You’re standing on a sun-drenched terrace in the Italian Alps. Your legs are shaky from a morning of carving through fresh powder in Cortina or Livigno. Someone slams a glass down in front of you. It’s warm, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, and smells like a mix of custard and jet fuel. This is the Bombardino. But if you’re at a particularly rowdy rifugio, it’s not just a drink. It’s the start of the bombardino crocodilo ritual, a bizarre, slightly chaotic, and physically demanding apres-ski tradition that has more in common with a frat party than a quiet lodge evening.
Honestly, it’s a bit ridiculous.
If you’ve never seen it, imagine a line of skiers and snowboarders on their hands and knees, weaving through the legs of chairs and tables like a human centipede of questionable life choices. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. And if you don't know the "unwritten rules," you're going to look like a total amateur.
What is a Bombardino Anyway?
Before you can do the ritual, you have to understand the fuel. The Bombardino is the undisputed king of Italian winter drinks. Legend has it—and this is a story told in various forms across the Lombardy region—that a young man from Genoa moved to the mountains and opened a ski hut. One day, four skiers staggered in, frozen to the bone. He threw together some advocaat (egg liqueur), brandy, and hot milk. One of the skiers took a sip and shouted, "Accidenti! È una bomba!" (Damn! It’s a bomb!).
The name stuck.
Modern versions usually swap the milk for espresso (the Calimero) or rum (the Pirata), but the classic is 1:1 egg liqueur and brandy. It’s served hot. It’s thick. It’s effectively a liquid custard that gets you very drunk, very quickly. You’ve been warned.
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Breaking Down the Bombardino Crocodilo Ritual
The bombardino crocodilo ritual isn't some ancient pagan ceremony passed down by monks. It’s pure apres-ski theater. While the exact origins are murky—likely born in the high-altitude bars of the Dolomites or the Aosta Valley—the "crocodile" refers to the movement participants make.
It starts with a group. You cannot do a crocodile alone. Well, you could, but you’d just be a person crawling on a bar floor, which is a different kind of problem.
The Initiation and the "Chug"
First, everyone in the group orders a round. In many bars, the bartender might even ring a bell or turn up the music—usually something high-energy like "Sarà perché ti amo" or classic Euro-pop. You don't just sip it. You drink the Bombardino while it's hot, often through the whipped cream, though some purists stir it in. The goal is the "sugar rush meets booze kick" that provides the necessary bravado for what happens next.
Getting Low
Once the glasses are empty, the leader of the pack drops to the floor. This is where it gets messy. Everyone else follows suit, grabbing the ankles of the person in front of them.
The line begins to move.
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The "crocodile" winds its way through the bar. You aren't just crawling; you’re supposed to mimic a snapping motion or a slithering movement. The bar staff usually expect this, moving stools out of the way or even cheering the line on. It’s a test of coordination, especially when you’re wearing bulky ski boots and have three layers of Gore-Tex on.
The Under-the-Table Gauntlet
The true bombardino crocodilo ritual involves navigating obstacles. A proper crocodile doesn't just stay in the open space. It goes under tables. It weaves between the legs of unsuspecting tourists who are just trying to eat their polenta in peace. It’s a communal act of temporary insanity that breaks down the social barriers usually found in high-end ski resorts.
Why People Actually Do This
You might be wondering why grown adults with expensive gear and lift passes would spend their afternoon on a sticky wooden floor.
It's about the "Strampalato" vibe—the eccentric, slightly crazy side of Italian mountain culture. Skiing is serious business. It’s technical, expensive, and can be dangerous. The ritual is the release valve. It’s the moment the athletic part of the day ends and the social chaos begins.
There's also a physical component. After a day of cold air and intense exercise, the sudden hit of a hot, 60-proof drink causes a rapid vasodilation. You feel warm instantly. That "glow" often translates into a desire to do something absurd.
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Survival Tips for Your First Crocodile
Look, if you’re going to do it, do it right. Don't be the person who breaks the chain.
- Watch the Boots: Ski boots have zero traction on wet wood floors. If you’re the one holding ankles, hold on tight, but be prepared for your knees to take a beating.
- Mind the Cream: If you have a mustache or a beard, the Bombardino will leave a mark. Wipe your face before you hit the floor, or you’ll end up with a "crocodile trail" of whipped cream on your gear.
- Check the Vibe: Not every rifugio appreciates a human snake. If you’re at a quiet, upscale wine bar in San Cassiano, maybe skip the crawl. If you’re at Cosa del Posto or a high-energy spot in Livigno, you’re probably good to go.
- The Exit Strategy: The ritual usually ends back at the bar or at a designated "finish line" (like a specific table). Once the line breaks, it's customary to order a round of water or another drink to toast the successful journey.
Variations You Might Encounter
Depending on where you are in the Alps, the bombardino crocodilo ritual might look a bit different. In some regions, they incorporate "snapping" hand gestures to mimic the crocodile's jaws. In others, the "crocodile" has to "hunt"—meaning the line tries to "capture" other people sitting at the bar by circling their table until they join the end of the chain.
There’s also the "Reverse Crocodile," which is significantly more dangerous and involves trying to move backward. I don't recommend this. The physics of ski boots and backward crawling simply don't mix.
The Cultural Impact of Apres-Ski Ridiculousness
We live in an era where everything is curated for Instagram. The bombardino crocodilo ritual is the opposite of that. It’s ugly. It’s sweaty. You look ridiculous. And that is exactly why it remains popular. It’s a genuine, un-self-conscious moment of fun that hasn't been polished for a social media feed.
It’s a reminder that at the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to stay warm and have a laugh in the middle of a frozen landscape.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Ski Trip
If you're heading to Italy this season and want to experience this firsthand, here is your roadmap.
- Find the Right Spot: Look for bars with outdoor terraces and large speakers. Places like Mikari in Cortina or any of the mountain huts in the Sellaronda circuit are prime territory.
- The Order: Walk up to the bar and ask for "Un Bombardino, per favore." Specify if you want the "tradizionale" (egg liqueur and brandy) or the "Calimero" (with espresso).
- The Timing: The ritual almost never happens before 3:00 PM. It requires a critical mass of people and a specific level of collective "enthusiasm."
- Safety First: Seriously, watch your fingers. Getting a Lange ski boot slammed onto your hand because the line moved too fast is a quick way to end your vacation.
Once the music hits that specific crescendo and you see the first person drop to their knees, don't overthink it. Grab an ankle, keep your head down, and follow the person in front of you. You’ll have plenty of time to be a dignified adult when you’re back at sea level. For now, you're part of the crocodile.