Boccioleto Summer – VKS Vertical Seccio Memorial Tasso Claudio

The summer of a Valsesia village

Nestled in the upper Valsesia valley, in the Province of Vercelli, Boccioleto is one of those Piedmontese villages where summer still retains the authentic flavor of traditional village festivals. Throughout the month of August, the municipality and its hamlets—Fervento, Moline, and Genestreto—come alive with a continuous calendar of events that blend sport, religious tradition, gastronomy, and social gatherings. This is the Boccioleto Summer festival, a showcase of community life in this corner of Piedmont overlooking the Monte Rosa massif.

The VKS Vertical Seccio Memorial Tasso Claudio

The most anticipated moment is the VKS Vertical Seccio, held in memory of Claudio Tasso. It is a vertical kilometer mountain race: just under 5 km in length with approximately 1000 meters of positive elevation gain, starting from the Boccioleto sports field (667 m) and finishing at Alpe Seccio (1642 m). A unique and continuous climb, both tough and fascinating, which rewards those who best manage the incline up to the panoramic ridge. The race is limited to a small number of athletes and is organized by the Consorzio per lo sviluppo dell'Alpe Seccio in collaboration with the Valsesia sports network.

Alongside the competitive race, there is a non-competitive fun run/walk, designed for hikers, families, and supporters who want to reach the Alpe at their own pace, without a stopwatch. It is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most evocative spots in the area: Alpe Seccio, in the heart of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, with its mountain hut and views of Monte Rosa.

Festivals, fairs, and tradition

The festival is not just about sports. The Boccioleto Summer calendar includes the patronal feasts of the hamlets—the Feast of San Lorenzo at Alpe Seccio and in Fervento, the Moline Festival, and the feast of Sant'Andrea in Genestreto—alongside moments of pure conviviality: Ferragosto bingo nights, dance evenings, pizza in the square, and live music. A sequence of events that tells the story of a mountain municipality where the community gathers around its own traditions.

Why it's worth the trip

Boccioleto is the ideal destination for those seeking an August away from the crowds, filled with mountains, outdoor sports, and village warmth. The VKS Vertical Seccio offers running enthusiasts one of the most characteristic vertical challenges in Piedmont, while the rest of the program invites you to slow down, get to know the village, and experience Valsesia at the gentle pace of its festivals.