Skiing in Abruzzo: The 2026/2027 Complete Guide to Ski Resorts

Skiing in Abruzzo for 2026/2027 season means discovering the largest network of slopes in central-southern Italy: over 400 km of runs spread across a dozen ski resorts, ranging from 1,115 to 2,235 meters in altitude, all reachable in less than 2 hours from Rome and within a few hours from Naples and Pescara. You ski across four national and regional parks (Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, Majella, PNALM, Sirente-Velino), with slopes that sometimes overlook the Adriatic Sea just a few dozen kilometers away. Roccaraso-Rivisondoli is the largest ski area in central-southern Italy (110–130 km of runs, Alto Sangro ski pass), Campo Imperatore is the highest resort in the Apennines (up to 2,235 m), while Ovindoli-Monte Magnola, Campo Felice and the Gran Sasso lifts make up the "Skipass dei Parchi" consortium. A complete guide to help you choose the right resort for your skiing style.

Why Ski in Abruzzo in 2026/2027

Abruzzo is a privileged skiing destination for those living in central and southern Italy, for geographic, climatic, and tourism-related reasons:

• Proximity: most resorts are less than 2 hours from Rome (via the A24/A25 motorway), 3 hours from Naples, 1h30 from Pescara. You can often make it a day trip, no overnight stay needed

• High altitudes: skiing ranges from 1,115 to 2,235 meters, guaranteeing good snow from December to March (Campo Imperatore stays open until May)

• Snowmaking: 80% of main slopes have artificial snow systems

• Large ski areas: Roccaraso ranks among Italy's biggest resorts by extension (130 km total with connections)

• Four national and regional parks: you ski through forests, protected panoramas, and visible wildlife

• Sea views: some slopes (Prati di Tivo, Passo Lanciano-Majelletta) offer spectacular panoramas of the Adriatic Sea

• Competitive prices: daily ski passes range from €30 to €57 — far more affordable than the Alps

• Food and wine heritage: arrosticini, local cheeses, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine at the end of a day on the slopes

The Main Ski Resorts in Abruzzo in 2026/2027

Roccaraso-Rivisondoli (Alto Sangro)

The largest ski area in central-southern Italy. Three interconnected ski zones — Aremogna, Pizzalto, Monte Pratello — totaling 110–130 km of runs and 28–32 ski lifts. Altitude ranges from 1,236 m (Roccaraso village) to 2,142 m (Toppe del Tesoro). The Alto Sangro ski pass is also valid at Pescocostanzo and Pescasseroli. Suitable for all levels, with 8 black runs, 17 red runs, and 25 blue runs. Snow park, cross-country skiing (32 km total at Piano Aremogna), heli-skiing, and snowkite. The top destination for skiing tourism in Abruzzo and central Italy. See dedicated article.

Campo Imperatore (Gran Sasso)

The highest resort in the Apennines, nicknamed "the Roof of the Apennines." Altitude ranges from 1,130 m (Fonte Cerreto) to 2,235 m, reached by a historic reversible cable car from Fonte Cerreto. 15 km of alpine ski runs and over 60 km of cross-country loops. At the foot of the Corno Grande (2,912 m, the highest peak in the Apennines) and the Calderone glacier, the southernmost glacier in Europe. The historic Campo Imperatore hotel (1934, Mussolini's prison in 1943). Possible opening until May thanks to high-altitude natural snow. Skipass dei Parchi (with Ovindoli and Campo Felice). See dedicated article.

Ovindoli - Monte Magnola

On the Altopiano delle Rocche, within the Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino. Altitude from 1,400 to 2,220 m. 30 km of runs across 21 trails and 11 ski lifts. Magnola Snowpark at 2,000 m for snowboarders and freestylers. Night skiing on select dates. Affordable daily ski pass (~€38–40). Part of the Tre Nevi consortium (with Campo Imperatore and Campo Felice) or the Skipass dei Parchi. One of the most accessible resorts from Rome (1h30 via A24/A25). See dedicated article.

Campo Felice

Campo Felice also sits on the Altopiano delle Rocche (Rocca di Cambio, municipality of Lucoli), within the Parco Sirente-Velino. Altitude from 1,400 to 2,064 m. 38–40 km of runs across 24 trails, 15 ski lifts. Vertical drops over 600 m, ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. Snowpark. One of the resorts most popular with Romans, thanks to easy access (1h30 from Rome via A24). Due Nevi ski pass (with Gran Sasso) or Skipass dei Parchi/Tre Nevi. See dedicated article.

