Categoria: I dintorni

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Maps

From Cocullo, Abruzzo’s most majestic mountains will be a short distance away…

 

• Monti Marsicani, 42,2 km – 49min – 2.285m s.l.m.

The Monti Marsicani are the sixth-highest mountain chain in the continental Apennines. They are located at the southern end of the historic Marsica region, mostly in the province of L’Aquila, and to a small extent in the provinces of Frosinone and Isernia. Their tallest peak is Mount Greco (2285 m).

The Marsicani mountains are bordered to the north by the Fucino Basin and the Peligna Valley, to the east by the Gizio River valley and the Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia, to the south by the valleys of the Sangro and Volturno rivers, and to the west by the valleys of the Liri and Melfa rivers. Their terrain is wild and rugged, and they have a well-preserved natural environment that includes extensive beech woods and is home to the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine wolf and the Abruzzo chamois. This natural state is due chiefly to the presence of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, which is now nearly 100 years old and has  given protection to nearly the entire mountain chain. The Marsicani chain comprises many subchains, with more than 50 peaks above 2000 m. The mountains are separated by numerous valleys formed by rivers and streams that flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea (the Melfa, Liri and Volturno), the Adriatic Sea (the Sangro, Gizio and Sagittario), and the Fucino Basin (the Giovenco and Rosa).  The largest lakes in the area are those of Barrea (artificial) and Scanno (natural), but there are also the smaller ones of Villalago, Montagna Spaccata, Castel San Vincenzo, Vivo and Pantaniello.

 

• Gran Sasso, 42,3 km – 31min – 2.914m s.l.m.

The Gran Sasso is the highest mountain massif in the continental Apennines. It is located in the central Apennines, in the easternmost sector of the Abruzzo range, and on the border between the provinces of L’Aquila, Teramo and Pescara.

In its entirety, from the Passo delle Capannelle in the northwest to the Gole di Popoli in the southeast, the Gran Sasso chain is about 50 km long and 15 km wide.

Like most Apennine and pre-Apennine chains, the Gran Sasso is oriented west-northwest to southeast, but because of its higher elevations it has much harsher conditions than the others. It has two main parallel subchains: a northern, more rugged one extending from Monte Corvo (2623 m) in the northwest to Vado di Sole in the southeast; and a southern one, with lower elevations and less severe conditions, extending from Passo delle Capannelle and Monte San Franco (2132 m) in the northwest to Monte Capo di Serre (1771 m) in the southeast.

There is also a vast southeastern sector with numerous lower peaks, including Monte Ruzza (1643 m), Monte Bolza (1904 m), Monte Camarda (1384 m), Monte Cappucciata (1802 m), Monte Picca (1405 m), and many others, as far as the Gole di Popoli gorges. The Gran Sasso’s two highest summits are in the northern subchain. The first is the Corno Grande, which actually comprises three peaks: an eastern one (2903 m), a central one (2893 m), and a western one (which, at 2914 m, is also the highest peak in the continental Apennines). The second-highest summit is the Corno Piccolo (2655 m).

Nestled in a hollow, and protected by the three peaks of the Corno Grande, is the Ghiacciaio del Calderone, the second-southernmost glacier in Europe. In the heart of the massif, between the two subchains, lies the vast Campo Imperatore plateau, and between the two summits is the Campo Pericoli basin. The mountains are scored by deep valleys, including Val Maone, Valle del Venacquaro, and Valle dell’Inferno.

The Calderone Glacier is located on the northern slope of the Corno Grande, in a basin with direct northern exposure that is enclosed and shaded much of the time by the two crests of the peak. It has an elevation ranging from 2650 m to 2850 m, and is located at latitude 42°28′ N. It has traditionally been considered the southernmost glacier in Europe, but that designation is now held by the glacier on Mount Elbrus, in Russia.

On the slopes of the Corno Piccolo and in the vicinity of Monte Camicia are two permanent snow fields. The one on the Corno Piccolo, the Glacionevato Franchetti, is located under a rocky spur, half-way between the Rifugio Franchetti shelter and the Sella dei Due Corni pass. The other, in a gully that is snow-covered most of the year, is on Monte Infornace and extends from Fonte Rionne to just under the peak. In winter there are numerous ice falls, some of which form at the base of Monte Camicia, in the area known as Fondo della Balsa—a name that is probably a distortion of “Fondo del Balzo”, or “base of the leap”, a reference to the precipitous drop on the north side of Monte Camicia. The best-known ice falls are the Ghiaccio del Sud and the Cascata del Peccato.

The Gran Sasso has several ski resorts (Campo Imperatore, Prati di Tivo, Prato Selva) with facilities for both downhill and cross-country skiing.

 

• Monti della Laga, 42,3 km – 30min – 2.458m s.l.m.

The Monti della Laga constitute the highest arenaceous formation in the Apennines and the fifth highest mountain chain in the continental Apennines. The chain has a total length of 24 km and follows the border between Abruzzo, Marche and Lazio, straddling the territories of the L’Aquila, Teramo, Ascoli Piceno and Rieti provinces. To the north, it is separated from the Monti Sibillini by the Tronto Valley, through which runs the Via Salaria, and to the south it is separated from the Gran Sasso chain by the steep valley of the Vomano River, which ends at the Passo delle Capannelle and Lake Campotosto. Today the SS 80 road goes through the valley, but archaeological findings indicate that a branch of the Via Cecilia went through it in ancient times.

