Monte Nock New Year's Eve Torchlight Descent

A year-end tradition on the slopes of Val di Non

The Monte Nock New Year's Eve Torchlight Descent is one of the most evocative winter events in Ruffrè-Mendola, a small town in Trentino-Alto Adige overlooking the Val di Non, at the foot of the Mendola Pass. Every December 31st, as darkness falls, the black run of Monte Nock lights up with torches carried by skiers: a night descent that draws a long serpent of light across the snow to bid farewell to the passing year.

The torchlit descent

The stars of the evening are the athletes of the Unione Sportiva Ruffrè Mendola, who, together with their ski instructors and coaches, descend the black run of Monte Nock holding torches. The event is also open to other skiers who wish to join the luminous procession. Participants meet in the area near the Monte Nock chairlift, where the descent begins, leading down to the finish area.

Mulled wine and tea by the bonfire

At the end of the descent, at the base of the slope and around the bonfire, mulled wine and hot tea are distributed free of charge to everyone present, courtesy of the Alpini Group with the support of the local Fire Brigade. It is the most convivial moment of the evening: skiers and spectators gather together in the warmth of the fire to toast to the new year before the midnight celebrations.

Sport, mountains, and community

Organized by the Unione Sportiva Ruffrè Mendola with the collaboration of the Fire Brigade and the Alpini Group, the torchlight descent is an entirely free event that embodies the spirit of a mountain community. It is a long-standing tradition on the slopes of Monte Nock, featured in the calendar of Christmas and year-end events in the Val di Non.

Monte Nock

The Monte Nock ski center, nestled in nature near the Mendola Pass, is known as a hub for competitive training and offers slopes for intermediate and expert skiers, including the black run that hosts the torchlight descent. Its location, straddling the Province of Trento and the Predaia plateau, makes it a popular destination for alpine skiing and night skiing during the winter season.

Why attend

• A free light show on the final night of the year
• Complimentary mulled wine and hot tea around the bonfire
• An event suitable for families, skiers, and spectators alike
• The stunning backdrop of the Val di Non and the Mendola Pass