Scivolandia

A night of madness on the snow of Pontechianale

Scivolandia is much more than a race: it is the "craziest descent of the winter," as they call it around here. Every January, the Pineta Nord ski area in Pontechianale, the highest municipality in the Varaita Valley in the province of Cuneo, lights up for an evening where costumed teams launch themselves down the slope on hand-built sleds, each more absurd and original than the last. The result is a one-of-a-kind spectacle, halfway between a sporting event, a carnival parade, and a grand night show.

How the race works

Participants don't just slide down: they must invent a vehicle, a choreography, and a team identity. The jury evaluates not only the technical construction of the sled but also the precision of the descent, the originality of the performance, and the ability to engage the audience with choreography and special effects. Alongside the main podium, numerous special and humorous prizes are awarded: the funniest team, the loudest cheering section, the longest distance covered, the youngest and oldest participant, the "Team Rosa" (Pink Team), and other awards that are sure to bring a smile.

A phenomenon growing every year

Relaunched in its current form in 2018, Scivolandia has grown year after year, reaching record numbers: dozens of crews and over a hundred participants, with teams arriving from all over Piedmont and even from nearby France. The audience is an integral part of the festival: in recent editions, nearly a thousand people have gathered trackside, also thanks to a large screen that allows spectators to follow the descents and choreography up close.

More than just a race

The evening doesn't end with the race: live music, entertainment, and a dance party close the event, turning the mountain into a large open-air dance floor. Organized by the Pro Loco of Pontechianale with the support of the Municipality and the ski area operators, Scivolandia has become a defining event for the upper Varaita Valley, capable of attracting thousands of people in the middle of winter to one of the most picturesque villages in Piedmont, just a stone's throw from Monviso and the French border.

Why it's worth attending

• A unique night show in the entire Alpine arc.
• Free admission and a fun, lighthearted atmosphere suitable for everyone.
• The perfect opportunity to discover Pontechianale and the upper Varaita Valley in its winter guise.
• Original prizes and tons of fun, both on the snow and on the dance floor.