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Index
- Where to go to the mountains in winter: resorts and ski resorts
- Roccaraso, L’Aquila
- Ovindoli, L’Aquila
- Pescocostanzo, L’Aquila
- Prati di Tivo, Teramo
- Passo Godi (Scanno), L’Aquila
- Passolanciano and Majelletta, Chieti
- Field of Jupiter, L’Aquila
- Rivisondoli – Monte Pratello, L’Aquila
- San Giacomo – Monte Piselli, Teramo
- Campo Felice, L’Aquila
- Where to go in the Summer Mountains: reserves and natural parks
- Abruzzo National Park
- Calanchi di Atri Nature Reserve, Teramo
- Riserva Zompo lo Schioppo
- Sirente Velino Natural Park, Aquila
- Caves of Stiffe, Aquila
- Lake of Scanno, Aquila
- Majella National Park
- Gorges of Celano, Aquila
- Barrea Lake
- Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
Things to see in Abruzzo
Where to go to the mountains in winter: resorts and ski resorts
Are you looking for the most beautiful ski resorts in Abruzzo
Between snow-capped peaks, modern lifts and wide slopes, in the Abruzzo mountains there are heavenly places for skiers and for those who want just have fun in a carefree way.
1 – Roccaraso, L’Aquila
Located between the two large protected areas of the Abruzzo and Majella National Park, Roccaraso is the largest ski area in central Italy , with its 130 km of slopes that connect the towns of Rivisondoli, Pescocostanzo and Pescasseroli, as well as 32 ski lifts. The ski area offers 49 slopesover 78 km only for alpine skiing! Almost all the slopes are prepared for artificial artificial snow and the various slopes allow you to enjoy the extension of the ski area.
- Recommended visit time : 5-6 days
- What to do : snowshoeing, bobsleighing, sledding or snow tubing, skiing, skating and ice hockey. For the little ones, electric mini-quads and panther buggies
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 73.00 per room – see the offers
2 – Ovindoli, L’Aquila
Located on the slopes of Mount Magnola (2,220 meters above sea level), Ovindoli is located in the heart of the Velino-Sirente Regional Park and is part of the Skipass dei Parchi ski area, together with Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore and Grotte di Stiffe. It offers important accommodation facilities and alpine ski slopes of all levels of difficulty . Moreover, thanks to its northern exposure, it guarantees one of the longest ski seasons in Central Italy.
There are 21 slopes that stretch for 30 km with a snow park, 11 state-of-the-art ski lifts, 11 refuges (5 at altitude and 2 in the valley) and 5 ski and snowboard schools.
- Recommended visit time : 4-5 days
- What to do : Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, telemark, snowboard, freestyle, freeride, snowkite and Nordic walking, snowboard and treadmill for the ascent
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 73.00 per room – see the offers
3 – Pescocostanzo, L’Aquila
The ski resort of Pescocostanzo is part of the Alto Sangro Skipass consortium, collected and well cared for. The exposure is excellent, as it guarantees sun for most of the season. The ski slopes are wide and with variable slopes , for all levels of difficulty. There is also a modern artificial snow system, an area dedicated to the snow park, a kids park to entertain the little ones and a baby park with inflatables, slides, rides and snow tubing.
- Recommended visit time : 4-5 days
- What to do : freeride, ski and snowboard schools, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, freestyle, sledding
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers
4 – Prati di Tivo, Teramo
Photo by Franco aqThe slopes of Prati di Tivo wind their way at the foot of the northern slope of Corno Piccolo, the most elegant rocky peak of the Gran Sasso. It has chairlifts serving trails of all levels and two ski lifts for those taking their first steps on skis. In addition, there is a school field and a playground for the little ones, Pratilandia , served by 2 treadmills.
The location is a popular destination for both the more experienced ski mountaineers , who can enjoy the ascent to the west peak of the Gran Sasso via the Direttissima and a steep descent into the Bissolati canal, and for the less experienced who can take the low crossings.
