M Swim Challenge - Piverone

Driving along the winding roads that lead down to Piverone, the landscape opens up to reveal the expansive surface of Lake Viverone. The water, held within the natural basin of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre, greets you with the calm stillness typical of a glacial lake, where the water cycles slowly over decades. Arriving at the beach of Anzasco on the morning of June 13th, the shore is already busy with swimmers preparing for the M Swim Challenge. This event, now in its annual iteration, invites participants to tackle a singular 800-meter course shaped like the letter M, marked by orange buoys that stand out against the blue expanse.

Historical depths and landmarks

As you begin your stroke from the Anzasco beach, the lake floor beneath you holds records of human habitation from thousands of years ago. The area is home to UNESCO Bronze Age stilt houses, where prehistoric villages were established between 1500 and 900 BCE. While these submerged structures remain protected deep below, the shoreline itself provides a timeline of the region's history. To your right, the 10th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie church remains a constant reference point, having watched over these shores since the era of the local legends. Folklore tells of a dragon that once circled this water, eventually subdued near the turn of the first millennium. Further along the Piverone waterfront, the Liberty-style architecture of Villa Saporiti marks the transition to more recent history, while the defensive towers of the Piverone ricetto stand guard over the village above.

Race day mechanics

This gathering is designed for those who appreciate a focused, amateur-led environment. With an entry fee of 25 EUR, the organization provides a comprehensive race pack and logistical support, including safety cover by canoe and SUP to monitor the course. The water temperature in mid-June typically ranges between 22°C and 25°C; should conditions shift, the policy on wetsuits is determined during the technical briefing at 13:30. Safety is the primary focus here, with the mandatory use of a buoy for every swimmer to ensure visibility. For those seeking longer endurance tests later in the summer, the 54th Lake Viverone Crossing takes place in August, offering a different pacing for seasoned distance swimmers. Whether you are navigating the M-shaped buoys or simply observing the medieval tower from the water, the experience remains centered on the physical engagement with this ancient basin.