The snow covering the fir trees and the chimneys smoking in the fresh morning air are manifestations of the advent of the new season, welcomed with much joy by the people of Alagna!
As you well know, the winter season is a very important period for our colorful village: this will be enlivened by passionate skiers, many exciting events and those who love the mountains in its warm Christmas atmosphere.
What will most arouse your attention will almost certainly be the opening of the ski lifts!
Starting December 6, ski on your back and off you go on a new adventure. Freshly groomed slopes, Sunshine that will warm your face and hot chocolate are waiting for you charged with energy!
And don't forget that the sporting opportunities offered by Alagna are not just about downhill skiing.
If you are a fan of Nordic skiing, you will be happy to learn wonderful news… This year the opening of the Riva and Alagna cross-country ski trail will be guaranteed throughout the season by a new, more modern snow groomer and snowmaking equipment!
This innovation is dictated by the great motivation of the Village of Alagna in believing in this special sport!
This fantastic time of year brings with it famous and unforgettable customs and traditions.
Among them, one cannot forget the one on December 26 and the one on January 6.
In fact, all the boys and girls were always looking forward to December 26 so that they could go to the Boxing Day dance, where there was no shortage of merry dancing, fun and lots of joy…
Originally, St. Stephen's Day was held in private homes, but with the construction of the Alagnese Union Theater in the early 1900s, the dance found a new official venue. Here the tradition of the famous “Youth Ball” was born.
The event required a precise dress code: dark suit, preferably black, for men; traditional costume and white apron for girls. The evening, in addition to being a time of celebration and sharing, was also an opportunity for cute pranks. Particularly memorable was the rope game: two young men would mingle with the dancers with a hidden rope and, having spotted a couple-often soon-to-be-married boyfriends or lovers eager to keep their relationship a secret-they would throw the rope around the two, binding them tightly. The act would elicit laughter and applause from onlookers, making the evening even more lively. To prevent other engaged couples from suspecting, the “players” would be replaced with each successive round of dancing.
The boys and girls from Riva Valdobbia would go to the dance in Alagna and return on foot in the middle of the night, and despite the harsh winter weather, with all the merriment in their hearts, the cold did not make itself felt!
Tradition has it that on the night of January 5, the girls would put a cup full of water outside the window and the next morning, the drawing that appeared on the ice created would represent the work of their future husband!
We wait You for the time when our little village is surrounded by the beautiful snowy mountains to experience days full of happiness with us!
