Author: fabiana.salvadori

23 August 2021

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING OPENING IN LIVIGNO: 4TH DECEMBER SGAMBEDA IS BACK

The date of the 31st Sgambeda, the first granfondo of the European season, has been decided, with its 35km of free technique.
At the end of October the snow-farming slope will open.
A success story for the race of Livigno, the first to dominate it De Zolt and Dal Sasso.
Registration open from September 1st, but only for the first 500 fastest to register

The overture is an orchestral piece that artists usually perform with the curtain closed before the beginning of an opera, almost always introducing a great musical composition. Saturday December 4th, Livigno proposes the classical overture on the snow, but this time the “curtain” will be open, vast, fascinating: the Piccolo Tibet, that at the beginning of December is usually already well covered with snow, will stage the 31st edition of the Sgambeda.

It will be… an Italian symphony, it will represent as always the opening of the season for the long distance cross-country skiing and in fact the organisers put on the track the event one month after the opening of the cross-country ring, realised as it has been doing for years thanks to the snow-farming. A track that many top athletes, Italians and especially foreigners, have booked for the last training sessions at high altitude before the start of the World Cup.

The Sgambeda returns to the tradition, first weekend of December, 35 km free technique with start and arrival near the centre of Livigno, using all the facilities of the Cross country Center. This edition, after the stop imposed by the Covid last season, is very awaited by the fans, who usually take off their skis from the attic for a first weekend that tastes like a return to the slope with a “walk” on the snow in the middle of the nature.

Waiting to understand if there will be restrictions or not, the organisers announce a limited number edition, 500 admitted starting from the 1st September, when the cross-country skiers have well in mind what will be the future commitments of the season. The Sgambeda is dedicated above all to the amateurs, lovers of the free technique or skating, but the competition has often exalted the deeds of great champions who over the years have chosen Livigno to prepare the most important enterprises.
In 1990 the first to write his name in the gold book was the “Grillo” Maurilio De Zolt, imitated by another great athlete, Guidina Dal Sasso. Since then the Sgambeda and Livigno tell of extraordinary enterprises also with Gaudenzio Godioz, Silvano Barco, Michael Botvinov, and then in the years Gianantonio Zanetel, Marco Cattaneo and in the most recent times the Norwegian ace Petter Northug, just to name a few.

The entry fee until October 31st is 50 euros, then until December 1st it will rise to 60 euros. There will be five categories according to age: 18/30, 31/40, 41/50, 51/60 and finally over 60, with a very attractive prize fund for the first five men and women.

Remember that at 500 entries will be frozen: better hurry, it could get.. cold very quickly!

13 November 2019

“LA SGAMBEDA” WHITENED PARADISE IN LIVIGNO SCENOGRAPHIC THIRTY-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

It is said that Livigno advances the seasons, but the abundant snowfall of recent days has literally made the “Piccolo Tibet” a whitewashed paradise, the ideal to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “la Sgambeda” on 30th November and the Minisgambeda dedicated to the apprentices of narrow skis, events available to all cross-country skiers – old and young – accompanied by the prestigious contest visma Ski classics on Friday 29th November and Sunday 1st December, aimed to officially open the long-distance season.

After the abundant fall of snowflakes, the organizing committee of Livigno was able to widen the cross-country ring, which in these days will be further extended in view of the end-of-month competitions.

The conditions are now optimal for amateurs to enjoy a fantastic cross-country race, with the registration wide open – to the price of 60 euro – providing competitors with a beautiful sweatshirt and products of historical partners, without forgetting the medal carved by local artisans.

The sport menu of “La Sgambeda” offers 30 km in free technique not too difficult and suitable for all tastes, you just need to know how to juggle with skis and be in good physical condition, an effort rewarded by moments of relaxation that only Livigno can offer.

As for the times and schedule of “La Sgambeda”, Thursday, 28th November (14–19) the distribution of race bibs will be held in Plaza Placheda, as well as Friday (9 – 12.30 and 14 – 19) and Saturday (7.30 – 9) before the official departure of the 30th edition (11 a.m.), followed by pasta party (12.30 – 16.00) and awards ceremony (15.00). In the evening the attention goes to the little ones with “La Minisgambeda” (17.00).

