Skiing In Charming Abetone This Winter

When people think of skiing in Italy, they tend to imagine the Alps but there are plenty of other ski resorts and options all around the country. One of the best of these and one of the most important ski resorts in the Appenines is at the Abetone pass, on the border between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. The resort at Abetone is at an altitude of 1388m and is composed of four valleys, Luce Valley, Scoltenna Valley, Sestaione Valley and Lima Valley which are interconnected and offer skiers many kilometres of slopes connected with ski lifts. In total, there are 54km of slopes and 21 ski lifts. While it is a well-equipped and beautiful place to go skiing, it is also a charming resort which seems a little as though time has stopped.

The area of Abetone mountain was already well-known as a great ski destination by the beginning of the twentieth century and is still the most important winter ski resort in central Italy today. As noted, the resort is well-equipped with ski-slopes, an elaborate ski-lift system including cableways, chair-lifts, cable-cars, long-range ski-lifts and baby-lifts for youngsters, an eighteen-kilometre long ring-shaped circuit for cross-country skiing, two skiing schools, stores to hire skiing equipment, restaurants, bars and shops. It is a particularly good location for those who are new to the sport and wish to learn. However, there are also some difficult slopes to ensure enjoyment and challenging skiing for those who are more well-versed in the sport with the Stucchi and Pulicchio and Zeno slopes having been designed by the unforgettable ski champion from Abetone, Zeno Colò.

Located near Pistoia, Florence, Lucca and Pisa, it's easily accessible from any of these destinations for a day trip and vice versa. Why not find a luxury villa in Pistoia and spend a couple days on the slopes before venturing into those other great Tuscan cities for some more adventures? If you're staying in a holiday rental in Florence, meanwhile, an escape to the beautiful countryside of Abetone might be just what the doctor ordered after days in the bustling crowds of tourists. Abetone means “large fir” and the surrounding landscape is blanketed by forests of fir trees as far as the eye can see, across the snow-capped peaks and rolling valleys.

Day passes for the slopes cost €34 for a day pass with a €5 refund at the day’s end for returning the electronic pass. If you go on weekdays there will be no crowds or lines and parking will be a dream but keep an eye out for weather conditions as the slopes become icy and treacherous in very cold weather. Be sure to get a map as you enter as signage isn't great and do stop for a coffee down the street at La Casina when you're done. It's famous for its torta di ricotta and handmade chocolates and the red and white Tyrolean-style chalet, which opened in 1948, is adorable.

For the perfect winter day out in Tuscany that is fun, active and thoroughly enjoyable, head to Abetone!