Pescasseroli (PNALM)

In the heart of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, in the Alta Valle del Sangro. Altitude around 1,167 m (village) – 1,945 m (Monte Vitelle). ~20 km of runs across Monte Vitelle and Monte Ceraso, 3 chairlifts and 2 ski tows. The black run "Direttissima" from Monte Vitelle, with off-piste variants. Snow tubing open year-round. Alto Sangro ski pass. The perfect resort for those who want to combine skiing with the unspoiled nature of the PNALM (Marsican bears, wolves, Abruzzo chamois). See dedicated article.

Passo Lanciano - Majelletta (Majella)

On the eastern slopes of the Parco Nazionale della Majella, the "Mother Mountain" of Abruzzo. Altitude between 1,300 and 1,650 m. 10–11 km of runs, 3 lifts. Spectacular sea views: you can see the Tremiti Islands and the Adriatic coast at the same time. The "sea-view resort" beloved by Pescara locals. Affordable ski pass. Great for families and beginners. See dedicated article.

Other Smaller Resorts

• Pescocostanzo - Vallefura: a small resort in one of the most beautiful borghi in Italy (Alto Sangro ski pass)

• Scanno - Monte Rotondo: 8 km of runs in one of Italy's most photographed borghi

• Monte Piselli (San Giacomo): small resort in the province of Teramo

• Marsia (Tagliacozzo): small resort in Marsica

• Campo di Giove: minor resort on the slopes of the Majella

• Prato Selva (Fano Adriano): in the Teramo area, at the foot of the Gran Sasso

Combined Ski Passes

Skiing in Abruzzo is even better value thanks to combined ski passes that let you ski multiple resorts on a single ticket:

Alto Sangro Ski Pass

The largest circuit: includes Roccaraso-Aremogna, Pizzalto, Monte Pratello (Rivisondoli), Pescocostanzo (Vallefura), Pescasseroli. Over 140 km of runs in total. Adult daily ski pass in high season: approximately €50–57 (check the official website roccaraso.net for up-to-date prices).

Skipass Dei Parchi / Tre Nevi

A circuit linking Campo Imperatore, Ovindoli-Monte Magnola and Campo Felice. Ideal if you want to experience different resorts and types of terrain in a single trip. Available as a season pass or multi-day pass.

Due Nevi Ski Pass

Valid for Campo Felice and Gran Sasso (Campo Imperatore). Lets you ski Campo Felice and then head to Campo Imperatore for high-altitude runs.

When to Ski in Abruzzo: The 2026/2027 Season Calendar

Start of Season: December

The official opening of lifts traditionally coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). Higher-altitude resorts (Campo Imperatore, Ovindoli, Campo Felice) tend to open earlier, depending on natural snowfall. Roccaraso opens all lifts between December 7 and 15.

Peak Season: December 23 – January 7

The Christmas and New Year period brings maximum crowds and the highest prices. Book accommodation and ski passes at least 2–3 months in advance.

Full Season: January–March

The best time to ski in Abruzzo. Abundant snow, longer days, more affordable prices compared to the holiday period. February weekends and ski weeks are particularly busy.

End of Season: April–May

Roccaraso typically closes at Easter. Campo Imperatore, thanks to its high altitude, can stay open until late April or early May, offering "spring skiing" under warm sunshine on lingering snow. A truly unique experience.

Safety and New Regulations

Helmet Requirement from 2025

Starting from the 2025/2026 season, across the entire country (Decree 96/2025), wearing a helmet is now mandatory for all snow sports participants, regardless of age. On all ski slopes, in snowparks and on toboggan runs, a certified ski helmet is required. The regulation aims to improve safety and reduce the risk of injury.

Mandatory Insurance

To access slopes in Italy, third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every skier. It is usually included in the cost of the ski pass (check at the time of purchase). When renting equipment, insurance is typically added as a separate item.

Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country, Snowboarding and Other Disciplines

Alpine Skiing

The main discipline, available at every resort. Runs for every level: blue (easy) for beginners, red (intermediate) for mid-level skiers, black (difficult) for experts. The most challenging black runs: Direttissima at Pescasseroli, Aquila Bianca at Campo Imperatore, Gran Pista and Lago d'Avoli at Pizzalto, Direttissima at Monte Pratello.

Cross-Country Skiing

Abruzzo is one of Italy's best regions for Nordic skiing. Main loops:

• Piano Aremogna (Roccaraso): 2 groomed loops totaling 8 km + 3 free loops totaling 24 km

• Campo Imperatore: over 60 km of loops — the longest in the Apennines

• Altopiano delle Cinque Miglia: historic loop trails

• Aremogna - Pizzalto - Lago di Castello: free-route itineraries

Snowboarding

Main snowparks: Vallefura (Pescocostanzo), Pizzalto and Aremogna (Roccaraso), Magnola Snowpark (Ovindoli), Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore. Half-pipe, boardercross, modular jumps.

