The arrival of Highlander Adventure in Italy feels both familiar and modern: for some it will recall scout days, while for others it will be an introduction to a new way of traveling. This gathering is built around walking and simple overnight stays, yet it deliberately avoids anything labelled extreme. Participants can sign up for one to three days and expect a mix of daytime trekking, sunrise yoga, live music and storytelling, plus nights under the stars accompanied by astronomers for those who choose to camp. Organizers also include short sessions of mountain education to help people move safely and respectfully through alpine environments.
Who brought the format to Italy and what to expect
Event rights for Italy were acquired by Marco Zoppi, an experienced sports-event organizer who discovered the format abroad and wanted to adapt it locally. About half of the current registrants are international, and roughly half are women, reflecting the inclusive tone of the gatherings; registrations are already more than halfway to the 200 available places. Local authorities in Val di Sole approved a group camping permit — a notable point given regional rules — and the minimum age for participants is 12 years. The official dates are June 5 to 7, 2026, and the structure emphasizes low‑tech presence: phones are allowed only to consult offline maps, encouraging a shared, detox-style break from constant connectivity.
Origins and philosophy of the format
Highlander Adventure began about a decade ago in Croatia and has expanded into roughly twenty countries, from France and the California coast to Costa Rica, Australia and Nepal. Calling it merely trekking misses the point: the format sells an immersive, low-tech experience that reconnects people with physical, slow-paced activities and community moments. There are no race numbers, no timing chips and no podiums — the emphasis is on shared rhythm, simple gear and leaving landscapes exactly as they were found. In higher-attendance editions elsewhere, events have drawn hundreds to nearly a thousand participants, underlining how the modern outdoor traveler values authenticity and sustainability over competition.
Format and routes
Routes are designed for broad accessibility: options range between 15 and 50 kilometres spread over two or three days, typically along forest roads, alpine clearings and well-marked trails. Organizers stress that paths are not technical or hazardous, and qualified guides and equipment experts will be present. The typical day begins with a measured pace on the trail and small learning moments about clothing, footwear and mountain safety. Nights form an ephemeral campsite where tents, soft light and conversation replace screens. Participants bring their own backpacks and kits, and the event encourages a minimal, responsible packing approach: pack light and leave no trace is a central rule.
Evenings, community rituals and the shared experience
Once the group stops for the day a temporary village takes shape: camps are illuminated by gentle lamps, people change out of hiking boots and phones are intentionally set aside as the community gathers. Campfire circles are central, turning evenings into spaces for storytelling, acoustic music and informal exchanges; this social fabric is the main inspiration behind the format. Those who spend the night can join talks with astronomers and engage in morning yoga sessions that welcome the rising light. At dawn, the village is dismantled with the same careful hands that built it, ensuring the campsite leaves no mark on the landscape.
Who joins and rising travel patterns
The audience attracts younger outdoor travelers who prioritize experiences over performance, and the format appeals to people seeking sustainable, authentic immersion. Recent search data cited by organizers highlights this shift: queries for adventure travel rose by 130% in the last three months of 2026, backpacking climbed by 40%, and solo traveling increased by 30% in the same period. Interest in girls trips shows an 80% year-on-year rise, while searches for meditation retreats grew by 40% over the past 12 months, demonstrating broader demand for activity blends like hiking plus wellness practices.
Practical details and how to prepare
Practicalities to note: the debut Italian edition takes place in Val di Sole from June 5 to 7, 2026, with a limit of 200 participants and a recommended minimum age of 12. Registrants are asked to bring their own backpack, sleeping gear and basic cooking equipment; guides will offer advice on clothing layers and responsible camping. Mobile phones are used only for offline navigation, fostering a communal atmosphere. Organizers are already considering a follow-up meeting in central Italy later in the year. For anyone looking to trade urgency for presence, this event is positioned as a gateway to slower, shared mountain travel.
