Mergozzo Waterproof

Mergozzo Waterproof: open-water swimming arrives at Lake Mergozzo

Mergozzo Waterproof is the latest addition to the open-water swimming season in northern Piedmont. The inaugural edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Mergozzo, a small town in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province overlooking one of Italy's most picturesque and pristine lakes. The crossing is organized by Dimensione Sport, a local organization well-known for the numerous sporting events that bring the region to life throughout the season.

A 2 km course in Italy's cleanest waters

The race covers a 2 km course in the waters of Lake Mergozzo, a small glacial lake separated from Lake Maggiore and famous for its exceptional clarity, where swimming is carefully regulated to preserve its quality. This natural setting makes it an ideal venue for long-distance swimming, highly appreciated by athletes and amateurs across Northern Italy.

A stage of the Nobile dei Laghi circuit

Mergozzo Waterproof is part of the Nobile dei Laghi circuit, which in 2026 features seventeen crossings held from May to October on the major lakes of Northern Italy, including Orta, Como, Lugano, Viverone, Monate, Iseo, and Mergozzo. To earn the "Nobile dei Laghi" title, swimmers must complete at least eleven crossings of the circuit: the Mergozzo stage, held in late September, is one of the final opportunities of the season to complete the challenge.

Mergozzo, a land of water sports

The arrival of the Mergozzo Waterproof fits perfectly into the town's vibrant sporting tradition. For years, the same lake has hosted the Lake Mergozzo Swimming Crossing and the Mergozzo International Triathlon, while the Ossola region offers various running and trail races. For open-water swimming enthusiasts and those who love combining sport with the discovery of Piedmont's lake landscapes, this new crossing is a highly anticipated addition to the calendar.