1st Traversata della Nonna

A new crossing on Lake Orta

The 1st Traversata della Nonna is an open-water swimming event held for the first time on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Ronco di Pella, a village in the municipality of Pella, on the western shores of Lake Orta, in the province of Novara (Piedmont). The event is organized by Canottieri Lago d'Orta A.S.D. and is part of the Nobile dei Laghi 2026 circuit, a calendar featuring the main open-water lake crossings across Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Canton of Ticino.

Three distances for every swimmer

The beauty of this crossing is its accessibility to all levels. The program features three distinct routes with staggered starts throughout the morning:

• 2000 meters — the premier distance, reserved for the most trained swimmers;
• 1000 meters — the intermediate course for open-water enthusiasts;
• 400 meters Tutor Formula — designed for those attempting their first crossing, with a tutor accompanying each participant.

A 'combo' option is also available, allowing participants to combine the 1 km and 2 km routes in a single registration, perfect for those who really want to test themselves in the clear waters of Lake Orta.

The Nobile dei Laghi circuit

The Traversata della Nonna is one of the events in the Nobile dei Laghi 2026 circuit, which winds through Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Mergozzo, and other bodies of water in Northern Italy. Those who participate in at least eleven crossings of the circuit earn the title of 'Nobile dei Laghi 2026', with awards and benefits for the following edition. For Pella, which already hosts other swims on the lake, this new event represents another step in the lake's vocation as a stage for open-water swimming.

The setting of Lake Orta

Swimming in Ronco di Pella means immersing yourself in one of the most evocative corners of Piedmont: Lake Orta, overlooking the Island of San Giulio and framed by the hills of the Cusio region, offers calm waters and a panorama that provides the ideal backdrop for a day of outdoor sports. The crossing thus combines a sporting challenge with the pleasure of experiencing the lake on an early summer Sunday.