 

• Sirente-Velino mountain chain, 48,9 km – 52min – 2.487m s.l.m.

The Sirente-Velino is a mountain chain in the central Apennines; it constitutes the central dorsal in the Abruzzo Region, flanked to the northeast by the Monti della Laga and the Gran Sasso massif, and to the west by the Monti Carseolani, Monti Simbruini, Monti Cantari and Monti Ernici. The chain lies primarily in western Abruzzo (L’Aquila province), with a small section extending further west into Lazio (Cicolano).

The chain is bounded to the northeast by the Subequana Valley, the Aterno Valley and the L’Aquila Basin, to the northwest by the Salto Valley, to the southwest by the Fucino Plain, and to the southeast by the Peligna Valley. To the northwest are the minor mountain formations of Monte Cava-Monte San Rocco and Monte Nuria (known as the Monti del Cicolano), which provide a geomorphological link with the Terminillo massif and the Monti Reatini chain in Lazio. To the southeast is the Majella massif. The Sirente-Velino chain is the third highest in the continental Apennines, after the Gran Sasso and the Majella. The tallest peak is Monte Velino (2,487 m).

The mountains are home to two natural protected areas: the Riserva Regionale Montagne della Duchessa and the Parco Regionale Naturale del Sirente – Velino.

 

• Majella, 50,8 km – 54min – 2.793m s.l.m.

The Majella is the second-highest mountain chain in the continental Apennines, after the Gran Sasso. It is located in the central Apennines, in Abruzzo, on the boundary between the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila and Pescara, and in the middle of the nature reserve of the same name, the Parco Nazionale della Majella. Its tallest peak is Monte Amaro (2793 m).

The Majella is a very compact limestone massif topped by several high peaks (Monte Amaro, 2793 m; Monte Acquaviva, 2737 m; Monte Focalone, 2676 m; Monte Rotondo, 2656 m; Monte Macellaro, 2646 m; Pesco Falcone, 2546 m; and Cima delle Murelle, 2598 m), and vast plateaus with elevations as high as 2500 m. Its slopes are carved by deep valleys formed by rivers such as the Orfento and the Foro. It is surrounded by smaller mountain groups, including those of Monte Morrone and Monte Porrara and the Pizzi mountains. The first two are separated from the Majella by the Orta and Aventino valleys; the Pizzi mountains, however, are connected to the massif by the Altipiani Maggiori d’Abruzzo, high limestone plateaus with an elevation around 1250 m. There are also permanent snow fields, the Nevai della Majella.

There are three ski resorts on the Majella; they are located on various slopes and are not connected geographically. The best known is the one at Passolanciano-Maielletta, on the Chieti side; the others are those at Passo San Leonardo and Campo di Giove, on the L’Aquila side.

Also on the Majella are the Principiante ice falls, located at about 1600 m. They are 45 m high, and do not freeze easily because of their western exposure. They can be reached on foot from the town of Fara San Martino by following the Santo Spirito and Macchialonga Valley. After the last tract of forest and two meadows, the falls will be to the right of the valley. The walk takes about 3.5 hours and involves four ascents: the first two (5 and 10 m respectively) have a maximum inclination of 70^o; the third is more challenging (5 m, with an inclination of 85^o/90^o); the last is easier (5 m, with an inclination of 75^o), and leads to a frozen channel that can be descended by rappelling or by taking the path on the right.

The Majella is separated from Mount Morrone (2061 m) by the San Leonardo Pass (1282 m). Mount Morrone is morphologically similar to the Majella, but is actually an extension of the Gran Sasso.

 

• Mount Meta, 69,7 km – 1h 15min – 2.242m s.l.m.

Monte Meta, one of the highest mountains in the Abruzzo Apennines, is located in the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise. It sits on the border of Lazio, Abruzzo and Molise, between the towns of Alfedena (L’Aquila province), Picinisco (Frosinone province) and Pizzone (Isernia province). At its base is the Passo dei Monaci pass (1981 m). It is often referred to simply as La Meta and gives its name to the Monti della Meta mountain chain, which extends from the Forca d’Acero pass to the south end of the Comino Valley, and gradually peters out in the Liri and Volturno valleys to the south, where its lower peaks are known as the Mainarde.

 

• Monti Simbruini, 83,9 km – 1h 5min – 2.015m s.l.m.

The Monti Simbruini (“simbruini” comes from the Latin sub imbribus or “under the rains”), also called the Roman Alps, are a mountain chain located in Lazio, near the Abruzzo border. They are part of the Central Sub-Apennines, more specifically the Lazio Sub-Apennines. To the north, they border the Carseolani mountains and the towns of Rocca di Botte and Camerata Nuova; to the east, Abruzzo; to the south, the Càntari mountains; and to the west, the Affilani mountains and the area known as the Ciociaria. They are part of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini, and their territory is therefore protected.

 

• Monti Càntari, 91,3 km – 1h 32min – 2.156m s.l.m.

The Monti Càntari are a mountain chain in the Central Apennines situated on the border between Lazio and Abruzzo and straddling the provinces of Frosinone and L’Aquila. The highest peak is Monte Viglio (2156 m).  They are bordered on the north and east by the Roveto Valley, on the southeast by the nearby Ernici mountains, on the south by the Ciociaria, on the west by the Granara Valley and the town of Filettino, and on the northwest by the Serra Sant’Antonio pass and the Simbruini mountains. They are a protected area within the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini.

