CARNEVALE PONT SAINT MARTIN

Forget New Orleans and Venice, go celebrate Carnevale in Valle d'Aosta. See the giant and eerie Devil hanging from the Roman bridge the town is named for. (ponte is Italian for bridge) Legend has it that Martin was on a pilgrimage to Rome when he stopped in this small village on the Lys River. The old bridge had burnt down and he was stuck there. The villagers wanted a bigger more solid replacement but didn't have the money. Martin made a deal with the Devil to build them a new bridge. In return, the Devil demanded payment in the form of the soul of the first one to cross the bridge. Martin tossed a piece of bread on the bridge and a stray dog ran for it, not sure if the canine's soul was sacrificed but the Devil was angry and tried to destroy the bridge. Martin stuck a cross on top, saved the bridge and the people called him a saint and named the bridge and the town for him.  Go celebrate the ancient Carnevale rituals in the town with the legendary bridge.

MONTAGNA FUTURO

Lombardy Region's project aimed at defining a strategy for the development and promotion of its mountain areas.  Presentation of a  new 9 million euro fund available for related projects. Roundtable discussion and talk by Italian ski champion Deborah Compagnoni. Free registration.

DI NEVE E DI GHIACCIO: SAFE SKI, SAFE CLIMB

Milano Montagna hosts an evening with Dominque Perret- "Freeride skier of the Century"; Angelika Rainer, winner of the Ice Climbing World Cup; Uberto Piloni, alpine guide;  and Marco Zanchi, ultratrail runner. The evening will focus on using equipment for staying safe in the winter mountain environment. Free entrance with registration.

POTATO WEEK

Why leave culinary weeks to the more glamorous items like truffles and wine? The humble yet delicious potato deserves its own celebration. Scenic Val Pusteria in the Dolomites honors the versatile tuber with its own week. Go ski and eat potatoes.

Photo credit Marco Spataro Monte Rosa Ski

The TROFEO MEZZALAMA , held in odd-numbered years, is part of La Grande Course of ski mountaineering races. This glacier marathon is a  three-person team competition that necessitates super endurance,  with more than 3000 meters of climbing and just over 37 km in distance, plus a knowledge of alpine conditions and the ability to ski down hill too. Not for the faint-of-heart, or those who do not have complete trust in their teammates. since narrow crests are to be navigated roped to each other.  If the weather is good enough for views and competitors have a chance to look, they will be rewarded with one of the most incredible routes in the Alps. This year's race starts in Breuil-Cervinia passing over the Klein Matterhorn and Monte Rosa to finish in Gressoney-La Trinité.

MELLOBLOCCO It's time to bond with boulderers. From beginners to champs, ( the Italian Bouldering Championships will also take place during the event) all can come "hang"out ( pun intended) in the stunning scenery of Val di Mello/Val Masino. The event draws thousands from around the world and if your fingers need a break, there are also yoga workshops and other more passively enjoyed entertainment options including dj sets.

a2410 project

Think culture in the mountains is limited to the lower elevations? Think again. You can have your peak and culture too. Come to the rooftop of DF Sport Specialist Milan with the Ferrino sponsored geodesic tent and learn more about the a2410 project on the peak of the Grigna Settentrionale at Rifugio Brioschi. This summer, the  a2410 project returns, housed in a  high thigh-tech structure designed to withstand extreme conditions. The project will host a series of presentations, performances, and events all at 2410 meters. In case you can't make the Milan launch event in person, you can view the 360-degree live stream on the  a2410 YouTube channel.

MONTE ROSA TRAIL

Ready for a breathless mix of running and scenery? (The breathlessness ratio depends on your fitness level and choice of courses) Come to one of the most scenic spots around and choose among the options. For the ultra serious, there is the ultra endurance: a 114 km course that includes an overall 8240-meter elevation gain. If you instead want just a tiny taste of trail time, you can choose the 4.5 km 200-meter elevation gain course. There are also a few distance options in between.

TOR DES GEANTS - ENDURANCE TRAIL

Feeling spry? 330 KM and 24000m elevation gain (that's 205 miles and 79,000 feet or almost 3x up Everest) Don't worry you have a week and killer scenery to view when not hallucinating. But if you just twisted your ankle and have to sit this one out, go to Courmayeur to cheer those crazy runners on.

Can't make it to the mountains midweek? Come get inspired and check out the Milan stop of the EUROPEAN OUTDOOR FILM TOUR featuring "the best in outdoor and adventure films." Purchase tickets in advance through the link on the EOFT site.