Not just summer holidays and seaside resorts: here’s where to ski in Tuscany for winter and snow lovers.
Despite the increasingly warm climate, the first snowfalls already occur in the mountain villages in November. However, the real season begins in December and continues until February.
A mountain of volcanic origin, Amiata offers several villages to enjoy the winter, from Santa Fiora to Abbadia San Salvatore. They are located in the south-eastern part of the region, between the provinces of Grosseto and Siena. Twelve kilometers of slopes capable of satisfying the desire to ski among the beech trees, in a naturalistic environment of great beauty. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are a must. On certain occasions the slopes are even open in the evening for suggestive night skiing.
Another point of reference for Tuscan skiers and tourists is Abetone. It is located exactly on the opposite side of Amiata, that is, in the far north, on the border with Emilia. The area is famous for the 17 ski lifts in the four main valleys (Luce, Scoltenna, Lima, Sestaione). The slopes have also been the scene of important sporting events, first of all the World Cup.
Competitive skiing, cross-country skiing and freeriding are the cornerstones of Abetone’s offerings, but there is also space for the little ones with schools dedicated to them and less demanding descents.
Garfagnana
For lovers of uncontaminated nature looking for places where to ski in Tuscany there is the area of the Apuan Alps, between the provinces of Lucca and Massa Carrara. In particular, in the Garfagnana there are three ski resorts: Casone di Profecchia is suitable not only for its gentle slopes and ski slopes but also for the itineraries that cross the woods and allow you to enjoy the wildest part of Tuscany. The 1529 meters of the Radici pass are also suitable for those who love cross-country skiing, while Careggine is equipped with various slopes, always surrounded by greenery.
Zum Zeri
Finally, we recommend a small town in the Lunigiana area, also in northern Tuscany. On the border with Emilia Romagna and Liguria there is a ski resort with easy and medium difficulty slopes up to an altitude of 1600 metres. There is also a school field, a snow park, and a 12 kilometer ring for cross-country skiing. In case of poor snow, artificial snow cannons have been installed, although the area is still enjoyable for the walks it offers.
Between one ski trip and another we also recommend visiting the many medieval Tuscan villages: from Volterra to Gerfalco, places rich in history and local traditions waiting to be discovered.
