the snowmobile

The early 1900s were extremely difficult for the citizens of Livigno. Only in 1914 was the first road inaugurated, the Via di Döss, which allowed Livigno to emerge from complete isolation. The road is 40 km long, and in the summer it allows the first form of tourism, which grows over time thanks to a bus service put in place by Bernardo Cantoni and Enrico Schivalocchi, from Bormio.

Bernardo
Cantoni

During the winter, however, it is almost impossible to get around. The only way to get out of the country is to do it via horse-drawn sleighs, on hard journeys in the snow that last several days. Bernardo, who in the meantime had been entrusted with the care of the road, understood the need to find an alternative, simple and fast way to be able to move between the valleys. His thoughts are mainly directed to the transport of the sick, since the first hospital is very far away: it is located in Bormio.

the invention

Initially he built a pseudo-ambulance: a closed, comfortable and above all heated sled. This improves the situation but does not satisfy him, because the effort for each trip is still enormous.

One day, however, while observing a financier who, riding a motorcycle, climbs with ease towards the Pass, he reaches the lighting: install an engine on the traditional sled!

The first pseudo-ambulance

One day, however, while observing a financier who, riding a motorcycle, climbs with ease towards the Pass, he reaches the lighting: install an engine on the traditional sled!

After several attempts, patience and effort, he succeeds in his enterprise and builds the innovative vehicle.

Together with friends and relatives, he creates the documentation and presents the project to the patent office in Milan, giving it the name "snowmobile".
It is April 4, 1941.

Project for the construction of the first snowmobile

Together with friends and relatives, he creates the documentation and presents the project to the patent office in Milan, giving it the name "snowmobile".
It is April 4, 1941.

Success was not long in coming, so much so that the state commissioned 100 pieces from Bernardo, in view of the military campaign in Russia. It is a pity that the Guzzi company is unable to supply him with the engines as it is in difficulty due to the war.

the refinement

In the following years, Bernardo continues to refine his snowmobile, improving it and making it more and more useful.

In the following years, Bernardo continues to refine his snowmobile, improving it and making it more and more useful.

Photo with the first snowmobile 1
Photo with the first snowmobile 2
Photo with the first snowmobile 3
Photo with the first snowmobile 4

- In 1952, Livigno finally emerged from winter isolation after the Foscagno road became passable even in winter, thanks to the cleaning carried out by a snow blower with turbine.

- In 1952, Livigno finally emerged from winter isolation after the Foscagno road became passable even in winter, thanks to the cleaning carried out by a snow blower with turbine.

today

Today, on the wall of the Botìa Cantoni facing the pedestrian street, Bernard is depicted riding his snowmobile.

Depiction on the house