Many people are surprised to find that there is skiing this far South in Italy. Our house is, in fact, just 20 minutes drive from the small resort of Passo Lanciano. Skiing here is generally gentle through beech woods. Just an hour’s drive away are numerous larger resorts including Rocarasso. The highest point is 2,141 metres and with 156 kilometres of pistes of varying difficulty, there is something here for skiers of all abilities.

The region as a whole has 21 ski areas with 368 km. of runs. Located in the highest region of the Apennines, these ski areas are at heights nearly comparable to many Alpine resorts. Because of their proximity to the Adriatic and winter precipitation patterns, they often have more snow than the Alps. Abruzzo also is popular for cross country skiing, especially on the high plain of Campo Imperatore in the Gran Sasso as well as the Piana Grande in the Majella. Lift passes tend to be cheaper than the Alps. One day at Rocarasso currently costs 33euros.