Ai piedi del Vioz Night Ski Mountaineering Rally – Roberto Casanova Memorial
The classic night-time ski mountaineering race beneath the peaks of the Stelvio National Park in Peio
About Ai piedi del Vioz
A mountain tradition in Peio
The «Ai piedi del Vioz» night ski mountaineering rally is a historic fixture of Trentino ski mountaineering, held in Peio, in the municipality of the same name in Val di Peio, in the Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Established in 1997, it draws over a thousand enthusiasts to the Peio Fonti basin every first Friday of February. Participants tackle the ascent in the dark, illuminated only by headlamps and moonlight, at the foot of the imposing peaks of the Ortles-Cevedale group dominated by Monte Vioz.
The route
The race begins with a mass start at Peio Fonti (1,350 m), in the Mezzoli area, and finishes at the Rifugio Doss dei Gembri (approx. 2,300 m). The course covers about 6 kilometres with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 metres, ascending the Mezzoli, Taviela, and Gembri ski slopes up to the Valle della Mite, within the Stelvio National Park. Each competitor must be equipped with ski mountaineering skis with climbing skins and a headlamp, as well as a small backpack with spare clothing and safety gear.
Race, memorial, and conviviality
The event is held in memory of Roberto Casanova: the «Roberto Casanova Memorial» trophy is awarded to the largest group participating in the race. There are separate men's and women's rankings with prizes for the top ten finishers in each, a special Under 18 category with the Carletto Canella Trophy, and awards for the largest groups. After the climb, athletes gather for dinner in the valley's restaurants, while the prize-giving ceremony takes place around 11:00 PM in the auditorium of the Peio Fonti Thermal Centre.
A symbol of Val di Peio
Organised by the Consorzio Turistico Pejo 3000, the rally has become a true symbol of the Peio community over the years, attracting big names in ski mountaineering alongside hundreds of amateurs. Among the historic participants are the so-called «Senators», athletes who have taken part in every edition of the event since its inception.
Ai piedi del Vioz — edition 2026
2026 Edition – the 29th
On Friday, February 6, 2026, the 29th edition of the «Ai piedi del Vioz – Roberto Casanova Memorial» night ski mountaineering rally was held in Peio Fonti. Meeting at 5:00 PM and mass start at 7:00 PM, with an ascent from Peio Fonti (1,350 m) to the Rifugio Doss dei Gembri covering about 6 km and 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Among the names expected at the start were ski mountaineering champions such as Davide Magnini, Federico Nicolini, Lisa Moreschini, and Claudia Peretti, alongside hundreds of amateurs. Registrations, which opened on December 10, closed upon reaching the maximum limit of 1,100 competitors, with the entry fee set at 36 euros.
Prizes and memorial
Prize-giving ceremony around 11:00 PM in the auditorium of the Peio Fonti Thermal Centre: awards for the top ten men and women, the Under 18 classification with the Carletto Canella Trophy, and the 10th «Roberto Casanova Memorial» Trophy for the largest group.
Programme Ai piedi del Vioz 2026
- 5:00 PM — Meeting at Peio Fonti (Mezzoli area)
- 7:00 PM — Mass start of the night race towards the Rifugio Doss dei Gembri
- Following — Dinner in the restaurants of Val di Peio
- Approx. 11:00 PM — Prize-giving ceremony in the auditorium of the Peio Fonti Thermal Centre
Highlights Ai piedi del Vioz 2026
- 29th edition of the classic night race
- 6 km route with approx. 1,000 m elevation gain in the Stelvio National Park
- Up to 1,100 competitors at the start
- 10th Roberto Casanova Memorial Trophy for the largest group
Prices Ai piedi del Vioz 2026
Practical information — Ai piedi del Vioz
Where
Start from Peio Fonti (Mezzoli area, 1,350 m), Municipality of Peio, Val di Peio, Province of Trento. Finish at the Rifugio Doss dei Gembri (2,300 m), Stelvio National Park.
When
The first Friday of February, in the evening: meeting at 5:00 PM and mass start at 7:00 PM.
Registration and contact
Registration at the Peio Fonti Information Office or the Consorzio Pejo 3000 headquarters in Cogolo. Info: Consorzio Turistico Pejo 3000, tel. +39 0463 090518, [email protected], www.visitvaldipejo.it. Ski mountaineering equipment and a headlamp are mandatory.
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Where does it take place — Ai piedi del Vioz
Peio Fonti (zona Mezzoli)