Nature and sports at the summit of Tuscany’s mountains

Abetone, the most famous location in the Pistoia Mountains and Central Italy, is certainly not unprepared. The area offers over 30 miles or 50 kilometers of slopes along with 17 lifts, counting chairlifts, ski lifts, gondolas and magic carpets operated by the Multipass consortium. Among the best known slopes are the “Stucchi” and “Pulicchio” along with the famous “Zeno” runs in Val di Luce, designed by celebrated skier Zeno Colò. Also not to be missed is Doganaccia, located in the Apennines between Corno alle Scale and Monte Libro Aperto, offering more than 9 miles or 15 kilometers of ski slopes.

Newbies can book ski lessons through the resort while advanced courses for more experienced skiers are also available. 

Great attention is likewise paid to accessibility, with the resort equipped to accommodate people with disabilities thanks to specially trained escorts and the use of equipment such as the monoski or dualski.

Snow in Tuscany, however, extends further afield than Abetone. Equally well-known is Amiata, in the south of the region. Towering over southern Tuscany, Monte Amiata and its toponym likewise identifies a vast territory, with the mountain range at its center, dotted with towns of great historical and artistic interest. Here, in Europe’s largest beech forest, there are 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of slopes with a whole range of difficulty levels, serviced by 8 lifts. For Nordic skiers, numerous trails extend for several miles. For example, there’s the Marsiliana Ring and the Macinaie Ring. And when the snow is particularly abundant, adventurous snowshoe hikes in the forests of Monte Amiata are possible.

Instead, for those who wish to venture into the beautiful mountains of Lunigiana, the destination for snow-seekers is Zum Zeri, a place straddling Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia Romagna, as a true borderland that bewitches with the uniqueness of its landscapes overlooking the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The ski resort offers 5 miles or 8 kilometers of medium and easy slopes, accessed via chairlift and ski lift, with a ski school and a kid’s playground area where the little ones can have fun in the snow.

Finally, in Garfagnana, snow enthusiasts can choose between two resorts—Casone di Profecchia and Careggine—embraced by views that extend to the peaks of the Apuan Alps and the Apennines.

Particularly suitable for those putting skis on their feet for the first time is Casone di Profecchia, which boasts ski schools as well as more challenging slopes. In Careggine, in the locality of Formica, there are 2 ski slopes covering a total of 2300 feet or 700 meters. Monte la Cima offers 3 more slopes for a total of just under 2 miles (or 3 kilometers), while in the locality of Vianova, there is also a ski school.

A rich and captivating panorama is offered by the Tuscan mountains, able to satisfy all kinds of tourists, from extreme and more dynamic sports lovers to those who prefer to spend their vacations in the snow with the family in total relaxation, along with services designed for snow-goers with special needs.