 

• Monti Ernici, 121 km – 1h 47min – 2.064m s.l.m.

The Monti Ernici are part of the Lazio Sub-Apennines. They have an east-west orientation and are bordered on the north by the Cantari mountains and the Aniene Valley, on the east by the Liri Valley, and on the south and west by the Cosa and Sacco valleys. They are located at a watershed, and form a natural boundary between Lazio and Abruzzo.

 

• Montagna dei Fiori, 182 km – 2h 11min – 1.814m s.l.m.

The Montagna dei Fiori is located mostly in Abruzzo (Teramo province), with a small portion jutting into the Marche Region, and lies at the eastern end of the Monti della Laga chain. The Fiori and Campli mountains, which are separated by the Salinello Gorges, constitute the Monti Gemelli (“twin mountains”) massif. The Fiori Mountain is 20 km from Ascoli Piceno and 18 km from San Giacomo di Valle Castellana, and is reached by taking the Colle San Marco road. It has two main peaks, Monte Girella (1814 m) and Monte Piselli (1676 m), both in Abruzzo. The former, which is on the south side, is popular with experienced mountain climbers, but in summer the north side can be climbed easily even with the most basic equipment. The latter is a winter sports destination very popular with the locals. The small town of San Giacomo, situated at 1110 m on the mountain, serves as a base for countless excursions. It also houses the main tourist facilities, which are open both summer and winter. At 1426 m is the ski resort, which is reached by an unpaved road. It has a chairlift and magic carpet that reach 1643 m, and attracts numerous skiers. From its peak, it is possible to see Mount Conero and, on clear summer days, the Dalmatian islands and coastline near Split. The Fiori Mountain itself, which is 30 km from the sea, is visible on the Adriatic coast from the mouth of the Tordino River to the mouth of the Tronto River.

Fonti: Wikipedia, Google Maps

Vediamo quali sono le montagne più maestose d’Abruzzo, facilmente raggiungibili da Cocullo!

 

• Monti Marsicani, 42,2 km – 49min – 2.285m s.l.m.

I Monti Marsicani sono il sesto gruppo montuoso più elevato dell’Appennino continentale, appartenente all’Appennino abruzzese, culminante nel Monte Greco (2285 m) e localizzato nella parte meridionale della regione storica della Marsica, in provincia di L’Aquila e, marginalmente, nella provincia di Frosinone e Isernia.

Sono delimitati a nord dall’alveo del Fucino e dalla conca Peligna, a est dalla valle del fiume Gizio e dall’Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia, a sud dalle valli del Sangro e del Volturno, a ovest dalle valli del Liri e del Melfa. Si tratta di un insieme di montagne dall’orografia aspra e molto articolata, caratterizzate da un ambiente naturale selvaggio e ben preservato, con estese foreste di faggio ed emergenze faunistiche quali l’orso marsicano, il lupo appenninico ed il camoscio d’Abruzzo. Questa situazione è dovuta soprattutto all’ormai quasi secolare presenza del Parco nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, che, tra parco propriamente detto e area di protezione esterna, protegge la quasi totalità di questo gruppo montuoso. I Monti Marsicani sono costituiti da numerosi sottogruppi, che superano i 2000 metri di quota in oltre 50 vette, separati da un gran numero di valli solcate da fiumi e torrenti tributari del Tirreno (Melfa, Liri, Volturno), dell’Adriatico (Sangro, Gizio, Sagittario) e dell’alveo del Fucino (Giovenco, Rosa). I laghi principali sono il lago di Barrea (artificiale) ed il lago di Scanno (naturale). Altri laghi minori sono il lago di Villalago, il lago di Montagna Spaccata, il lago di Castel San Vincenzo, il lago Vivo ed il lago Pantaniello.

 

• Gran Sasso, 42,3 km – 31min – 2.914m s.l.m.

Il Gran Sasso  è il massiccio montuoso più alto degli Appennini continentali, situato nell’Appennino centrale, interamente in Abruzzo, come parte della dorsale più orientale dell’Appennino abruzzese, al confine fra le province di L’Aquila, Teramo e Pescara.

Dai suoi punti più distanti, ovvero il Passo delle Capannelle a nord-ovest e le Gole di Popoli a sud-est, il Gruppo del Gran Sasso misura circa 50 km in lunghezza e 15 km in larghezza.

Orientato da nord-ovest e a ovest a sud-est, come la grande maggioranza dei gruppi montuosi appenninici e preappenninici, ma con caratteristiche ben più aspre di alta montagna, consta di due sottocatene principali parallele: la prima, più settentrionale e più aspra, si estende dal Monte Corvo (2623 m, nord-ovest) al Vado di Sole (sud-est). La sottocatena meridionale, meno elevata e aspra, si estende dal Passo delle Capannelle e dal Monte S. Franco (2132 m, nord-ovest) al Monte Capo di Serre (1771 m, sud-est).

Al di là di questa zona centrale vi è un’ampia zona sud-orientale, chiamata dei “contrafforti meridionali”. Questi sono caratterizzati da numerosi rilievi meno elevati: Monte Ruzza (1643 m), Monte Bolza (1904 m), Monte Camarda (1384 m), Monte Cappucciata (1802 m), Monte Picca (1405 m) e molti altri, fino alle Gole di Popoli. Le cime maggiori si trovano nella sottocatena settentrionale: il Corno Grande – che consta di tre vette principali: quella orientale (2903 m), la centrale (2893 m) e la maggiore, quella occidentale (2914 m, che è anche la vetta più alta di tutti gli Appennini continentali) – e il Corno Piccolo (2655 m).

