World Snow Day (World Snow Day) is celebrated on Sunday, January 19: not a fixed date, it changes every year because it always falls on the third Sunday in January; established by the FIS-International Ski Federation to celebrate winter and winter sports. It is now since 2012 that this anniversary has been celebrated, with the purpose of not only bringing adults and children closer to snow and the world of winter sports, but also to raise awareness of the preservation of snowy landscapes, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of snow as an economic resource but also and above all an environmental one. With global warming running more and more, it becomes an opportunity to reflect on the decline of the snowpack and the future of mountain communities. In fact, according to some studies, there is a risk that in some areas it will no longer snow.
World Snow Day, however, is an opportunity for all families to enjoy the mountains by taking advantage of events, discounts and freebies. To do this, operators in the sectors that have to do with snow (facilities, ski instructors, equipment rentals) are invited to organize promotional initiatives that reach the widest possible catchment area: for example, days with free or discounted ski passes, boot and ski rentals at reduced prices, and so on. But not only for those who already ski: there are plenty of activities, starting with sledding slopes via snowshoeing, baby parks with inflatables and slides.
In Abruzzo and Lazio there are not a few locations in which you can do snow activities, we offer a short list and ways to easily reach them:
- Campo Imperatore: known as the “Little Tibet,” is one of the most fascinating and iconic ski resorts in Abruzzo. Located in the heart of the Gran Sasso National Park, it offers slopes suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers, giving everyone an unforgettable experience in the snow. Here you can also indulge in cross-country skiing or go snowshoeing surrounded by spectacular views. It can be reached via the L’Aquila Estexit of the A24 highway.
- Roccaraso: an ideal resort for families and groups of friends, because it is equipped with modern ski lifts and offers numerous activities even for those approaching skiing as beginners. In fact, one can find a snowpark for fun tobogganing, a ski and snowbord school camp (for learning from scratch) and equipment rentals. The recommended exit to reach the lifts is Pratola Peligna-Sulmona from the A25.
- Campo di Giove: is a true hidden gem in the heart of the Majella National Park, this resort offers slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, immersed in a natural setting of rare beauty where it is also possible to participate in snowshoeing and hiking. It is easily reached via the A25 Pratola Peligna-Sulmona exit.
- Campo Felice: a perfect resort for snowboarders. This ski resort offers a snowpark and about 40 kilometers of slopes that wind between gentle slopes and more technical sections, suitable for experts, beginners and families with children will find here the ideal terrain for fun in the snow. The resort is close to Ovindoli and can be reached from the A24, taking theTornimparte exit, while those coming from the A25 via the Aielli-Celano exit.
- Prati di Tivo: Located on the Teramo side of Gran Sasso, the slopes of Monte Piselli extend for about 6 kilometers and provide different levels of difficulty. Near the quaint village of Pietracamela, it is possible to go cross-country skiing, traverse centuries-old beech forests with snowshoes on your feet or engage in mountaineering. To reach the facilities, theSan Gabriele-Colledara exit of the A24 highway is recommended.
- Ovindoli: Easily reached thanks to theA25 Aielli-Celanoexit, it is located in the heart of the Velino-Sirente Regional Park, has 21 slopes stretching for about 30 km, with 11 state-of-the-art ski lifts, ski schools and mountain huts where it is also possible to stay overnight.
- Pescasseroli: located in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, has 8.5 km of slopes and five lifts, located between the Vitelle and Ceraso mountains. In addition to the legendary Direttissima black slope, it also has a baby slope and one for snow tubing. Near the Forca d’Acero pass are the Macchiarvana cross-country skiing trails and some of the most impressive snowshoeing routes. To reach the lifts, the Pescina exit of the A25 highway is recommended.
- Passolanciano – Majelletta: This is a ski resort at the northern end of Majella’s main ridge, within Majella National Park. This complex climbs from 1318 meters above sea level at Passolanciano to 1995 meters above sea level at Majelletta, although the two resorts are not directly connected. It offers 27 km of slopes of varying levels, a well-equipped snowpark and various ski touring and snowshoeing trails. It offers a breathtaking panorama that embraces the snow-covered slopes, the Teatine hills and the blue Adriatic Sea. To reach the lifts, the Alanno-Scafa exit of the A25 highway is recommended.
- Mount Terminillo: a popular destination for skiers in the capital, thanks to its proximity and the ease with which it can be reached, it is an ideal location for those who want to take advantage of the snow and mountains but without straying too far from the city.
