The charm of an Alpine ritual that unites community and memory
TRADITIONAL BALL Every summer, in the heart of Madonna di Campiglio, a unique and enchanting event returns: the Traditional Ball of the Alpine Guides. In the evocative setting of Piazza Lorenzetti, soft lights and live music transform the town center into a romantic open-air ballroom, where time seems to stand still and makes way for an ancient ritual that blends elegance, mountain spirit, and solidarity.
THE WALTZThe evening comes alive at sunset, when ladies and gentlemen gather to the sound of waltz notes and curious smiles. Each lady receives a rose at the entrance—a simple flower that holds a secret: a number that will link her, for the duration of a dance, to one of the Alpine Guides of Campiglio. The Guides, dressed in traditional vintage attire, welcome the ladies with grace and respect, ready to spin them around to the rhythm of the music.
THE ROPESuddenly, between one dance step and another, the music stops. This is the most awaited symbolic moment: the Guides lay their alpine rope on the lady’s shoulder, an ancient gesture that speaks of deep bonds with the mountains, shared effort, and mutual trust. When the music resumes, the rope remains on the lady’s shoulder, symbolizing an ideal union between those who live the mountains every day and those who dream of their magic.
Born in the early 20th century as a charity evening to support the families of Guides who had fallen or were in difficulty, the Ball still preserves its spirit of solidarity and community today. It is a celebration of simple gestures and authentic values, an opportunity to meet, connect, and immerse oneself—even if only for one evening—in a world where tradition and feeling intertwine like the Guides’ ropes themselves.
The Alpine Guides Ball is not just a social event: it is a living piece of Madonna di Campiglio’s history. It invites you to be enveloped by the timeless atmosphere of a place that, with elegance, alpine culture, and the joy of being together, still knows how to surprise and move the heart.