Incastonato dentro una conca e protetto dalle tre vette che costituiscono il Corno Grande si trova il Ghiacciaio del Calderone, il secondo ghiacciaio più meridionale d’Europa. Nel cuore del massiccio, tra le due sottocatene, è presente il vasto altopiano di Campo Imperatore e tra le cime maggiori la conca di Campo Pericoli, oltre che profonde valli che ridiscendono tra le suddette cime (es. Val Maone, Valle del Venacquaro, Valle dell’Inferno).

Il ghiacciaio del Calderone si trova sul versante settentrionale del Corno Grande. Posto in una conca esposta direttamente a nord, chiusa e relativamente ombreggiata da due linee di cresta del Corno Grande, ad una quota compresa tra i 2650 e i 2850 metri s.l.m. è, con la sua latitudine di 42°28′ N, considerato tradizionalmente il ghiacciaio più meridionale d’Europa, non essendosi contata in passato la catena dell’Elbrus e non essendo stati considerati come ghiacciai alcuni apparati recentemente discussi in letteratura.

Alle pendici del Corno Piccolo e nei pressi del Monte Camicia sono presenti due nevai perenni. Quello sul Corno Piccolo è ubicato sotto uno sperone roccioso a metà tratto tra il Rifugio Franchetti e la Sella dei Due Corni ed è denominato Glacionevato Franchetti. Un canalone, innevato solitamente per tutto l’anno, è ubicato sul Monte Infornace, dalla Fonte Rionne fino alle vicinanze della vetta. Numerose, d’inverno, sono le cascate di ghiaccio, alcune delle quali si trovano alla base del Monte Camicia, nella zona chiamata Fondo della Balsa (toponimo che probabilmente deriva da “Fondo del Balzo”, essendo il “balzo” l’impressionante parete Nord del Camicia). Tra le cascate di ghiaccio più famose vanno ricordate: Ghiaccio del Sud e Cascata del Peccato.

Sul Gran Sasso vi sono stazioni sciistiche dotate di impianti di risalita per poter praticare lo sci da discesa (o sci alpino): Campo Imperatore, Prati di Tivo, Prato Selva (nelle prime due è praticabile anche lo sci di fondo).

 

• Monti della Laga, 42,3 km – 30min – 2.458m s.l.m.

La catena dei Monti della Laga è il rilievo arenaceo più alto dell’Appennino e il quinto gruppo montuoso per altezza dell’Appennino continentale. La catena corre lungo il confine tra l’Abruzzo, le Marche e il Lazio a cavallo tra le province di L’Aquila, Teramo, Ascoli Piceno e Rieti, per una lunghezza complessiva di 24 km. È divisa a nord dai monti Sibillini mediante la valle del Tronto percorsa dalla via Salaria, e a sud dalla catena del Gran Sasso dalla suggestiva stretta valle del fiume Vomano che culmina a monte con il Passo delle Capannelle e con il Lago di Campotosto; oggi attraversata dalla Statale 80, un tempo era percorsa da un ramo dell’antica Via Cecilia di cui si sono trovate testimonianze.

 

• Catena del Sirente-Velino, 48,9 km – 52min – 2.487m s.l.m.

Il Sirente-Velino è una catena montuosa dell’Appennino centrale, ed in particolare dell’Appennino abruzzese, di cui occupa la dorsale centrale fra quella dei Monti della Laga ed il Gran Sasso a nord-est e la serie dei Monti Carseolani, Monti Simbruini, Monti Cantari e Monti Ernici ad ovest. L’area si trova principalmente nell’Abruzzo occidentale (provincia dell’Aquila), con una piccola parte ad ovest nel Lazio (Cicolano).

È delimitato a nord-est dalla Valle Subequana, la valle dell’Aterno e la conca aquilana, a nord-ovest da quella del Salto e a sud-ovest dalla piana del Fucino, a sud-est dalla Valle Peligna. A nord-ovest si trovano i gruppi montuosi minori del Monte Cava-Monte San Rocco e del Monte Nuria (Monti del Cicolano), che ne costituiscono il collegamento geomorfologico con il massiccio del Terminillo e i monti dell’alto Lazio (Monti Reatini), a sud-est si trova invece il massiccio della Majella. La catena è la terza per altezza dell’Appennino continentale dopo Gran Sasso e Majella e raggiunge l’altezza massima con il Monte Velino (2.487 m).

Nel territorio sono presenti due aree naturali protette: la Riserva regionale Montagne della Duchessa ed il Parco regionale naturale del Sirente – Velino.

 

• Majella, 50,8 km – 54min – 2.793m s.l.m.

La Majella è il secondo massiccio montuoso più alto degli Appennini continentali dopo il Gran Sasso, situato nell’Appennino centrale abruzzese al confine tra le province di Chieti, L’Aquila e Pescara e posto al centro dell’omonimo Parco nazionale della Majella. La cima più alta è il Monte Amaro, 2793 m s.l.m.

