Discesa in Bob

A Carnival celebration on the snow in Valle Maira

The Discesa in Bob is one of the most delightful Carnival events in Valle Maira, the long and wild Occitan valley in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. The event takes place in the Chiesa hamlet of San Michele di Prazzo, part of the municipality of Prazzo, and for one day, it transforms the village square and the surrounding snowy slopes into a giant playground for children, teenagers, and adults alike.

A non-competitive run for pure fun

The highlight of the day is the non-competitive bobsleigh run: no stopwatches or leaderboards, just the joy of sliding down the snow together, strictly in costume. Its informal, non-competitive nature makes the event suitable for everyone, from the youngest children to entire families, embodying the shared festive spirit typical of mountain communities.

Lunch and the awards ceremony

After a morning on the snow, the festivities continue with a convivial lunch at the La Tano di Grich mountain refuge, a local hub for hospitality in the hamlet. In the afternoon, the awards ceremony takes place, with prizes for the most fun costume and bobsleigh: a playful moment that rewards the imagination and cheerfulness of the participants rather than speed.

Carnival and Occitan tradition

The Discesa in Bob is part of the rich calendar of Piedmontese Carnival events and, in particular, the traditions of the Occitan hamlets of the upper Valle Maira. In these small mountain villages, winter festivals are a precious opportunity to gather and keep the community spirit alive. The event, deeply rooted in the territory of the municipality of Prazzo, is an invitation to discover an authentic and lesser-known corner of the province of Cuneo.

An event dependent on snow

As this is a snow-based event, it takes place only if there is sufficient snow cover: its realization is therefore tied to the winter weather conditions. Booking is required to participate, ensuring the best organization for the lunch and the day's activities.