Garnì Astoria Hotel & SPA
A region blessed with stunning beaches perfect for summer relaxation and magnificent parks ideal for hiking in nature, Abruzzo is also one of the finest destinations for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Abruzzo mountains, with their breathtaking scenery, excellent slopes and facilities, rank among the most renowned ski resorts on the Italian peninsula. The region also benefits from a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from Rome, Naples and most major towns in central and southern Italy.
Abruzzo’s ski area encompasses 400 km of slopes, featuring truly exceptional resorts such as Campo Felice, Ovindoli and Roccaraso, as well as the historic Gran Sasso station at Campo Imperatore. The offering is completed by snow parks for snowboarding enthusiasts, cross-country ski trails and excellent accommodation facilities.
So let’s discover the most beautiful ski resorts in Abruzzo!
One of the most renowned places to ski in Abruzzo is undoubtedly Roccaraso, which boasts an exceptionally extensive and well-equipped ski area. Situated at 1,250 metres altitude, Roccaraso’s ski basin comprises the Aremogna, Monte Pratello and Monte Pizzalto zones, totalling 147 km of slopes and 38 lift systems. Roccaraso is thus the jewel in the crown of Apennine ski destinations.
Its offering is further enhanced by 60 kilometres of cross-country slopes, snowshoe trails, a snow park, snowkite facilities and the opportunity to explore inaccessible areas via helicopter skiing. The extensive hotel accommodation, combined with wellness centres and numerous leisure opportunities, attracts scores of visitors each season seeking not only excellent skiing but also relaxation.
Nestled within the Sirente-Velino National Park at approximately 1,400 metres altitude in L’Aquila province, Ovindoli is a charming village with truly ancient origins. Overlooking the town centre on the peaks of Monte Magnola lies the Ovindoli – Monte Magnola ski station, a real draw for lovers of not just skiing but many winter sports. The station is part, along with Campo Felice and Campo Imperatore, of the Tre Nevi ski consortium.
Monte Magnola ski station extends across nearly 30 km, featuring 21 slopes (7 blue, 7 black, 7 red) and an innovative snowmaking system. Thanks to its north-facing aspect, Ovindoli – Monte Magnola is one of Abruzzo’s ski stations that can open early in the morning and close late in the afternoon. The resort also has several mountain refuges serving excellent meals and ski and snowboard schools. Ovindoli also boasts one of central and southern Italy’s finest snow parks, split into two zones: Magnola Snow Park at 1,980 metres and the Lower Park along the Dolce Vita slope at 1,650 metres.
Considered the first ski station established in the Apennines, Campo Imperatore is a resort situated on its namesake plateau and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Gran Sasso. Campo Imperatore is regarded as one of Italy’s coldest ski stations and is characterised by consistent and reliable snowfall from November through April.
Access requires reaching Fonte Cerreto, a location at 1,150 metres altitude from where the famous Gran Sasso cable car departs, whisking you to the Campo Imperatore upper station at 2,200 metres in just minutes. The slopes here extend for approximately 15 km and are served by four lift systems, whilst 60 km of cross-country ski trails and a snow park for snowboarding enthusiasts are also available.
Famous since the 1960s, the Campo Felice resort spans the expansive Caporitorto plateau between 1,400 and 2,000 metres altitude. Located within the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park, Campo Felice sits between the municipalities of Lucoli and Rocca di Cambio.
The resort features over 35 km of slopes of varying length and difficulty, modern lift systems and an innovative snowmaking system. The station pays particular attention to younger skiers and beginners with numerous dedicated areas such as the Manovia Baby or Fun Kids Area, plus several ski schools to help you master this sport.
The slopes of Prati di Tivo are found in the territory of Pietracamela, an enchanting village nestled within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Chair lifts depart from 1,450 metres and take you to Arapietra at 2,000 metres, where 20 km of descent slopes of all levels wind along the northern face of Corno Piccolo.
A beginner training area and children’s play zone are available at this location. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing thanks to a beautiful 4 km trail, forest snowshoe routes, ski mountaineering and ice climbing.
If you love skiing surrounded by magnificent scenery, Passo Lanciano is perfect for you, as many describe it as one of Abruzzo’s most enchanting places to ski. This ski area sits at 1,300 metres altitude and offers not just excellent slopes but also the unique opportunity to ski with views of the Adriatic. The resort comprises 27 km of slopes at various levels, a snow park, a beginner training area and a cross-country loop.
Passo Lanciano is connected by shuttle bus to the Majelletta ski area, which features not only 7.8 km of ski slopes but also a snow park, training area, bobsleigh run and tubing course, plus several ski mountaineering routes and numerous off-piste areas.
Located in the upper Sangro Valley, Pescasseroli is a town that hosts a very popular and appreciated ski resort. The ski area sits at approximately 1,800 metres altitude between Monte Vitelle and Monte Ceraso and extends for around 20 km.
There are 15 descent slopes of varying length and difficulty. More experienced and daring skiers can tackle the “Direttissima”, a famous black run known for its steep pitches and variations. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will also enjoy themselves exploring the various loops available.
In the Sagittario Valley at 1,050 metres altitude lies the picturesque town of Scanno, nestled in one of L’Aquila province’s most beautiful natural areas. Winner of the Touring Club’s Orange Flag and member of the “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages” club, Scanno, with its rich historical and architectural heritage, is ideal not only for winter sports enthusiasts but also for a cultural visit.
The town is home to the Colle Rotondo ski area, which offers 15 km of slopes suitable for all skill levels, 3 lift systems and a snowmaking system. The ski resort is very easy to reach as it’s close to the Cocullo motorway exit on the A25 Rome-Pescara, and the lift systems depart right from Scanno town centre. The ski area stretches from Monte Rotondo at 1,878 metres, through Colle Rotondo (1,600 metres) down to the town.
San Giacomo is a mountain resort situated at 1,105 metres altitude within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, at the foot of Monte Piselli and Montagna dei Fiori. San Giacomo is actually a hamlet of Valle Castellana municipality, a town in Teramo province.
This ski resort is only 20 km from the city of Ascoli Piceno and its facilities develop across Monte Piselli and the northern slope of Montagna dei Fiori. From these areas, you can admire the Adriatic coast on clear days.
The village of San Giacomo hosts the main tourist and accommodation facilities whilst at 1,426 metres you’ll find the ski facilities extending to 1,643 metres. There are approximately 6 km of slopes at various difficulty levels, where you can ski while admiring breathtaking views, plus a training area for beginners.
A charming village nestled between the Majella Park and the upper Sangro Valley, Pescocostanzo is home to a well-known ski resort that develops on Monte Calvario. Pescocostanzo offers 9 km of slopes, but this ski area is part of the extensive Alto Sangro Skipass consortium, allowing enthusiasts to ski across a vast resort.
The area also features a snow park with multiple descent lines and night lighting, whilst between Pescocostanzo and Cansano you’ll find one of Abruzzo’s finest cross-country ski trails. For those taking their first steps on snow, there are two training areas served by drag lifts, whilst a children’s play area is available for the youngest skiers.
Completing the town’s offering, Pescocostanzo’s historic village, a member of the “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages” club, is a destination rich in history and traditions waiting to be discovered.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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