La Majella, in senso stretto, è costituita da un massiccio calcareo molto compatto, sulla cui sommità si trovano le cime principali del gruppo (Monte Amaro, 2792.873 m; Monte Acquaviva, 2737 m; Monte Focalone, 2676 m; Monte Rotondo, 2656 m; Monte Macellaro, 2646 m; Pesco Falcone, 2546 m; Cima delle Murelle, 2598 m) e vasti altopiani a quote elevate (fino a 2500 m). I suoi fianchi sono solcati da ripidi valloni, scavati da fiumi come l’Orfento, il Foro o altri. Intorno ad esso, i gruppi del Monte Morrone, del Monte Porrara e dei Monti Pizzi. I primi due sono divisi dal massiccio dalle valli dell’Orta e dell’Aventino; la zona dei Monti Pizzi, invece, è collegata alla Maiella dai cosiddetti Altipiani Maggiori d’Abruzzo, pianori calcarei sui 1250 m di altitudine. Sono presenti anche dei nevai (Nevai della Maiella).

Il massiccio ospita in tutto 3 stazioni sciistiche su differenti versanti, geograficamente non collegate tra loro: la più nota e frequentata è la stazione di Passolanciano-Maielletta sul versante chietino, le altre sono quelle di Passo San Leonardo e Campo di Giove in territorio aquilano. Il loro bacino d’utenza tipico è fondamentalmente il basso Abruzzo con le province di Chieti e Pescara e il basso aquilano.

Sulla Majella è presente una cascata di ghiaccio, chiamata il “Principiante”. Essa è ubicata a circa 1600 metri di quota ed è sviluppata per 45 metri, non ghiaccia facilmente poiché è esposta a Ovest. La cascata è raggiungibile a piedi da Fara San Martino, si percorre poi la Valle di S. Spirito e Macchialonga. Dopo circa 3,5 ore, dopo l’ultimo bosco e due prati si incontra la cascata sulla destra della valle. La salita è composta da quattro tratti. I primi due (di 5 e 10 metri rispettivi) hanno un’inclinazione massima di 70°; il terzo tratto è il più difficile (5 metri, inclinazione di 85°/90°), poi si sfocia in un tratto poco ripido (5 metri, 75°) e facile; questo tratto porta ad un canalino ghiacciato. La discesa è effettuabile a doppia corda o seguendo un sentiero sulla destra orografica.

La Majella è divisa dalla Montagna del Morrone (2061 m.) dal Guado si San Leonardo (1282 m.). Il Monte Morrone morfologicamente richiama l’aspetto della Majella pur essendo la continuazione del Gran Sasso.

 

• Monte Meta, 69,7 km – 1h 15min – 2.242m s.l.m.

Il Monte Meta è una delle maggiori cime dell’appennino abruzzese, compresa all’interno del Parco nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise. È situata sul confine tra Lazio, Abruzzo e Molise: tra i comuni di Alfedena (AQ), Picinisco (provincia di Frosinone) e Pizzone (provincia di Isernia, ai suoi piedi si trova il Passo dei Monaci (1981 m s.l.m.). Conosciuta più spesso con la denominazione al femminile ‘la Meta’, dà il nome ad una catena montuosa detta Monti della Meta che dal Valico di Forca d’Acero procede verso la Valle di Comino meridionale e digrada nelle valli del Liri e del Volturno prendendo il nome di Mainarde nelle cime più basse e più meridionali.

 

• Monti Simbruini, 83,9 km – 1h 5min – 2.015m s.l.m.

I Monti Simbruini (dal latino “sub imbribus” – sotto le piogge), dette anche Alpi Romane, sono una catena montuosa sita nel Lazio al confine con l’Abruzzo, appartenente al sub-appennino centrale e in particolare al tratto del Subappennino laziale. Confinano a nord con i Monti Carseolani ed i comuni di Rocca di Botte e Camerata Nuova, ad est con il territorio abruzzese, a sud con i Monti Càntari, ad ovest con i Monti Affilani e la Ciociaria. Sono un’area tutelata con l’istituzione del Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini.

 

• Monti Càntari, 91,3 km – 1h 32min – 2.156m s.l.m.

I Monti Càntari sono una catena montuosa appartenente all’Appennino centrale, sita al confine fra Lazio ed Abruzzo, a cavallo fra le fra le province di Frosinone e dell’Aquila. La vetta più elevata è il Monte Viglio, che taggiunge i 2156 m s.l.m.. Sono limitati a nord e ad est dalla Val Roveto, a sud-est dai vicini Monti Ernici, a sud dalla Ciociaria, ad ovest dalla Val Granara e dal territorio di Filettino e a nord-ovest dal valico della Serra S. Antonio e i Monti Simbruini. Sono un’area protetta all’interno del Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini.

 

• Monti Ernici, 121 km – 1h 47min – 2.064m s.l.m.

I Monti Ernici sono una catena montuosa del Subappennino laziale, che si estende in direzione Est-Ovest ed è delimitata a Nord dai Monti Cantari e dalla valle dell’Aniene, ad Est dalla valle del Liri, a Sud ed a Ovest dalla valle del Cosa e del Sacco. Costituiscono con il loro spartiacque il confine naturale tra il Lazio (nord-Ciociaria) e l’Abruzzo, con versanti conseguentemente esposti ad ovest (più articolati e meno ripidi) e ad est (più diretti e ripidi).

 

• Montagna dei Fiori, 182 km – 2h 11min – 1.814m s.l.m.

