SKIDS – The Snow Festival

A snow festival dedicated to the younger generation

SKIDS – The Snow Festival is a sports and recreational event that brings the Monte Cavallo (known as Rosskopf in German) ski area to life every spring. Located above the town of Vipiteno/Sterzing in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in the heart of South Tyrol, the festival was established in 2023 and has quickly grown into one of the most popular international youth ski competitions for age groups U8 to U16.

More than just a race

The goal of SKIDS goes beyond crowning the fastest skiers; the event focuses on the pleasure of skiing together, team spirit, and fun in the snow. For several days, Vipiteno and Monte Cavallo become a meeting point for young skiers from numerous European nations, accompanied by their families and clubs. The slopes and the historic town centre host games, entertainment, social gatherings like the pasta party, and family-friendly activities.

Disciplines and programme

The competitive heart of the event consists of two main challenges:

• Giant Slalom, the individual race held on the slopes of Monte Cavallo;
• Team Parallel Race, held on the final day to highlight group spirit.

The programme also includes training days on the race course with instructors and coaches, the iconic club parade through the historic centre of Vipiteno, and the opening ceremony. A detail that makes SKIDS special is the presence of coaches and athletes from the World Cup circuit: the organizing committee is led by former Italian ski star Manfred Mölgg, supported by local ski clubs, the Vipiteno tourist board, and the Monte Cavallo lift company.

Vipiteno and Monte Cavallo

Vipiteno, with its famous Twelve Tower and the arcaded streets of its medieval centre, is one of the most charming towns in the Upper Isarco Valley. Monte Cavallo is directly accessible from the town via a cable car that connects the centre to the slopes in just a few minutes. This proximity between town and mountain is a hallmark of the festival: events take place simultaneously on the snowy slopes and in the squares of Vipiteno, creating a festive atmosphere that involves the entire community.

An international gathering

With hundreds of participants from Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, and many other countries, SKIDS – The Snow Festival has established itself as a benchmark for youth skiing in South Tyrol and the Alpine region. It is an event that combines sport, education, and fun, capable of passing on a passion for the mountains and skiing to children in a safe, colourful, and welcoming environment.