Not just business for companies and retailers: within the first European Outdoor Week (May 14-19) there will be space also for all enthusiasts of outdoor sports and running.
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 Riva del Garda will host the Activation Days, whose main partner will be RECCO: two days dedicated to the b2c public to experience activities in the field and test new products directly in their natural environment.
The hub of the Activation Days will be the Village located at GIARDINI DI PORTA ORIENTALE (click here to view it on the map), where the stands of the exhibiting companies will gather and where all the scheduled activities will start. The complete and updated program is available on the dedicated website.
Product testing
Testing is free for all participants in the Activation Days. To try a product, it is necessary to register for the event and, once accredited at the Village, you can either go to the individual participating companies to request a test, or try the products directly during the experiences. Each participant can sign up for multiple experiences and all activities – except for road running – are accompanied by the Alpine Guides.
Participating brands
There are already many prestigious brands that have confirmed their participation in the days dedicated to the b2c public. Among these: adidas, Keen, UYN, Merrell, Outrails, Scarpa, Royal Robbins, Gregory, I-Exe, Lyo, Yeti, Stance, Arcade, Wise, Mount to Coast, Grivel, Lowa, La Sportiva, Patagonia and others to be defined.
Furthermore, RECCO will be the main sponsor of the event as a safety & technology partner: before each activity, the team will take a moment with the participants to illustrate the RECCO system and how the reflector technology works (available for testing) even during summer outdoor activities. During the Activation Days, it will also be possible to purchase the device: a reflector that easily attaches to the backpack to always be traceable by rescuers in case of need.
Register for the event to test the products available.
To register for individual activities, click on the name of the experiences below.
The program of the Activation Days (b2c)
Saturday, May 16
- 10:00 – 11:30 – Trail running camp by On Your Legs
Not just a simple trail run, but an experience designed to truly test shoes and poles directly in the field. The chosen route offers changes in terrain, pace variations, supports, climbs, and descents. Leading the experience will be Michele Evangelisti from On Your Legs who will guide the run with a careful reading of the terrain, suggestions on managing passages, and an active observation of sensations during the run. The goal is to experience a real outdoor test, evaluating grip, stability, comfort, and shoe response in a real context. Because a trail running shoe is truly understood only by running where it was born to be: on the trails!
Level: intermediate
- 10:00 – 12:30 – Citizen Science Bioblitz Walking Workshop by EOCA
Citizen Science Bioblitz Walking Workshop by EOCA is an activity of nature exploration that combines guided walks and naturalistic insights, carried out in collaboration with The Home River Bioblitz. During this approximately 3–4 hour route, participants will explore the natural environment along the river, learning to recognize different species of plants and animals with the support of expert guides. The experience will alternate moments of observation, brief educational insights, and simple data collection activities, actively contributing to the monitoring of local biodiversity.
- 10:00 – 12:30 – Via ferrata by SKYLOTEC and Versante Sud
An outdoor adventure to discover one of the most iconic routes in Arco: the Via Ferrata del Colodri. Short but incredibly panoramic, it is perfect for beginners and also suitable for children. The route leads to the top of Monte Colodri, offering breathtaking views of the Sarca Valley and Lake Garda. The activity takes place from 10:00 to 12:30 and includes the ascent of the via ferrata accompanied by the expert alpine guides of SKYLOTEC from Mmove. At the end of the excursion, return to Arco for a convivial aperitif offered by SKYLOTEC at Ai Conti, an iconic café in the center of Arco and a well-known meeting point for climbers — the perfect way to relax and celebrate the experience.
- 10:30 – 12:00 – Trekking experience by Outdoortest.it
A panoramic trek above Riva del Garda to the Bastione di Riva del Garda, through woods and spectacular views of Alto Garda. A short but intense route, ideal for testing equipment and clothing in real conditions, in collaboration with Outdoortest, learning to evaluate performance and functionality directly in the field.
