The historic open-water swim across Piedmont's third-largest lake
The Lake Viverone Swimming Crossing is one of the most cherished sporting events in the Canavese and Lower Biella areas. Every year, in early August, dozens of swimmers dive from the Anzasco tourist pier, located in the municipality of Piverone in the Metropolitan City of Turin, to swim across Lake Viverone, the third-largest natural lake in Piedmont. The swim, covering approximately 3,750 meters in its classic format, concludes on the opposite shore in the Masseria hamlet, at the Ristorante dei Pescatori beach.
Established in the early 1970s, the event has spanned over half a century while maintaining its amateur and convivial spirit. Although it has grown into a national-level event, the crossing retains the genuine soul of a village festival, where athletic challenge meets a deep passion for the lake and its territory. The organization is managed with dedication by the ASD Lago di Viverone, presided over by Piero Sarasso.
Since 2011, the Viverone Crossing has been part of the Nobile dei Laghi circuit, a selection of Italy's most important lake crossings. This recognition has placed the event on a national stage, attracting swimmers every year from various regions of Northern and Central Italy, as well as international athletes who have previously traveled from Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The event is held under the patronage of the Regional Council of Piedmont, CSAIN, and the Municipality of Viverone, confirming the deep bond between the event and the two shores of the lake, divided between the Provinces of Turin and Biella. Beyond the race, the day offers a festive occasion: the finish is accompanied by a convivial aperitif and an awards ceremony for all participants, in a friendly atmosphere that has always been the hallmark of this crossing.
L'edizione 2026 della Traversata a Nuoto del Lago di Viverone è in programma per sabato 1 agosto 2026. L'organizzazione, curata dall'ASD Lago di Viverone, ha già pubblicato il programma e aperto le iscrizioni per questa attesa nuotata in acque libere, valida per il circuito nazionale Nobile dei Laghi.
Come da tradizione, la partenza avverrà dal molo turistico di Anzasco, frazione di Piverone (TO), con arrivo sulla sponda biellese del lago dopo circa 3.750 metri. La giornata sarà scandita da ritrovo, riunione tecnica, gara e momento conviviale di premiazione aperto a tutti i partecipanti.
Distanza classica: 3.750 metri. Tempo massimo per completare il percorso: 150 minuti (2 ore e 30). Numero massimo di iscritti: 100.
The meeting point is in Piverone (TO), at the Anzasco tourist pier, on the Turin side of Lake Viverone. By car: take the Albiano-Ivrea exit (A5 Turin-Aosta) or Santhià (A4), then follow signs for the lake. By train: Viverone-Roppolo station on the Turin-Milan line, located just a few kilometers away.
Registration fee: 40 euros. A medical certificate for competitive sports and an individual safety buoy are mandatory. Full neoprene wetsuits are not permitted. The maximum number of participants is capped at 100. Registrations are made by sending the form to [email protected].
Bring an ID for race pack collection, swimwear, goggles, and a swim cap. The area offers equipped beaches, lakeside restaurants, and accommodation facilities on both the Turin and Biella sides.
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Molo turistico di Anzasco
Molo turistico di Anzasco, 10010 Piverone