While it hardly snows in Rome, a few days of strongs winds and rain have been enough to take a way some pollution, revealing snowy mountains on the horizon!
Yes, ski slopes are extremely close to the Eternal City, a temptation for those visiting at this time of the year, and one that it’s cheaper and more easily reachable than many world-known localities in the Alps!
So here’s a list of essential skiing destinations near Rome, with extra tips on how to reach them.
Standing just 84 kilometers (a little over 50 miles) east of Rome, it’s the closest mountain the the city. A part of the Simbruini Mountains Park and of the picturesque town of Subiaco, this is a destination that is extremely versatile: many Romans come here in the weekends to enjoy the surroundings, to hike, to grab a bite or – indeed – to ski.
Subiaco is reachable from Rome via a COTRAL bus departing roughly every 30 minutes from the terminal outside the subway stop Ponte Mammolo. Drivers may or may not refuse you boarding with your equipment: consider renting everything once there!
If you have access to a car, drive on the A24 highway, exit at Vicovaro – Mandela, then go towards Subiaco through the SP40b and SP44b roads, which will take you to Monte Livata proper. Pay attention to road signs as car traffic may be prohibited in certain areas.
One of the many ski slopes of our neighboring Abruzzo region, Campo Felice is part of the Rocca di Cambio territory, about 75 miles east from here, and is definitely one of the most well known destination for ski enthusiasts from all over the world. It boasts over 20 ski slopes, with 2 separate snow parks.
Campo Felice is easily reachable by car through the A24 highway. Buses leaving from the Tibus bus terminal outside the Tiburtina train station/subway station can take you as far as L’Aquila. Once there, you would need to arrange local transport yourself.
One hour away from Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore is part of the Gran Sasso National Park and offers spectacular slopes and accommodation to ski enthusiasts. While it’s as easily reachable from Rome, again some 75 miles east, a day trip would only offer a minor glimpse on everything the area has to offer. You can learn more about the skiing district at this address (comes with an English version).
Campo Imperatore is easily reachable by car through the A24 highway. Buses leaving from the Tibus bus terminal outside the Tiburtina train station/subway station can take you as far as L’Aquila. Once there, you would need to arrange local transport yourself.
Also in the same area, and therefore as easily reachable by car as Campo Felice & Campo Imperatore, is Ovindoli (complete name is “Ovindoli Monte Magnola”), part of the Sirente-Velino park, 80 miles east of Rome. A slope called “La Pistone” is particularly well-known, and people tend to get there as soon as there is enough fresh snow for the thrills it can provide!
If you want to reach the area by train, consider leaving from Roma Tiburtina, getting off at either Celano or Avezzano and arranging for local transport from there. With a car, the A25 highway can take you to either Aielli/Celano or to Magliano dei Marsi – once there you would have to follow the directions.
The biggest skiing resort in central Italy, Roccaraso is again in the Abruzzo territory, boasting an impressive 130 kilometers (80 miles) of slopes in this area located at 120 miles east of Rome.
Roccaraso can be reached by car (through the A25 highway), by bus (leaving from the Tibus bus terminal) or by train from Roma Termini (the closest stations to the slopes are Sulmona, Roccaraso, Castel di Sangro, Alfedena-Scontrone.
Looking at the last paragraph on Roccaraso, it’s easy to see how getting to the renowned ski station would take you over 3 hours and a half if you decided to go by public transport – not much time left to enjoy the mountains. That’s why we suggest the use of a car.
However, if you’re not legally allowed to drive in Italy, are concerned about the difference in road signs or the weather conditions, we can certainly put you in touch with our trusted partners at Gianni Conti Car Service.
Booking a transfer through GCCS guarantees an on-time pick-up, comfort and safety at all times – every driver is licensed and operates new vehicles. And vans can also store your equipment! Get in touch today to get their best quote!
There are many more choices for winter lovers to reach snowy peaks around Rome: we couldn’t just list all of them! If you have specific interests you would like to pursue, get in touch and we will do our best to help you. The Terminillo area, Campo Staffi, Tagliacozzo or Campo di Giove are all viable alternatives.
As far as skiing specialties are concerned, our selection in this post features ski slopes that offer a mix of easy, intermediate and hard (black diamond) trails. Therefore you can expect both alpine skiers, snowboarders and lovers of Nordic skiing… and everything else in between!
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