La Montagna dei Fiori è un rilievo dell’Abruzzo (provincia di Teramo) ai confini con le Marche, entro cui si estende parzialmente. Si situa all’estremità orientale del gruppo dei Monti della Laga e, insieme alla Montagna di Campli, forma il massiccio dei Monti Gemelli, separati tra loro dalle Gole del Salinello. Dista circa 20 km da Ascoli Piceno (San Giacomo di Valle Castellana è a 18 km) e si raggiunge attraverso la strada del Colle San Marco. La montagna si erge all’interno dei comuni di Valle Castellana, Civitella del Tronto ed Ascoli Piceno. La montagna ha due vette principali, dette monte Girella (1.814 m) e monte Piselli (1.676 m), entrambi appartenenti all’Abruzzo. La prima, sul versante meridionale, è meta di scalatori professionisti, ma sul nato nord e nord ovest è agevolmente raggiungibile nel periodo estivo anche da escursionisti non particolarmente equipaggiati. La seconda è una frequentata meta turistica invernale degli ascolani per via dei suoi impianti sciistici. Ospita, a circa 1.110 m s.l.m., il paesino di San Giacomo, punto di ritrovo per innumerevoli escursioni. Qui si trovano anche le principali strutture turistico-ricettive aperte sia d’estate che d’inverno. A quota 1.426 m si trovano gli impianti sciistici, consistenti in una seggiovia e tapis roulant che arrivano a quota 1.643 m e sono meta di molti amatori. Si raggiungono attraverso una strada carrozzabile non asfaltata. Dalla vetta del monte è possibile scorgere il Monte Conero e, nelle giornate estive più serene, le isole e le coste dalmate nei pressi di Spalato. A sua volta la Montagna dei Fiori, che dista appena 30 km in linea d’aria dal mare, è visibile dalla costa adriatica dalla foce del Tordino a quella del Tronto.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Maps, Abruzzo Promozione Turismo

From Cocullo, a short drive will take you to Abruzzo’s best-equipped ski resorts…

 

In the Sagittario Valley:

• Scanno-Monte Rotondo, 4 km – 28 min: This area is one of Abruzzo’s best known tourist destinations. Scanno is one of Italy’s most picturesque mountain towns, with a charming historic centre that affords stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beauty of its lake—a blue-green gem nestled between the mountains of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo and the Genzana massif—the number and variety of its accommodations, and the presence of summer and winter recreational facilities make Scanno an excellent year-round holiday destination. A road from the centre of town leads directly to the Monte Rotondo ski resort. There, a modern chairlift will take you up 1615 m to the lodge, where three other chairlifts provide access to more than 15 km of downhill runs and cross-country ski trails—the most extensive in the area. It is also possible to practise ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing in some spectacular parts of the national park. Telemark skiing, bobsledding and tobogganing are also available, so that everyone can enjoy a day in the snow, followed by a relaxing après-ski in the evening.

• Passo Godi, 35 km – 46 min: This ski resort straddles the two large protected nature reserves of the Alta Valle del Sagittario and the Alto Sangro. It can be reached easily from both, and is equidistant (about 13 km) from the towns of Scanno and Villetta Barrea. It provides a relaxed alternative to the more popular winter destinations, and is ideal for families and organized groups. The resort has three ski lifts, and nine downhill runs of varying degrees of difficulty. It also has two very good cross-country ski loops (a total distance of 15 km), a snow park with a “magic carpet”, a snow tubing track, and extensive spaces for ski touring, ski mountaineering and Telemark skiing.

 

On the Altopiano delle Rocche:

• Ovindoli, 9 km – 41 min: Ovindoli is a scenic mountain town surrounded by peaks as high as 2487 m. It is one of the best-known communities in the Parco Sirente-Velino. In addition to possessing great natural beauty, Ovindoli has extensive and modern winter sports facilities, and this makes it a very popular winter vacation destination. The courses range in elevation from 1400 m to 2200 m, and are served by modern lifts. There is ample natural snow, but the resort has the latest automatic snow-making equipment, which can cover up to 10 km of trails. The Monte Magnola facilities are located at one end of the Altopiano delle Rocche, in a setting of stunning natural beauty. The resort has the longest magic carpet lift in Europe (235 m), and skiers can obtain a pass that also allows them to ski at Campo Felice, expanding their range of possibilities. Cross-country ski enthusiasts can take advantage of the trails at Piani di Pezza, which cross the splendid beech wood at Valle Cerchiata (there is a 3-km loop and a 5-km loop, at an elevation of 1900 m). The resort has 21 downhill runs totalling 30 km, which are served by three three-seat chairlifts, two six-seat chairlifts, one cable car, four magic carpets and one ski lift. There is also a modern and well-equipped snow park. Ovindoli is part of the “Tre Nevi” (three snows) complex, which also includes Campo Felice and Campo Imperatore.

• Campo Felice, 8 km – 50 min: An impressive array of lifts has been put in place to serve the resort’s numerous (20, for a total distance of 40 km) and diversified courses: eight chairlifts (five of them four-seaters), two ski lifts and two rope lifts. The courses range in elevation from 1400 m to 2064 m. Skiers can purchase a ski pass that will also give them access to the slopes at Ovindoli (Monte Magnola). Campo Felice is one of the few ski resorts in central Italy where it is possible to ski from one mountain slope to another, namely, from Campo Felice to the Altopiano delle Rocche, which has facilities at Rocca di Cambio, Rocca di Mezzo and Rovere. Cross-country skiers can take advantage of the trails on the plateau, such as the Monte Puzzillo loop and various tracks appropriate for ski touring. Campo Felice also has a 90-m snow tubing track, an 800-m snow park, and a recreation area known as “Fun Park”.

