The thrill of hill skating in San Francisco is undeniable, but the La Dolce Vita crew recently discovered a unique and challenging skate spot along the Circumetnea railway in Sicily, Italy. This adventure offers a fresh perspective on longboarding, blending breathtaking scenery with the raw energy of street skating.
The Circumetnea is a historic train line encircling Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This route passes through charming villages, featuring cobblestone streets, quaint plazas, and aged architecture, creating an ideal environment for longboarding. The slight downhill slope of these villages provides skaters with a natural speed boost, adding an element of excitement and risk, as any loose cobblestone can lead to a fall.
To understand more about this unique skate route, we reached out to Ale Formenti, the mastermind behind this adventure. He shared insights into the spots they skated, the local culture, and the philosophy behind La Dolce Vita.
Q&A with Ale Formenti: Unveiling the Circumetnea Experience
What’s your take on chicken parm, from an authentic Italian perspective?
Honestly, I had no idea what chicken parm was until I looked it up. The recipe sounds hearty, and it really depends on the quality of ingredients. The cheese in Italy is far different from cheese found elsewhere. I recommend trying the original recipe with eggplant. Cooking with passion is also important, and if you never cook for yourself, you’re missing out on the fun food can offer.
Have you ever tried a NYC $1 pizza slice? What do you think of it?
I had a 99-cent Margherita slice near the subway station on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. It was actually pretty good, especially because they added garlic to the tomato sauce.
A GIF showing longboarders cruising through a Sicilian village
How much preparation was involved in making these spots skateable?
Surprisingly, not much. Some spots needed touching up, but there’s a lot of smooth marble and lava stone here. As Doobie said, “How is it possible that every small town has a square like this?” It seems many of these areas remain untouched by skaters.
Were most of these spots skated for the first time by your crew?
Yes, except for a few world-famous squares, most of these spots were likely skated for the first time. Sicily has many unexplored areas, and every time we go, we find new spots in unexpected places from Nesima through Paternó to Pedara. The air in Sicily is unique and enchanting, leaving a memorable mark on your senses.
Who is the best Italian skater of all time?
Definitely Daniel Cardone.
A GIF showing a longboarder making a smooth turn on a cobbled street
Who makes better lovers, Italians or the French?
In the early 70s, Gabriel Pontello, a French actor of Italian descent, starred in a series of adult photo stories called Supersex, where an alien occupies human bodies and has sex constantly to survive. Every time the alien experiences pleasure, he shouts “IFIX TCEN TCEN,” a liberating battle cry. An Italian mixed with a Frenchman is a great combination, much like a good plate of pasta al pomodoro.
A GIF showing a longboarder cruising at a moderate speed
How did locals react to your skating in their towns?
Skateboarding is usually the least of their concerns. Many locals watched us skate, appreciating the effort we put in. There are always a few exceptions, but most interactions went smoothly, especially when we showed them our cameras and explained we were making a “movie.” I’ve never had any major issues with the police, and sometimes you even meet locals who want to try your board.
What is La Dolce Vita, and do you guys sell anything?
La Dolce Vita is about enjoying life, building something with passion, and connecting with like-minded people. We are trying to create something fun and engaging. Because Mauro lives in Sicily and I live in Berlin, we don’t see each other often, which allows us to plan unique missions. We enjoy making videos and choosing music. We’re also starting to make clothing, but we are still focusing on connecting with people who share our passion.
What advice do you have for Americans?
Maybe raise fewer animals for slaughter.
The Circumetnea offers a unique longboarding experience, blending challenging terrain with the beauty of Sicilian culture and landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for those who crave adventure and appreciate the thrill of discovery. La Dolce Vita embodies this spirit, encouraging a passionate approach to life and skating.
Q&A by: Wilson Lucas & Ian Michna