- 10:30 – 13:00 – Climbing experience for children
The climbing activity will take place at a cliff ideal for those approaching this sport for the first time, located near Massone, one of the symbolic places for climbing in the Arco area. The cliff is characterized by easy access and routes specially equipped for young climbers and beginners. A panoramic path, descending from Massone and passing above the cliff, allows parents and companions to comfortably observe the activity from above, making the experience engaging even for spectators.
- 11:00 – 12:00 – Road running experience – School
An almost 8 km run connecting the Riva del Garda area to Torbole along the cycle path on the north shore of Lake Garda. A smooth route, with slight changes in altitude, mostly along the lakeshore and cycle paths, skirting the shore and crossing urban areas, green areas, and port zones.
- 14:00 – 16:00 – Trail running camp by On Your Legs
Not just a simple trail run, but an experience designed to truly test shoes and poles directly in the field. The chosen route offers changes in terrain, pace variations, supports, climbs, and descents. Leading the experience will be Michele Evangelisti from On Your Legs who will guide the run with a careful reading of the terrain, suggestions on managing passages, and an active observation of sensations during the run. The goal is to experience a real outdoor test, evaluating grip, stability, comfort, and shoe response in a real context. Because a trail running shoe is truly understood only by running where it was born to be: on the trails!
Level: beginner
- 14:00 – 16:30 – Crag climbing experience
The climbing activity will take place at the Policromuro cliff, located in the renowned area of Massone, one of the main climbing hubs of Alto Garda. The program includes a transfer from the village to the cliff, followed by a short walk that leads to the base of the wall. The cliff has 98 routes with difficulties ranging from 4a to 8a, lengths ranging from 8 to 27 meters, and east exposure. At the end of the activity, return to the meeting point and transfer for the return.
- 15:00 – 17:00 – Trail running experience by Sportdimontagna.com
The activity takes place along a suggestive loop on Monte Brione, starting from the Village. After a short warm-up section, the route climbs along paths immersed in nature to reach the ridge, between panoramic views and historical traces of the First World War. The direct and engaging descent leads towards Lake Garda, offering spectacular views. The experience will be guided by Marco De Gasperi, a reference athlete in international trail running, multiple world champion in mountain running, who will accompany the participants along the route making the activity even more engaging and safe.
- 16:00 – 18:30 – Trail running experience by Sterrato
An experience guided by the Sterrato community along one of the most iconic itineraries of Garda. The route starts from Riva del Garda and leads along the historic Ponale road, between rock-carved galleries, hairpin bends, and spectacular views of the lake. Accompanied by the community, participants will experience a shared outing focused on discovery and passion for the outdoors, with an accessible pace and moments of rest in the most scenic spots up to Ponale Alto. The return follows the same route, returning to Riva del Garda and concluding the experience at the village.
- 16.30 – 17:30 – Road running experience
A 5 km run with predominantly flat terrain, with slight changes in altitude. The route winds along the picturesque cycle path of Riva del Garda, offering unique views between the lake and urban greenery.
- 16:30 – 19:30 – Tagliata del Ponale by KOM
PAYMENT ACTIVITY (25 EURO) KOM-Kulture of Mountain lands in Riva del Garda and proposes the Tagliata del Ponale. An adventure between lake and mountains, with panoramic passages carved into the rock. A suggestive and guided activity, a musical moment with Roberto Angelini (guitarist of Propaganda Live) and a happy hour overlooking Riva del Garda. Meeting at 16.30. Registration will be confirmed only after payment available after April 19 directly on the KOM website, but it is still possible to start registering to reserve your spot
- 17:00 – 18:00 – Yoga slow flow
A yoga session on the shores of the picturesque Lake Garda, designed to regenerate body and mind at the end of the day. Immersed in a peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by the sounds of nature and the warm light of late afternoon, participants will be guided through a practice suitable for all levels, ideal for releasing tension, improving breathing, and finding balance and energy. A moment of well-being and connection, perfect for ending the day in harmony with oneself and the surrounding environment.
