Ripa Splash Down

A wacky race in the heart of the Susa Valley

Some people run, some people cycle, and in Cesana Torinese, some choose to brave the current of the Ripa stream aboard a boat made entirely of cardboard and duct tape. This is Ripa Splash Down, the new event debuting with its first edition on June 27 and 28, 2026, in this town in the Upper Susa Valley, in the Province of Turin, at the foot of the peaks that separate Piedmont from France.

The idea is as simple as it is brilliant: build a boat capable of floating and completing the race course using exclusively cardboard and duct tape. No plastic, no wood, no tricks: just ingenuity, teamwork, and a healthy dose of recklessness. The result is a hilarious spectacle, where the outcome matters just as much as the imagination with which each crew decorates and designs their boat.

Two days of festivities along the river

Ripa Splash Down is more than just a competition: it is a true village festival that brings the banks of the stream to life for an entire weekend. Saturday is dedicated to anticipation and atmosphere, with a market along the banks of the Ripa, a culinary experience during the evening party, and a live concert in the Splash Arena. Sunday is the day of truth: crews build their boats on-site and then take to the water for the actual race, amidst applause, splashes, and inevitable shipwrecks.

Cesana Torinese: mountains and fun

Nestled between the mountains of the Upper Susa Valley, just a few kilometers from the French border and the major Vialattea ski areas, Cesana Torinese is a mountain destination that fills with hikers, cyclists, and families in the summer. Ripa Splash Down joins the town's summer calendar as a fun, participatory event designed to involve residents, vacationers, and curious visitors of all ages. The initiative is organized by the Pro Loco ProYoung of Cesana Torinese, which manages registrations, the rules, and the entire festival operation.

How to participate

The race has a cap of 300 participants to ensure safety along the banks, so spots are limited. To register, you must download the rules and registration form from the website of the Municipality of Cesana Torinese or the Pro Loco, fill them out, sign them, and send them via email to the Pro Loco, attaching the bank transfer receipt. Participation is confirmed only after receiving the official email from the organization.