Tradizionale Gara sugli Sci di Legno e Raviolata di Ferragosto

A tradition lasting since 1989

In the heart of summer, the village of Gandellino, in the upper Val Seriana (province of Bergamo), celebrates one of its most curious and beloved traditions: the Gara sugli Sci di Legno (Wooden Ski Race). The competition was born in 1989 from an idea by Vincenzo Fiorina, who handmade the skis still used today: the same wooden skis from over thirty years ago continue to race every Ferragosto.

How the race works

The challenge takes place on the evening of August 16th at the Centro Sportivo Don Pala. Teams are composed of four members and compete in two categories: adults and children up to 14 years old. It's a team race, where participants must coordinate on the same wooden skis: this results in a fun and entertaining spectacle that draws the whole village.

• Teams of four members
• Two categories: adults and children up to 14 years old
• Original handmade wooden skis from 1989

Raviolata first

The evening opens with the traditional Ferragosto raviolata starting from 7:00 PM: a convivial moment with casoncelli and local specialties, before registrations for the race open at 8:30 PM. Over the years, the organization has passed from the oratory to the municipal administration and Turismo Gandellino, who ensure its continuity.

Ferragosto Weekend

The wooden ski race is part of a weekend full of events for Gandellino: the next day, the "Parà sul Serio" event with paratroopers takes place, completing the Ferragosto program of the small Orobic village.