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snowshoers
Photo © Carlo Degli'Innocenti
Photo © Carlo Degli'Innocenti

4 ideas to snowshoe on the Pistoia Mountains

Winter walks immersed in the nature of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

Snowshoeing is a smart and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the majestic beauty of the natural scenery covered in snow. The Pistoia Mountains are full of trails and itineraries that provide exciting experiences suitable for everyone, even beginners. 

With a pair of snowshoes on your feet, you can "walk" without sinking, experiencing the thrill of moving through even fresh snow. Here are some ideas for planning your winter hike.

 
Contents
  • 1.
    Valle del Sestaione (Sestaione Valley) – Lago Nero (Black Lake)
  • 2.
    Abetone – Anello del Monte Maiori (Ring of Mount Maiori)
  • 3.
    Doganaccia - Lake Scaffaiolo
  • 4.
    Teso Forest and Orsigna Valley
1.

Valle del Sestaione (Sestaione Valley) – Lago Nero (Black Lake)

With snowshoes on your feet
With snowshoes on your feet

An evocative snowshoe hike in the centuries-old beech forest of the Sestaione Valley toward the Lago Nero, a pool of water of glacial origin that is totally frozen in winter. A 10-kilometer route starting from the Orto Botanico Forestale dell’Abetone (Forest Botanical Garden of Abetone), all the way to one of the highest peaks in Tuscany, the Alpe delle Tre Potenze.

1.

Abetone – Anello del Monte Maiori (Ring of Mount Maiori)

The forests of the Abetone offer the ideal setting for an evocative snowshoe hike on Mount Maiori, located opposite the crest of the majestic Libro Aperto. An 8-kilometer loop, starting and ending in the square of Abetone, perfect for those trying this experience for the first time.

1.

Doganaccia - Lake Scaffaiolo

Snowshoe hike in the Pistoia Mountains
Snowshoe hike in the Pistoia Mountains

The Doganaccia ski area is an excellent starting point for snowshoe hikes. You can easily reach Lake Scaffaiolo and the Duca degli Abruzzi Lodge via a route of about 9 kilometers that passes by the Croce Arcana.

1.

Teso Forest and Orsigna Valley

Snowshoe hike
Snowshoe hike

The Foresta del Teso (Teso Forest) is an enchanting natural jewel, on the border between the provinces of Modena and Bologna, on the Pistoia Mountains. A trail of about 13 kilomters starting from Campo Tizzoro, which winds around Trail 00 and the Alta Via dei Parchi itinerary, for a snowshoe hike through pristine forests and places rich in history, such as the Valle dell’Orsigna (Orsigna Valle).

For information: 

IAT Abetone Cutigliano 

Via Brennero, 42/a in the locality of Casotti di Cutigliano
Phone +39 0573 68029 
turismo.cutigliano@comune.pistoia.it  
turismo.abetone@comune.pistoia.it   

Tourist Information Point San Marcello Piteglio 
at the Biblioteca Comunale (Municipal Library), Piazza Matteotti 159, San Marcello Pistoiese 
Phone +39 0573 621289 
turismo@comunesanmarcellopiteglio.it 

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