Feast of Our Lady of the Snows at the Sanctuary of Miserin
The nocturnal torchlight pilgrimage to the alpine sanctuary of Miserin, at 2,580 meters
About Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin
A Centuries-Old Pilgrimage Through the Mountains
The Feast of Our Lady of the Snows at the Sanctuary of Miserin is one of the oldest and most fascinating religious traditions in the Aosta Valley. It takes place every year on August 5th in Champorcher (Province of Aosta) and culminates in a nocturnal pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Miserin, located on the shores of the alpine lake of the same name at about 2,580 meters above sea level, in the Dondena valley.
The Night of the 'Champorchereins'
The day begins while it is still dark. At 3 a.m., the 'great' bell of the parish church of San Nicola in Champorcher rings out, waking the faithful who prepare for the ascent. An hour later, at 4 a.m., pilgrims gather in the churchyard with lit torches and, preceded by the cross and the continuous ringing of the bell, begin the procession towards Miserin along the mountain paths.
Upon arrival, at 8:30 a.m., Mass is celebrated in the sanctuary chapel: this is perhaps the most moving moment of the day. Other celebrations follow in the morning. In the afternoon, the traditional auction of objects offered by the faithful takes place, with proceeds supporting the chapel and the refuge, accompanied by the distribution of polenta. The return procession reaches the parish church around 6:30 p.m.
A Devotion That Unites the Valleys
The feast is not just for the community of Champorcher: pilgrims also come to the sanctuary from neighboring valleys, particularly from Cogne, Val Soana (Piedmont), and Fénis, crossing the alpine passes. Along the way and during the stop, participants share typical products prepared for the occasion: cured meats, cheeses, sweets, and spirits. It is a ritual that intertwines faith, mountains, and community identity, passed down from generation to generation.
Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin — edition 2026
On August 5, 2026, the ancient Feast of Our Lady of the Snows at the Sanctuary of Miserin will be renewed, a fixed-date event that draws the faithful from Champorcher and the surrounding valleys each year. The great bell of the parish church of San Nicola will ring at 3 a.m.; at 4 a.m., the torchlight procession will depart towards the sanctuary at 2,580 meters, where Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. The afternoon will be dedicated to the auction of items offered by the faithful, before the return procession around 6:30 p.m.
Programme Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin 2026
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- 3:00 a.m. — Ringing of the 'great' bell of the parish church of San Nicola in Champorcher
- 4:00 a.m. — Departure of the torchlight procession from the churchyard towards the Sanctuary of Miserin
- 8:30 a.m. — Mass in the sanctuary chapel (at 2,580 m), followed by other celebrations
- Afternoon — Auction of offered items to support the chapel and refuge, with polenta distribution
- Around 6:30 p.m. — Return procession to the parish church
Times based on the established tradition of the feast; program confirmation is provided by the parish of Champorcher.
Highlights Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin 2026
The nocturnal torchlight procession at 4 a.m. towards the sanctuary at 2,580 meters and the 8:30 a.m. Mass at high altitude.
Prices Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin
How to get there
Champorcher is reached from the lower Aosta Valley (Hône-Bard motorway exit on the A5). The Sanctuary of Miserin can only be reached on foot: from the Dondena area, paths lead up to Lake Miserin (about a 2-hour walk). The nocturnal pilgrimage requires mountain gear, warm clothing, and good physical condition.
When
The feast takes place every year on August 5th. The torchlight procession starts from Champorcher at 4 a.m.; Mass at the sanctuary is at 8:30 a.m.
Tips
Given the high altitude (2,580 m) and the nocturnal timing, hiking boots, warm clothes, and a flashlight are essential. It is possible to stay overnight at the Miserin refuge.
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Where does it take place — Our Lady of the Snows of Miserin
Santuario della Madonna delle Nevi di Miserin
Santuario di Miserin, Lago Miserin, 11020 Champorcher