventura” and their tale of an adventurous bike journey through Georgia.

And after such a packed day, you know the stomach must not suffer!

We brought a slice of Patagonia to the valley: authentic Argentine Asado, prepared by master asadors!

A nostalgic taste for those who’ve been, and a souvenir for those yet to go.

Because for Snowder, the journey must reach everyone—and if Muhammad won’t go to the mountain, we’ll bring the taste of the mountain to Muhammad!

After dinner, we had a date with Enrico Camanni, with whom we took a true journey through the history of mountaineering and the Alps, recounting how mountaineering has always been a powerful motivation to travel.

Enrico needs no introduction.

He kept us glued to our seats with stories of triumphs and defeats, of life and death.

Thanks to Libreria dell’Acciuga, which attended with a selection of Camanni’s finest publications, many passionate readers took the opportunity to get a freshly signed copy.

For those who couldn’t attend, Enrico was interviewed by Valerio Dutto of Cuneotrekking, and their conversation will be online soon.

The evening continued with music from “Coi Toni,” who kept the energy high for hours without ever taking a break.

Wild dancing into the night—photos and videos exist, but we’ll never publish them!

The next day, a fearless sleep-deprived group, guided by Naturalist Roberto Pockaj, embarked on one of the valley’s most fascinating treks: the Vallescura Lakes tour.

An immersion into the Maritime Alps Park, managed by a responsible and collaborative authority we’ll never tire of thanking.

Like all things, good or bad, Snowder Fest has come to an end.

Together we savored the magic of hiking, mountaineering, MTB, and trekking, as we await the start of the powder season!

Three intense days.

Three days together.

Thanks to everyone who joined us.

The first Snowder Fest is like first love: you never forget it!