Tuscany is not an area that one would normally consider for winter sports, yet in Lunigiana and further south, as well as close by in Emilia Romagna, there are some very good resorts offering skiing, snow boarding, snowshoe or Nordic walking, and ice skating.

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Click on any of the maps below to enlarge them and check the resorts’ websites for full information on facilities, weather, and so on.

Zum Zeri

Zum Zeri (Lunigiana) and the beautiful Passo dei Due Santi has a couple of ski lifts, as well as a ski school, and is popular with skiers and snowboarders alike. Equipment hire is available.

Zum Zeri is about 18 kilometres from Pontremoli in the direction of Patigno on the SP36.

The Associazione Culturale Valli di Zeri often organises snowshoe walks, so check their site for current activities.

Ski Info summary for Zum Zeri

Pratospilla

The Pratospilla resort is located just over the border from Lunigiana in Emila Romagna. Located at 1,350 metres above sea level, chair lifts will take you up to 1,700 metres. Pratospilla offers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and walking, plus a ski school and equipment hire.

To reach Pratospilla head towards Licciana Nardi and Tavernelle to the Lagastrello pass.

Ski Info summary for Pratospilla

Schia Monte Caio

Scia Monte Caio, in Emilia Romagna past Cerreto Laghi towards Parma, appears to offer ten ski runs, a total of four ski lifts and drag lifts, a snowboard park and artificial snow. It has a ski school and an active snowboarding club. Cross-country skiing is also possible.

To reach Schia Monte Caio continue past Lagastrello in the direction of Selvanizza on the Val d’Enza road. From Selvanizza continue to Ranzano. Just before Ranzano follow the directions to the resort.

Ski Info summary for Schia Monte Caio

Cerreto Laghi

Cerreto Laghi on the border of Emilia Romagna in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park has  ski lifts and a snow making machine. It offers around 30 kilometres of piste, varying in difficulty. You can ski, snowboard or have a go at cross-country skiing. If you need lessons, there is a ski school. There is also an indoor ice rink for skating. Equipment can be hired on site.

To reach Cerreto Laghi you take the SS63 towards Fivizzano. For full information, directions, the latest weather and webcams, visit the website.

Ski Info summary for Cerreto Laghi

Abertone

Abertone is probably the best known and largest winter sports resort in Tuscany, located in the province of Pistoia. Over 50 kilometres of runs and 22 ski lifts can be found in four valleys. Abertone with its bars, restaurants, shops, hotels and markets is the centre of activity, and the main ski areas are Val di Luce, Valle dello Scoltenna, Valle del Sestaione and Val di Lima.

An 18 kilometre circuit is available for cross-country skiing and snow shoe or Nordic walking, and a snow park for snowboarders. There are dozens of snow machines to ensure snow coverage. Restaurants abound and there is even a children’s snow play area.

The Scuola Sci Montegomito offers equipment hire and a ski and snow boarding school. Equipment hire is also available from shops in the resort.

To get to Abetone, head towards Bagna di Lucca, either via Lucca or Castelnuova di Garfagnana and then make for the border with Emilia Romagna on the SS12.

Ski Info summary for Abetone.

Cutigliano/Dognaccia

Cutigliana (Tuscany) is a small resort  located 8 kilometres from Abetone.  It has 15 kilometres of trails as well as a 5 kilometre cross country section, served by two ski lifts and three drag lifts. It is not considered suitable for beginners.

Cutiglianao is on the SS12 on the way to Abetone.

Ski Info summary for Cutigliano.

Fiumalbo

Fiumalbo (Emilia Romagna) is another small resort situated in the Parco Frignano not far from Abetone. It has three drag lifts and five slops for intermediate and advanced skiers. Equipment hire is available, including snowboards, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and toboggans. There is a snow park for snowboarders, which is illuminated at night.

To reach Fiumalbo, follow the SS12 from Abertone in the direction of Emilia Romagna.

Ski Info summary for Fiumalbo. (No map available)

Cimone

Cimone (Emilia Romagna) is 2,265 metres high and the highest point in the northern Apennines and very popular with skiers from the Bologna and Modena areas. It has more than 50 km of linked trails, 31 slopes, and 21 ski lifts. It has two snow parks for snowboarders. Its snow-making equipment guarantees that almost two-thirds of the slopes have snow.

Cimone can be reached by taking the A324 from Abertone.

Ski Info summary for Cimone.

Corno alle Scale

Corno alle Scale (Emilia Romagna) is set in a natural amphitheatre. It has six ski and drag lifts in total, offers 36 kilometres of trails and a snow park for snowboarders. It also has two cross-country routes. It offers all the normal facilities such as equipment hire and a ski school. There is also a possibility of heli-skiing. Another useful site for this resort is Cornofun.

To reach Corno alle Scale, head for the SS64 either from Bagna di Lucca or Pistoia. Follow it past Porretta Terme, turn left to Silla and take the SP324 to the resort. Alternatively take the SP324 from Abertone.

Ski Info summary for Corno alle Scale.

A couple of handy hints

Probably obvious, but:

• Avoid weekends and arrive early to avoid the queues for equipment hire and ski passes
• Book lessons in advance
• Watch the weather and ski conditions
• Make sure you have maps as signage can be lacking
• Be prepared for an interesting experience with the lifts – this is Italy, not Switzerland
• Eat lunch early if you want to avoid the 13:00 rush
• Remember, you will be required by law to have snow chains to drive into these areas in the winter.

Winter sports resource guide for Lunigiana appeared on Ciao Lunigiana on 14 December 2011. All rights reserved.