Torchlight Procession of Carnival of Pila
Edition 2026 Mountain Folk traditions Folklore

Torchlight Procession of Carnival of Pila

Carnival on the snow in the Pila area, above Aosta

Aosta — Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste (007)
Dates 21 Feb — 21 Feb 2026
Location Aosta (007)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Torchlight Procession of Carnival

When darkness falls on the slopes of Pila, the ski resort overlooking Aosta lights up for its Carnival Torchlight Procession: a descent with torches amidst masks, harlequins, and a festive atmosphere, at 1,800 meters altitude. With the cable car open in the evening until 11 PM and the harlequins from Gressan animating the slopes, it's one of the most magical events of the Aosta Valley winter, perfect for families and mountain lovers.

Carnival on the snow above Aosta

The Carnival Torchlight Procession is one of the most evocative events of the winter in the Pila ski area, the resort connected to Aosta by cable car and located in the municipality of Gressan, at about 1,800 meters altitude. For one evening, the slopes become a stage of lights, with the descent of torches illuminating the snow in the heart of Carnival.

Masks, harlequins, and a festive atmosphere

During the day, the harlequins of Gressan animate the slopes with their colorful costumes, offering moments of play and opportunities for photos and selfies on the snow. The celebration involves both adults and children, in a family-friendly atmosphere that blends winter sports and Carnival tradition. An experience that makes the Pila Carnival different from the valley floor parades: here the celebration is experienced with skis on and a view of the peaks.

The evening cable car and the panorama

For the occasion, the Aosta-Pila cable car remains open in the evening, allowing even non-skiers to come up and witness the torchlight procession. From the station, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Aosta Valley mountains—from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn to Gran Paradiso—which forms the natural backdrop for the torchlight descent.

Torchlight Procession of Carnival — edition 2026

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Pila ski area, above Aosta, hosts the Carnival Torchlight Procession: harlequins on the slopes during the day, a gathering in the afternoon for hot tea and sweets, and at dusk, the torchlight descent. The Aosta-Pila cable car remains open in the evening until 11:00 PM.

The 2026 edition of the Carnival Torchlight Procession takes place on Saturday, February 21, in the Pila ski area. During the day, the harlequins of Gressan animate the slopes for photos and selfies. In the afternoon, a gathering is scheduled with hot tea and typical sweets, before the torchlight descent at dusk. For the occasion, the Aosta-Pila cable car remains open until 11:00 PM.

Programme Torchlight Procession of Carnival 2026

Saturday, February 21, 2026 — Pila Ski Area

  • During the day — The harlequins of Gressan animate the slopes, with colorful costumes, photos, and selfies
  • 4:00 PM — Meet at the L'Hermitage restaurant for hot tea and "bugie con la panna" (Carnival fritters)
  • 4:45 PM — Last ascent by cable car
  • At dusk — Torchlight Procession: descent with torches down the slopes

The Aosta-Pila cable car remains open in the evening until 11:00 PM, even for non-skiers. For updated schedules and ski passes: www.pila.it.

Highlights Torchlight Procession of Carnival 2026

The torchlight descent on the slopes in the dark, the harlequins of Gressan, and the evening cable car open until 11 PM.

Prices Torchlight Procession of Carnival 2026

Free entry; cable car and ski pass rates according to Pila's price list. Evening cable car ascent available until 11:00 PM.

Practical information — Torchlight Procession of Carnival

How to get there

Pila is connected to Aosta by the Aosta-Pila cable car, exceptionally open until 11:00 PM on the evening of the torchlight procession. By car, it can be reached from Gressan. Aosta is served by the A5 highway and the railway.

Information

For cable car schedules, ski passes, and details: www.pila.it, [email protected].

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Where does it take place — Torchlight Procession of Carnival

Comprensorio sciistico di Pila (frazione di Gressan, area Aosta-Pila)

Contact Torchlight Procession of Carnival

Torchlight Procession of Carnival in brief

Mountain Folk traditions Folklore Family Sport Outdoor Night Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste

History of Torchlight Procession of Carnival