Behind the scenes of the new Jolly Ski

If you have been waterskiing for a while, you probably already know it: this sport is a true lesson in patience. A lot of work goes in—some days more challenging than others—and results often arrive when you least expect them. Yet, the satisfaction of seeing the outcome of an entire season of training (or a project that took years) makes every bit of waiting worthwhile.

That’s exactly where we are right now at Jolly Ski.
As the second lake takes shape, it is becoming clearer that six years of planning and effort are finally leading to what we envisioned from the very beginning: allowing more people to ski and spend more time on the water.

In recent years, it has not always been easy to meet all requests, especially during peak season. Starting in March 2026, this will change significantly. We will finally be able to ski simultaneously on two independent lakes and accommodate many more skiers. Athletes who rely on our coaches will have more time to improve, and the waterski school will be able to operate more efficiently even during the busiest periods.

In this regard, we are sincerely grateful to the community of San Gervasio Bresciano, which over the years has shown trust, openness, and active participation. This essential support has allowed us to develop an ambitious project that further strengthens the bond between waterskiing and the local area.

Before getting into the technical details of the project, here is what you will see the next time you head down toward the dock with your skis and gear, ready for your first set of the season.

The project

The slalom course and the jump ramp will remain exactly where they are now, within what we will now call “Lake 1”. This lake will end with a rock embankment that closes off its far end and continues through the center to divide the two lakes. Lake 1 will now be 750 meters in length, with a width ranging from 60 to 90 meters.

“Lake 2”, the real novelty of 2026, will run parallel to the first lake and will have its own starting dock. It will be 550 meters long and about 65 meters wide, allowing all three disciplines to be practiced (with the exception of jump, where for now we will only do cuts).

The central rock embankment will be fully accessible on foot, so you will be able to watch skiers on Lake 1 and Lake 2 at the same time—whether you are taking a relaxing walk or warming up before your set.

The construction schedule was planned meticulously, with the goal of completing everything within the four months we set for ourselves. And yes, so far we are on track. But let’s take a closer look at how we got here.

Work preparation

At the end of 2024, work was carried out to widen the final section of the lake toward the northern shore. This was the very first concrete step of the project and allowed us to significantly speed up operations during the following winter.

Fast forward to November 2025 when, after temporarily relocating the jump ramp, a turbine connected to a tractor was installed, allowing us to lower the lake level by about one meter. The water was diverted into the nearby stream, in agreement with the consortium that manages it.

Lowering the water level made both excavation and rock placement much easier. An important note, in case you didn’t already know: our lake is spring-fed and not “filled.”

The dock (the central rock embankment)

During the third week of November, work began on creating the rock embankment that would shorten Lake 1.

Following the project plan closely, work continued along the final curve of Lake 1 and then along the dock that divides the lake into two competition lakes. In this phase, only the largest boulders were placed to form the foundation of the embankment. Some of these rocks are up to four meters long and can weigh as much as 40 tons. They come from the quarries of Botticino, a town in the Brescia area well known for the quality of its stone.

At that stage, the embankment was about six meters wide—wide enough to allow trucks and cranes to operate simultaneously. The process was almost choreographed: the crane would reach the placement point, the truck would pull in right behind it, and the boulder would be set exactly where planned, landing with a roar. During peak activity, an average of 50 trucks of rock arrived at the lake each day, five days a week, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. How about that for heavy lifting?

Excavation, backfilling, and a little surprise

As the embankment took shape, excavation work also began at the far end of what will become Lake 2. Part of the land on the western side of the lake was excavated and removed to achieve the desired length of the new lake. This material did not leave San Gervasio; instead, it was relocated to the southwest to form the shoreline of Lake 2.

About halfway through the embankment construction, we realized that the deepest point of the lake—around eight meters—extended further than expected. This required a significantly larger amount of rock to fill the gap. Nothing that a bit of patience and a few extra trucks could not fix. Once this issue was resolved, the embankment was completed along its full length by the end of January.

Where we are today

Currently, the final touches are being made to the embankment with the placement of medium-sized rocks. The crane is smoothing the banks to improve stability and reduce backwash. Once this phase is complete, the final width of the walkway will be about three and a half meters (compared to the initial six). At the same time, earthworks continue to shape the final form of both lakes.

Seeing all of this come together is extremely exciting—both for those who have known the lake for years and for the team that designed and brought this project to life. We cannot wait to welcome you back and show you firsthand how Jolly Ski is changing.

With the new layout, we will be able to host many more skiers, but the advice remains the same: plan ahead. The start of the season is just around the corner. Hang in there a little longer, and soon we will be back on the water. See you at the lake!