- Recommended visit time : 3-4 days
- What to do : Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 53.00 per room – see the offers
5 – Passo Godi (Scanno), L’Aquila
The ski resort of Passo Godi is located in the Sagittario Valley, close to the Cinque Miglia plateau. It is located at 1,630 meters, 15 minutes from Scanno, has 1 ski lift and 4 moving walkways over about 1.5 km; then there are 3 rings for the bottom downstream. It seems that some slopes have been closed in recent years!
You can practice other activities such as mountaineering and telemarking, snow tubing, snowmobile rental, bobsleigh and sledding.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days
- What to do : snowmobiling, skiing, mountaineering, telemarking, bobsleighing, sledding, snow tubing
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 53.00 per room – see the offers
6 – Passolanciano and Majelletta, Chieti
Photo by paulox_net Passolanciano and Majelletta are two ski resorts that develop on the impassable Majella massif (2,798 meters). The ski area is divided into 2 neighboring resorts connected by ski bus and snow taxi.
The Majelletta ski area has 6 ski lifts and a moving walkway, good slopes , even if short, a snow park and two cross-country skiing rings for 5 km. There are, in addition, a school field, a bobsleigh track and a tubing, various itineraries for ski mountaineering.
Further downstream is the Passolanciano station with a three- seater chairlift, 2 conveyor belts and 2 ski lifts. The slopes for alpine skiing are about 6 km long and there is a cross-country ski circuit of 5 km. There are services such as snow park, kindergarden for children and a school field.
- Recommended visit time : 4-5 days
- What to do : alpine and cross-country skiing, snow park, kindergarden, school camp, bobsleigh and tubing
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers
7 – Campo di Giove, L’Aquila
Campo di Giove is part of the Ski Consortium of Parks (which offers a single ski pass) together with Scanno Monte Rotondo – Passo Godi and Passo Leonardo. The ski resort is located in the western part of the Majella National Park and has the highest slopes in all of Abruzzo .
There are 1 ski lift and a chair lift that takes you to the Guado di Coccia area. 5 km for cross-country skiing through the woods, slopes for alpine skiing and others with different height differences, for both experts and beginners. There are also two school fields served by treadmills.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days
- What to do : alpine and cross-country skiing, freeride, snowmobiling, school camps
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers
8 – Rivisondoli – Monte Pratello, L’Aquila
Photo by Luca Margheriti The ski resort Rivisondoli – Monte Pratello is one of the most important in Abruzzo and has 10 lifts for 35 km of slopes, 26 km for alpine skiing with various difficulties. The Rivisondoli – Monte Pratello lifts are connected with the almost 70 km of slopes of Roccaraso giving life to over 100 km of slopes. The Direttissima track on Monte Pratello in Rivisondoli is the jewel of the largest Roccaraso-Rivisondoli ski area in central southern Italy and has hosted many Junior World Championships.
The activities that can be done are many including snowboarding, freeride, cross-country skiing and mountaineering. There are also “après-ski” entertainment , namely a couple of discos, riding stables and restaurants.
- Recommended visit time : 5-6 days
- What to do : cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboard, freeride, riding stables, discos
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per room – see the offers
9 – San Giacomo – Monte Piselli, Teramo
San Giacomo – Monte Piselli is a ski resort with 2 ski lifts serving alpine ski slopes. These develop on the north side of the Montagna dei Fiori, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. There are 5 slopes, while a moving walkway near the former gondola lift goes up to the school field.
A fascinating detail is the sea view during the descents on the slopes of Monte Piselli.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days
- What to do : cross-country and alpine skiing, school camp
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 25.00 per room – see the offers
10 – Campo Felice, L’Aquila
The Campo Felice ski resort is located in the heart of the Abruzzo Apennines, surrounded by peaks over two thousand meters high and covered with snow for most of the winter season. Obviously, modern snowmaking systems are available if there is no snow.
