The “EARTH” Test Area concentrates on mountain sports and will be established at the base of Monte Colodri in Arco. Four different test itineraries will be created:  Alpine Trekking, Trail Running, Via Ferrata and Nordic Walking – and two test camps – bouldering and climbing. The itineraries and test camps will be organised by the Trentino Mountain Guides to guarantee safety but also to offer the visitors advice. Visitors will also be able to participate in some guided activities within the test area.

WHERE: A true basecamp for all outdoor lovers will be created in Arco at the foot of the Monte Colodri ferrata. This is located close to Prabi within the climbing park and just a stone's throw from the two most popular camp sites in the Alto Garda region.

AREA: a series of gazebo will be placed with the olive groves, just meters from the car park,  where experts from some of the most important companies in the outdoor market will be there to help you. You will be able to test boots and gear for hiking, mountaineering, trail and mountain running, Nordic Walking and much more.

FREE ENTRANCE

SHUTTLE BUS: a free shuttle bus service connects the trade fair with the test areas. This departs every 10 minutes and the transfer time is circa 5-10 minutes

THE ITINERARIES:
Four different itineraries will be created with the Earth Test Area, as well as two areas for sport climbing.
1) The Alpine Trekking itinerary leads through all different types of mountain terrain: ascent and descent via steep paths, scree slopes, rocks, slabs, traverses... an ideal occasion to test hiking boots, rucksacks, poles and hiking accessories in all conditions.
2) The Trail Running course is more fluid, designed to be raced through, but with a series of obstacles: dry stone walls, rocky slabs, gravel tracks, scree slopes, leaps between boulders and traverses along tree trunks... This course will put running shoes, bags, ultralight running rucksacks through their paces.
3) The Via Ferrata course leads across a brief 'iron way' which leads via the rocks to a rope bridge and a cable descent... to test harnesses, rucksacks, helmets and ferrata kits...
4) The Nordic Trail crosses different terrain, from asphalt to grass and stoney ground... all you could ever need to get to know the ins and outs of shoes and sticks designed specifically for Nordic Walking...
5) The large limestone rocks are bolted for lead climbing and this is where all climbing gear can  be tested... climbing shoes, harnesses, ropes, helmets...
6) A bouldering circuit will be created to enable boulderers to test not only the latest climbing shoes, but also the all important crash pads...

ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE TRENTINO MOUNTAIN GUIDES AND THE NORDIC WALKING INSTRUCTORS
You will be able to test the gear on your own or take part in a series of activities organised by the Trentino Mountain Guides and the Nordic Walking instructors:
The Mountain Guides will offer:
Walking Academy: walk easily and in safety on paths
Vie Ferrate Safety: learn the fundamental rules for moving safely along a via ferrata
Climbing Emotions: an ideal introduction to the exciting vertical world
The Nordic Walking instructors will offer:
Introduction to Nordic Walking: learn the basics about this form of walking with walking sticks and discover a simple and cheap way of keeping in shape.