 

On the west side of the Majella:

• Campo di Giove, 8 km – 51 min: This is one of Abruzzo’s traditional winter and summer tourist destinations. It is situated in the western sector of the Parco Nazionale della Majella, on the pass that separates the Majella and Morrone mountains. The facilities include a chairlift that goes to the Guado di Coccia zone, and four ski lifts. The elevation ranges from 1145 m to 2350 m, which is impressive for a ski resort in the Apennines (Campo di Giove has the highest downhill courses in Abruzzo). The resort is well suited to families, but also has a 1.5-km expert (black) run and a 1-km intermediate (red) run, in addition to two easy (blue) 2.4-km runs. There are 5 km of cross-country ski trails that begin at Lake Ticino, cross the woods, and end at the Majella railway station. The ski lifts are managed by SANGRITANA. Those currently operational are the chairlift from Le Piane (at 1160 m) to Guado di Coccia (at 1676 m), which travels 1455 m and ascends 513 m; and the Serra Campanile ski lift, which goes from Guado di Coccia to an elevation of 1787 m. The ski runs currently available are those of Serra Campanile (an easy 900-m run with a 120-m descent), Le Capre (an intermediate 1900-m run with a 520-m descent), Porrara (an expert 2100-m run with a 700-m descent, one of the loveliest and most challenging in the Appennines), Pareti Rosse (an intermediate 1100-m fun with a 350-m descent), and Delle Signore (an easy 1200-m run with a 350-m descent). The resort has two ski camps equipped with magic carpets (one camp is at the base of the resort, and another at the top, where the chairlift stops), to meet the needs of families and those just learning to ski or snowboard. Recent additions include an artificial skating rink open year-round, and a snow tubing track. It is also possible to go on Freeride excursions to Tavola Rotonda with trail-laying equipment in the company of ski experts and alpine guides.

• Passo San Leonardo, 6 km – 55 min: This mountain pass, located 1282 m above sea level, separates the spectacular Valle dell’Orta, in the province of Pescara, from the side of the Majella overlooking Sulmona. There are courses on the slopes of Mount Morrone, and next to them is a cross-country ski loop. The area, which gets ample snow although it is not high-altitude, is ideal for families, beginners, cross-country skiers and downhill skiers. Nearby are the towns of Caramanico, well known for its first-rate spa facilities, and Pacentro, one of the prettiest medieval towns in Italy. In Pacentro-Passo San Leonardo it is possible to enjoy an active vacation close to nature in both summer and winter. The resort is in the heart of the Parco Nazionale della Majella, where it is possible to ski in a fairy-tale landscape of beech and eucalyptus forests. The resort also offers excursions on Mount Morrone and Mount Amaro, as well as snowboarding and rock climbing facilities.

 

On the Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia:

• Roccaraso, 4 km – 54 min: Situated at an elevation of 1250 m, between the Abruzzo and Majella national parks, Roccaraso is the leading ski resort in south-central Italy. It has been popular since the early 1900s, and is currently the best-known and best-equipped resort on the great plateaus, in the province of l’Aquila. It has 30 modern cableways and 110 km of downhill runs, supported by an extensive and modern system of snow-making facilities. The resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowboarding, off-piste skiing, and skating in an ice hockey rink, all in a stunning natural setting.

• Pescocostanzo, 6 km – 1 h: This is a jewel among Abruzzo’s smaller ski resorts. The town, which is ancient, boasts much well-preserved religious and civilian architecture. It is located at 1400 m above sea level, in the middle of the system of great karst plateaus known as the “Altipiani Maggiori d’Abruzzo”. In winter, the Vallefura ski resort, which is very close to town, provides a very good alternative to the larger resorts. It has some good downhill runs served by two modern ski lifts, as well as a snow park and facilities for children. In the Bosco di Sant’Antonio (Saint Anthony’s wood) there are cross-country ski facilities that include well-maintained trails, a ski school, equipment rental, ski waxing services and a restaurant.

• Rivisondoli, 3 km – 56 min: The town occupies a dominant position on the eastern side of the Prato Plateau, at an elevation of 1365 m. It is located in the centre of the Abruzzo Region’s great plateaus, in a uniquely beautiful setting surrounded by snow-capped mountains that mark out the large protected territories of the Abruzzo and Majella national parks. The ski resort, one of the largest in Abruzzo and one of the best in the country, has long been a popular winter sports destination. The Monte Pratello courses (35 km) are served by a cable car, two chairlifts and six ski lifts rising from 1390 m to 2056 m. Some of the runs meet the standards for national and international competitions. Together, the Monte Pratello facilities and those of Pizzalto and Aremogna, in Roccaraso, offer 110 km of runs, suited to every level of difficulty.

 

On the Monti Simbruini:

• Camporotondo di Cappadocia, 9 km – 53 min: Camporotondo is located 1400 m above sea level on the Abruzzo side of the Monti Simbruini. It has always been a popular tourist destination. Just outside the village are quiet green spaces, stunning scenery, and the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, a popular pilgrimage site. In winter, when the landscape is covered with snow, a new magic carpet lift makes it possible to ski up to an elevation of 1750 m on the Monna Rosa Mountain. Near the resort, there are cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails, and it is possible to rent all-terrain vehicles.