It is made up of over 30 km of downhill slopes (the level of which is quite high) and the ski lifts guarantee quick and practical access to the slopes, thanks to the 9 chairlifts, 2 ski lifts, 3 carpets and 1 hand lift.
Campo Felice is a paradise for children , with the “Manovia Baby”, the “Brecciara” school carpet and the “Fun Kids Area” with the “Snow Tubing” park.
- Recommended visit time : 5-6 days
- What to do : 3 renowned ski schools, restaurants, clubs, hotels, shops, cross-country and alpine skiing, school camp, snowboard, snow tubing
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotel and b & b starting from € 46.00 per room – see the offers
Where to go in the Summer Mountains: reserves and natural parks
Even in summer the Abruzzo mountains have a lot to offer, especially many natural areas to discover and relax in. Let’s see together where to go to the mountains in the summer in Abruzzo .
1 – Abruzzo National Park
The territory of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park consists of a set of mountain ranges with an altitude between 900 and 2,200 m asl, in which the Sangro river flows in the central area.
The landscape is very interesting, with a wide variety of flora and fauna . As for animals, there are multiple species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as nearly 5,000 insect species. Some fauna species are preserved such as the lynx, the Apennine wolf, the Marsican brown bear and the Abruzzo chamois.
The vegetation is also luxuriant: there are about 2,000 species of higher plants (apart from mosses, lichens, algae and fungi). The most famous flower of the Park is the Venus slipper, a yellow and black orchid located in the heart of the reserve which is in danger of extinction.
- Recommended visit time : 4-5 days
- What to do : walks, trekking, excursions
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers.
2 – Calanchi di Atri Nature Reserve, Teramo
Photo by Domenicomarconi The “Calanchi di Atri” Regional Nature Reserve is a WWF Oasis which aims to preserve about 600 hectares of nature, flora and fauna. It contains the so-called badlands, truly surprising forms of erosion, to which are added ditches, lakes, woodlands and cultivated fields. There are several species of shrubs and thick vegetation, many mammals, reptiles and colorful butterflies.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days.
- What to do : nature excursions.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 65.00 per room – see the offers.
3 – Zompo lo Schioppo Reserve
Photo by Gabriele Marcelli – gabriel.dot.marcelli.at.gmail.dot.com The Zompo Lo Schioppo Nature Reserve is a protected area of ​​1,025 hectares located in the Roveto Valley, a deep incision that extends for about 30 km in the heart of the Lazio-Abruzzo Apennines.
Cultivated fields, oak woods and rows of vines characterize the areas close to the town, while beech and yew populate the forest. At the top of the reliefs the spectacular natural waterfall of Zompo lo Schioppo is born . The flora of the Reserve includes more than three hundred species and there is no shortage of animals, including the eagle owl, the wallcreeper, the roe deer, the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine wolf, the marten and many others.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days
- What to do : there are thematic trails (routes with less difficulty also suitable for inexperienced hikers) and hiking trails (longer and more demanding, adequately marked). There are 3 shelters in which to stay overnight
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers
4 – Sirente Velino Natural Park, Aquila
The territory of the Sirente Velino Natural Park is a protected area with 3 different morphological aspects: the Altopiano delle Rocche, the central system of karst plateaus rich in beech woods, pastures and meadows, the northern Marsica, the southwestern slope with widespread rocky outcrops (the Celano Gorges, the Val di Teve and the Majelama Valley are famous) which preserve inaccessible places with rare and endemic floristic species. Finally, the Aterno Valley and the Subequana Valley, where the Aterno river flows, with various artistic, historical, architectural and archaeological assets.
- Recommended visit time : 4-5 days
- What to do : Trekking and hiking, orienteering, horseback riding, cycling and mountain biking. Nordic walking, snowshoeing, snow walking, cross-country skiing and hiking, snow boarding and alpine skiing
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 75.00 per room – see the offers
5 – Stiffe Caves, Aquila
Photo by Andrea Pilotti The Stiffe Caves are one of the major karst attractions in the province of L’Aquila. You reach them through a path that climbs up, the entrance to the cave is in fact located at about 700 meters above sea level. Inside the cave an underground stream flows for about 600 m. which together with other lakes form a fantastic scenario.