Livigno is worth a long visit, and using the holiday packages you can enjoy a stay in the hotel for a minimum of one night (apartments minimum 7 nights), an inscription to “La Sgambeda” of Saturday, 30th November and a free entry into the Wellness&Relax of Aquagranda Active You, another paradise, but for swimmers. Having fun taking the whole family to breathe pure air, this is the diktat of the events of Livigno. More Information about accommodation: https://www.livigno.eu/en/holiday-offers/sgambeda

All information to register, rules and program on the site: www.lasgambeda.it

25 October 2019

30 YEARS OF “LA SGAMBEDA” IN LIVIGNO SUMPTUOUS RACE PACK AND CRAFTED MEDAL

“La Sgambeda” on Saturday 30 November in Livigno celebrates the 30th anniversary and it does it with a prestigious race pack, particularly precious and rich in products to celebrate with all the cross-country skiers the important event. 

A beautiful sweatshirt will be given to all the amateurs, but it will not be the only precious gift because the race pack will be enriched by products supplied by historical partners of“La Sgambeda” such as Molino Tudori, with a box of Pizzocheri, goods of Latteria di Livigno,  body care products by Bormoline and a gadget by Creval

And that’s not all, because the finishers will also take home a wooden carved medal made for the event by local artisans, to be stored on the wall of sporting memories.

Livigno also wanted to think about the organization of the trip with the creation of an ad hoc stay package, valid in the period from November 23rd to December 1st 2019, which includes:

  • hotel / apartment accommodation
  • registration for the race on Saturday 30 November 2019
  • an entrance to the “Wellness & Relax” area of Aquagranda

All information to register, rules and program on the site www.lasgambeda.it

7 October 2019

SGAMBEDA: ON OCTOBER 13 THE REDUCED REGISTRATION FEE EXPIRES

The winter season is getting closer, in a few days, Livigno is going to open the ring for cross-country skiing, allowing fans and athletes to put their skis on from the 19th of October 2019.

This is an extra opportunity to register for “La Sgambeda”, in free technique, on Saturday 30 November at the reduced rate of € 50, which will be valid until the 13th of October.

As last year, for the protection of all participants, the Organizing Committee has introduced the guarantee of total refund of the fee in case of cancellation of the race due to lack of snow.

To celebrate the 30th edition the participants will receive, within their registration, a race package with the special sweatshirt and the exclusive finisher medal.

Livigno also wanted to help you with the organization of the trip. For this reason, there will be some “ad hoc” packages for the period from the 23rd of November to  1st of December 2019, which includes:

  • accommodation in hotel/apartment
  • registration for the race on Saturday 30th of November 2019
  • an entrance to the area “Wellness&Relax” in Aquagranda
26 September 2019

“LA SGAMBEDA” NUMBER 30. MEDAL CARVED BY CRAFTSMEN AT THE FINISH LINE. ALREADY AT WORK ON THE CROSS-COUNTRY TRACK

Arrangements to better celebrate the anniversary of “La Sgambeda” has begun. On the occasion of the thirty-year event, to be held on November 30 in Livigno, all participants will receive a wooden medal carved by local artisans. On the medal stands the inscription “30 years anniversary”, the image of a cross-country skier with the wonderful mountains of “Little Tibet” as background and a tricolour ribbon to give the right patriotical touch to an historical ski contest.

The works on the cross-country track in Livigno has already started with the positioning of snow lances for the making of artificial snow, which will commence as soon as temperatures allow it. The opening of the first ring is even expected for October 19, thanks to snow farming, the technique of which Livigno is master. The Italian National cross-country ski team will be present right away to get down to the altitude training for the winter season to come.


A month later we will concentrate on the 30 kilometres free technique of the mythical “Sgambeda”.  Inscriptions will be opened for 50 euros by October 13.