Sunday, May 17
- 09:00 – 10:00 – Morning yoga flow
A yoga session on the shores of the picturesque Lake Garda, designed to regenerate body and mind and start the day with the right energy. Immersed in a peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by the sounds of nature and the warm light of late afternoon, participants will be guided through a practice suitable for all levels, ideal for releasing tension, improving breathing, and finding balance and energy. A moment of well-being and connection, perfect for starting the day in harmony with oneself and the surrounding environment.
- 10:00 – 12:30 – Crag climbing experience by SKYLOTEC and Versante Sud
An outdoor adventure to discover the charm of climbing at the Belvedere cliff in Nago. This introductory experience is perfect for beginners and also suitable for children, offering a safe and fun way to approach this sport. The activity takes place from 10:00 to 12:30 and includes climbing sessions guided by the expert alpine guides of SKYLOTEC from Mmove. At the end of the activity, return to Arco for a convivial aperitif offered by SKYLOTEC at Ai Conti, an iconic café in the center of Arco and a well-known meeting point for climbers — the perfect way to relax and celebrate the experience.
- 10:30 – 12:00 – Trail running experience by Kurt Biesemans
A trail running experience of about 5 km with 200 meters of positive elevation gain, guided by gear reviewer Kurt Biesemans. Starting from the heart of Riva to reach one of the steepest accesses to the Rocchetta that leads to the ancient road that once connected the village of Campi. After about two kilometers, a trail is taken that, skirting a historic church, leads to the San Giacomo location.
- 10:30 – 13:00 – Trekking experience by Outdoortest.it
A scenic trekking excursion above Riva del Garda up to the Bastione of Riva del Garda, through woodland and spectacular views over the Upper Garda area. A short but intense route, ideal for testing equipment and clothing in real conditions, in collaboration with Outdoortest, learning how to evaluate their performance and functionality directly in the field.
- 11:30 – 12:30 – Road running experience
A run of nearly 8 km connecting the Riva del Garda area to Torbole along the pedestrian and cycling path on the northern shore of Lake Garda. A smooth route with slight elevation changes, mainly running along the lakeside and dedicated pedestrian and cycling tracks, skirting the shoreline and passing through urban areas, green spaces, and harbor zones.
- 14:00 – 16:30 – Crag climbing experience – Kids
The climbing activity will take place at a crag ideal for those approaching this sport for the first time, located near Massone, one of the iconic climbing spots in the Arco area. The crag features easy access and routes specifically equipped for young climbers and beginners. A panoramic path descending from Massone and passing above the crag allows parents and companions to comfortably watch the activity from above, making the experience engaging also for spectators.
- 15:00 – 16:30 – Nordic walking by Campo Base
A guided Nordic walking session led by Cinzia Corona from Campo Base (a specialized shop by Alessandro Chiappa), an instructor with 9 years of experience who will guide participants in discovering and approaching the correct technique. Born in Nordic countries as a training method for Olympic-level cross-country skiers, Nordic walking is now a discipline suitable for everyone, combining movement, well-being, and contact with nature. It is much more than a simple walk: it’s an experience where every movement becomes harmony, where breathing synchronizes with steps, the sound of poles marks the rhythm on the ground, the heart rate increases while the mind is freed.
- 16:00 – 17:00 – Trail running experienceÂ
A trail route winding through panoramic paths and forests above Riva del Garda and Nago-Torbole, offering spectacular views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. The course alternates climbs and descents on single tracks and dirt roads, ideal for those who love trail running and exploring nature, with striking views over the lakeside landscape and technical sections immersed in greenery.
- 16:30 – 17:30 – Road running experience
A route of about 5 km entirely developed on dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths in the Riva del Garda area. The course runs along lakeside sections and urban green areas, connecting promenades, parks, and cycle-pedestrian avenues with a mostly flat profile and slight elevation changes. The route is always on asphalt or paved surfaces and follows the city’s cycling and pedestrian network.