Ski Mountaineering

Classic routes on the Gran Sasso (Corno Piccolo, Monte Aquila), the Majella (Monte Amaro, Monte Acquaviva), and the Sirente-Velino (Monte Velino, Monte Sirente). Always go with certified mountain guides (Pec, AGAI). See dedicated article.

Freeride and Heli-Skiing

For experts: heli-skiing from Aremogna (Roccaraso) into the wildest valleys. Freeride through the larch forests of Pizzalto and Monte Pratello, and in the wild valleys of the Gran Sasso. Always with mountain guides.

Snowshoeing

A great alternative to skiing, suitable for everyone: snowshoe walks through forests and across high plateaus. Classic routes at Piana del Voltigno (Majella), Piano Grande (PNALM), Altopiano delle Rocche (Sirente-Velino), Campo Imperatore. Many nature guides organize guided excursions.

How to Get to Abruzzo for Skiing in 2026/2027

By Car from Rome

• Roccaraso: A24/A25 to Pratola Peligna-Sulmona, then SS17 (2h, 180 km)

• Ovindoli, Campo Felice: A24 to Tornimparte-Tagliacozzo, then SS5 (1h30, 130 km)

• Campo Imperatore: A24 to L'Aquila Est, then SS17bis and cable car (2h, 165 km)

• Prati di Tivo: A24 to Teramo, then SS80 (2h, 200 km)

• Pescasseroli: A24/A25 to Pescina, then SR83 (2h15, 175 km)

• Passo Lanciano: A14 to Pescara, then SS5 toward Majella (2h30, 240 km)

By Train

Main rail stations: L'Aquila, Sulmona, Pescara, Avezzano. From Sulmona you can reach Roccaraso by regional train (on the historic Sulmona-Carpinone line, the "Transiberiana d'Italia"). From L'Aquila and Pescara, continue by bus.

By Bus

TUA Abruzzo runs routes to the main ski resorts. Flixbus and Itabus connect Rome Tiburtina to L'Aquila, Pescara, and Sulmona.

By Plane

Pescara – Abruzzo Airport serves domestic and international flights (Ryanair, AeroItalia). From Pescara, rent a car or take a bus to the resorts.

Where to Stay Near the Slopes in 2026/2027

Abruzzo offers a wide range of accommodation options:

• Roccaraso, Rivisondoli, Pescocostanzo: over 100 hotels and B&Bs, from 3 to 5 stars, residence apartments, and agriturismi. One of the highest accommodation capacities in the Apennines

• Pescasseroli, Opi, Villetta Barrea: hotels and B&Bs in the borghi of the PNALM

• L'Aquila: base for Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice, and Ovindoli

• Rocca di Mezzo, Rocca di Cambio: small borghi close to Campo Felice and Ovindoli

• Pietracamela, Fano Adriano: borghi on the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso

• Pescara: base for Passo Lanciano - Majelletta, with an extensive choice of accommodation at lower prices

Après-Ski Food in Abruzzo

After a day on the slopes, Abruzzo delivers an outstanding culinary tradition:

• Arrosticini: the region's signature dish — perfect at a mountain refuge on the slopes or back in the valley. See dedicated article

• Maccheroni alla chitarra with lamb ragù

• Polenta rognosa with sausages

• Brodetto di pesce (on the coast): the perfect finish if you're staying in Pescara

• Pecorino di Farindola, smoked ricotta, DOP cheeses

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine: a full-bodied red perfectly suited to cold weather

• Centerba and ratafia: heart-warming liqueurs to round off the evening

Practical Tips for the Season

• Book ahead: for holidays, ski weeks, and February weekends, book 3–4 months in advance

• Buy ski passes online: discounts are often available compared to buying at the ticket window

• Check resort conditions: each resort's official website and webcams let you monitor weather, snow conditions, and open lifts in real time

• Insurance: always check that your ski pass includes third-party liability coverage

• Helmet required: mandatory from 2025/2026 for all ages

• Snow chains: from November 15 to April 15, you are required to carry chains or fit winter tires

• Avalanche bulletin: if you're going off-piste or ski mountaineering, always check the Meteomont bulletin from the Guardia di Finanza or ARPA Abruzzo

Stravagando Marketplace Experiences

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To explore each resort in depth, read the dedicated articles: Roccaraso, Campo Imperatore, Ovindoli - Monte Magnola, Campo Felice, Pescasseroli, Passo Lanciano - Majelletta.

For off-season summer ideas: Campo Imperatore in summer, Gran Sasso trekking, PNALM, Majella.

Happy travels.