And that’s not all, because on November 29th and December 1st Livigno will lead to compete also the best long-distance cross-country skiers of the planet.  On Friday with the first competition of the season of Visma Ski Classics, the Pro Team Tempo, and on Sunday with a spectacular Mass Start of 35 km.

1 August 2019

LIVIGNO’S LA SGAMBEDA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF HISTORY. ENROLMENT OPEN AS OF 1ST AUGUST

Enrolment for Livigno’s cross-country skiing event is now open. The free technique race on Saturday 30th November will be identical to that of last year.

Livigno will open the Visma Ski Classics season on 29th November and 1st December.

The participation fee for the Sgambeda free technique skiing race on Saturday 30th November is 50 euros to be paid by 13th October. Said fee includes a range of services, including an expo area, ski tests, technical assistance, medical assistance, professional timekeeping, bag storage, refreshments along the route and at the finish line, changing rooms, shuttle buses, showers, pasta parties and awards ceremonies. Moreover, the race packages handed out to the first 1000 to sign up will also include gadgets.

Every participant will choose a starting group according to their physical condition at the time of enrolment. The first group will be for top level athletes, the second for those with a good level of athletic preparation and the third for amateurs. Sgambeda number 30, which will take place over a distance of 30 km, intersperses the Visma Ski Classics races and Pro Team Tempo which covers a 15km route on Friday 29th November. The event will close with a 35km Mass Start on Sunday 1st December.

Thanks to the snowfarming technique, and despite the Visma Ski Classics appointments being practically the first of the season, there will be cross-country skiing in Livigno once again this summer with the Palio delle Contrade on 23rd August. Livigno’s “godmothers” Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi will also be taking part in it, and the official opening of the first training ring has been scheduled for 19th October.

5 July 2019

LIVIGNO TO OPEN THE 2019/2020 VISMA SKI CLASSICS AMATEURS EMBRACE THE SGAMBEDA

Don’t miss out on these events from 29th November to 1st December, when the long distance cross-country skiing season will kick off in Livigno. On Friday 29th November there will be the 15km Pro Team Tempo and on Sunday 1st December the 35km Mass Start. Saturday, 30th November on the other hand is for those who favour the legendary Sgambeda.

At the end of last year’s events Livigno Tourist Board CEO, Luca Moretti, had anticipated: “Three amazing days, the result of a project developed over the years which triggers masses of enthusiasm and requires enormous amounts of organisation and work. There is the wish for Livigno to be the resort which kicks off the season, and this is going to happen for three years with Visma Ski Classics”.

So the most prestigious long-distance cross-country skiing circuit will celebrate its 10th year by starting the season in Livigno, with the Pro Team Tempo heading off on Friday 29th November along the 15km route and continuing with a 35km Mass Start on Sunday 1st December, again in the area of Livigno. The first sporting ‘battle’ will be a kind of presentation of what the competitive season will hold and athletes are thrilled by the chance to test out their materials during the race and show off their new uniforms. The organisation will be similar to that of last year, with 5km being completed three times, surrounded by the magnificent landscape of Livigno and at an altitude of 1800m a.s.l..

Livigno Prologue on Sunday will make the competition even more exciting, owing to the introduction of cash prizes for both events and ‘cracking’ climbs. The Visma Ski Classics circuit features twelve events in all, held in Italy, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland for Season X, with an official start in Little Tibet. This area is always at the forefront when it comes to hosting the great champions of both cross-country skiing and other similar sports.

Champions will of course be present, but also amateurs ’celebrated’ by the Sgambeda on Saturday 30th November, which has 30 years of history packed with surprises. Cross-country skiing is always at home in Livigno and there will be a taste of this as early as 23rd August with the Palio delle Contrade cross-country skiing and biathlon race along the central snow-covered streets of the town. This event is made possible by means of the snowfarming technique.