Numerous events are held in the caves, including the Nativity in the Grotto and the Living Nativity.
- Recommended visit time : 1 day
- What to do : guided tour inside the cave, visit to the Living Nativity Scene and to the Nativity Scene in the Cave
- How to get there: Get directions
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 53.00 per room – see the offers
6 – Lake Scanno, Aquila
Photo by Superchilum Lake Scanno is nestled between the Marsicani Mountains, at 922 meters above sea level and has a particularity that will make you dream, that is, a heart shape ! On the south bank is the Church of the Madonna del Lago, dedicated to Santa Maria dell’Annunziata, built in 1702 AD and with frescoes by local painters inside.
The vegetation is lacking, but Apennine wolves, Marsican bears and red foxes can be admired among the fauna.
Small curiosity: it seems that strange phenomena occur in the lake, such as the water level which has dropped six meters in less than a year, an unidentified object buried in the seabed, the compasses of crazy divers and weapons and ammunition from the last war which resurfaced after almost seventy years … In short, a fascinating lake shrouded in mystery !
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days.
- What to do : swimming, boating, diving, surrounding camping areas, fishing.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 54.00 per room – see the offers.
7 – Majella National Park
The Majella National Park covers an area of ​​over 74,000 hectares … and a green lung for the Abruzzo region! We are faced with a natural oasis rich in vegetation and animals , vast areas that have peculiar aspects of wild nature and deep canyons.
To see here, in addition to plants and animals, the medieval village of Pacentro, called one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, immersed in the park. Then all that remains is to take advantage of the many routes, some simple and others more tiring, which allow you to explore this wonderful territory and its scenarios.
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days.
- What to do : trekking, visit to the Orso Marsicano museum and the botanical garden, trails on foot, by mountain bike and on horseback.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 90.00 per room – see the offers.
8 – Gorges of Celano, Aquila
A spectacular canyon carved between the Serra di Celano and Mount Etra: we are talking about the Gorges of Celano.
They are divided into a more difficult part (reserved for canyoning experts only) that descends from the Arano Valley to the source of lovers and a lower one, which can be traveled by everyone, with some precautions. In fact, the descent into the Celano Gorges is not carried out during rainy days and you must always wear suitable clothing : a protective helmet and suitable shoes.
You have to follow a marked path going into the gorge and going up the river bed. An exciting journey, enclosed between high walls, rich in vegetation and crows that croak profusely.
- Recommended visit time : 1 day.
- What to do : hike, nature observation.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 65.00 per room – see the offers.
9 – Lago di Barrea
Photo by MarengosLadyLake Barrea is an artificial lake located in the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. It is characterized by the presence of diversified environments in which numerous animal species live , but equally the vegetation is particularly rich in endemic species, in which the black pine and the iris stand out.
Along the shores of Lake Barrea there are pedestrian and cycle paths , benches and refreshment areas, and a small beach .
- Recommended visit time : 1-2 days.
- What to do : sport fishing, trekking, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers.
10 – Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
150,000 hectares, 2,651 plants surveyed, 12 endemic to the Park, 11 pairs of golden eagles, 500 deer, 1,000 Apennine chamois, 120 wolves: the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and this and much more!
It is a park that extends over the territory of three regions , namely Abruzzo, Lazio and the Marches where the highest mountain of the Apennines is located, which contains the only glacier in southern Europe.
Its geographical position, with the different geology of the reliefs and the height of the mountains, together create an enormous animal and plant richness, and a variety of unique ecosystems .
- Recommended visit time : 2-3 days.
- What to do : trekking, guided tours, excursions on foot, by bike and on horseback.
- How to get there: Get directions.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 53.00 per room – see the offers.