1 December 2018

“LA SGAMBEDA” GOES TO ANNA HAAG AND ANDERS GLØERSEN. RUNWAY OF OLYMPIC AND GOLD MEDALS IN LIVIGNO

Today in Livigno the 29th “Sgambeda” dedicated to skating and amateurs. Winners Anders Gløersen and Anna Haag, World and Olympic champions. The Undersecretary and Olympic canoeist Antonio Rossi was also present to reward athletes. Tomorrow show Individual Prologue Visma Ski Classics

Parade of shimmering metals in Livigno, even in today’s appointment dedicated to free technique and amateurs, scheduled between the two Visma Ski Classics races. Today in Livigno the 29th “Sgambeda” went on stage, a legendary appointment with cross-country skiing in the “Little Tibet” and one of the first seasonal appointment, thanks to the local Organizing Committee, able to set up a track of 30 km in a period where the snow is missing everywhere.

The victory went to the Norwegian, world gold medal in the relay, Anders Gløersen, ahead of the Swedish Viktor Brännmark and the athlete from Alto Adige Julian Brunner. Among the women, great success for the Olympic champion Anna Haag (Swe), the Czech Klara Moravcova and the Swiss Nicole Donzallaz. A beautiful day in Livigno, with a temperature about zero degrees and the sun to illuminate the impeccable track, where more than 600 athletes started, surrounded by an enchanting landscape.

To create the gap, at least initially, has been Emil Jönsson with the bib number one, husband of Anna Haag, Swedish, four Olympic medals and four World medals for her, but after few kilometers to take the reins of the competition has been another multi-titled athlete. We are speaking about Anders Gløersen, two world medals in addition to nineteen podiums and eight World Cup victories, not an ordinary athlete.Ten kilometers and the Norwegian is pursued by the Swedish Viktor Brännmark, the only one to keep up with him, with the two that alternated until the end surprising the spectators with a great final sprint.

Gløersen’s resistance paid off, finishing just few centimeters in front of his opponent: “Very beautiful race, Viktor and me made the gap after about ten kilometers, going together until the end. Happy to have been the number two on the last climb and the first to the finish line. I tried to close the race with a bang, even because I manage the use of energy pretty well”. Satisfied the Swede despite the second position: “5 or 6 km and we ran away, I gave everything on the last climb, but Anders defeated me on the final sprint. The track was really beautiful, with perfect conditions “.The battle for the lowest step of the podium was also exciting, and to give a touch of Italian spirit was the South Tyrolean Julian Brunner: “I’m surprised, I thought I would have been more in trouble but instead I got a good time. Spectacular track “.Fourth position for Alan Martinelli, coming from Valtellina, ahead of two positions Thomas Bormolini from Livigno, this time “orphan” of his twin brother but for a specific reason: “I did well with skating, in Livigno is always nice to practice it together with the two fight-mates Alan Martinelli and Christian De Lorenzi, my twin brother is currently in Lillehammer working as a coach of the Italian team, he is making a new experience and I wish the best to him”.

The champion Anna Haag make an incredible solo performance, and arrived together with her husband, who by choice or for love, apparently renounces to challenge with his males colleagues, much better the company of his wife till the finish line: “Winning is always nice, I still don’t know if I will be at the starting line tomorrow in the individual race of Visma Ski Classics, we enjoyed these two wonderful days in Livigno. Congratulations to everybody “. More distant the Czech Klara Moravkova, author of a good race: “Quick challenge and perfect conditions to compete”, while the third classified, the Swiss Donzallaz, was initially penalized by a fall and then she recovered quickly.

The undersecretary for sports events of the Lombardy Region and Olympic canoeist Antonio Rossi was also present, and awarded the athletes: “La Sgambeda is a great sports event and we really believe in Livigno as a venue for the Olympics. This is one of the first ski track and cross-country and biathlon athletes choose it for their altitude training. I should also start to train hard in view of Marcialonga (also part of the circuit Visma Ski Classics), where I will compete in a relay race together with other Olympic champions such as Cristian Zorzi, Paolo Bettini and Jury Chechi”. Tomorrow in Livigno Individual Prologue Visma Ski Classics, at 9.30 (women) and at 11 am (men), at the end of a spectacular cross-country ski triptych in the “Little Tibet”.

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