• Marsia di Tagliacozzo, 69 km – 1 h 1 min: Surrounded by the beech woods of the Monti Simbruini, the ski resort in Marsia offers good slopes and a quiet atmosphere. The main facility is located at an elevation of 1450 m, but a chairlift and two ski lifts go up to 1740 m on Mount Midia and serve six downhill runs (6 km in total, with a capacity of 2300 people per hour). There is also a snowboarding track, as well as numerous possibilities for cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering.

 

In the Alto Sangro:

• Pescasseroli, 9 km – 59 min: The town is situated in the high Sangro Valley at an elevation of 1167 m, in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains and centuries-old forests. The area has retained a wild beauty and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, and therefore is an ideal base for excursions into nature. The popular ski resort is located in the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, and skiing affords an opportunity to see the park’s wild animals at close range. The resort has five ski lifts serving about 20 km of downhill runs.

• Opi, 9 km – 1 h 8 min: Perched on a rocky spur at an elevation of 1250 m in the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, Opi is surrounded by lovely valleys and beech woods that create a relaxing and enchanting atmosphere. In winter, the landscape is transformed. The vast, silent stretches of snow-covered fields and forests, and the blue sky edged by white peaks, make it a peaceful haven where the visitor can relax and forget the cares of everyday life. The long, breathtaking trails in Macchiarvana are ideal for cross-country skiing and trekking. There, it is possible to experience the real park environment, and perhaps see some of the animals that make it their home.

 

On the Gran Sasso (in the province of L’Aquila):

• Campo Imperatore, 127 km – 1 h 33 min: The historic Campo Imperatore Hotel (2130 m), with its view of the Corno Grande (at 2912 m, the tallest peak in the Gran Sasso and the Apennines), is at the centre of the highest ski terrain in Abruzzo (its ski lifts reach 2233 m on Mount Scindarella). The high elevation means there is excellent snow cover much of the winter. The Campo Imperatore plateau offers good opportunities for cross-country skiing, while the Gran Sasso slopes offer countless possibilities for downhill skiing, off-piste skiing and ski mountaineering. The resort is in the middle of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and is the site of the southernmost glacier in Europe, the Calderone. It has 60 km of cross-country trails, including the one in Santo Stefano di Sessanio (near Lake Racollo), those in Castel del Monte (at the eastern end of the plateau, between the Piano di Cretarola and the Fonte Pietrattina), and the loop around the three ponds, which winds along the edge of the plateau. In addition to skiing, there is rock climbing (natural and artificial) and dog sledding, as well as snowshoeing and snowboarding (lessons are provided). It is possible to reach this spectacular plateau year-round by car, or by taking the cable car in Assergi (an ascent of more than 1000 m).

• Montecristo, 5 km – 53 min: The ski lifts and slopes of the Monte Cristo Basin (1450 m above sea level) cover shorter distances than those of Campo Imperatore. However, together with the cross-country trails in Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, they add to the variety of skiing possibilities in the area.

• Castel Del Monte, 8 km – 1 h 1 min: Perched on a hilltop above the Tirino Valley and surrounded by the mountains of the Gran Sasso massif, the town of Castel del Monte, with its imposing bell tower, is a spectacular sight. The cross-country trails are located on the nearby Campo Imperatore plateau, between the Piano di Cretarola and the Fonte Pietrattina. They are well known and popular with cross-country ski lovers all over the country.

• Santo Stefano di Sessanio, 6 km – 1 h 3 min: The ski resort at this location has some interesting cross-country trails. The loops, which are located near Lake Racollo, about 13 km from the town centre, reach an elevation of 1573 m.

 

On the Majella (in the province of Chieti):

• Passo Lanciano-Majelletta, 9 km – 1 h 6 min: Located at the northern end of the Majella’s main ridge, this ski resort is one of the most spectacular in the area owing to its fantastic views, which extend from the mountain slopes to the Adriatic Sea. The stunning scenery, wide courses and abundance of snow are the main features of the resort, whose territory rises from 1306 m at Passo Lanciano to 1995 m at the top of the Majelletta. The chairlift and 8 ski lifts serve 16 downhill runs of all levels of difficulty (2 blacks, 9 reds, and 5 blues). There are also 2 extensive cross-country ski loops. The resort has two locations: one at Passo Lanciano (1300 m to 1650 m), with trails through a thick beech wood, and one on the Majelletta (1650 m to 1995 m), which has a well-equipped snow park and large areas for downhill and cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering.

• Gamberale-Pizzoferrato, 9 km – 1 h 28 min: This small ski resort straddles the border between the towns of Pizzoferrato and Gamberale, in the Parco Nazionale della Majella. With rocky cliffs on one side and the woods of the Pizzi mountains on the other, it has some short but scenic downhill runs, and offers good cross-country skiing. Between the two towns there is a trail called “la Mandra”, which goes through an attractive beech wood and consists of two 1.5-km loops, one easy, one more challenging. There is a cross-country ski school, and it is possible to rent sports equipment. The trail can be accessed either from Pizzoferrato (Valle del Sole) or from Gamberale, near the provincial road. Ski touring and snowshoeing are other options, on tracks that start near the cross-country trail.

 

On the Gran Sasso (in the province of Teramo):

• Prati di Tivo, 152 km – 1 h 59 min: This resort is located on the Teramo side of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, between inspiring landscapes and picturesque towns. Prati di Tivo offers off-piste skiing and ski mountaineering, which are an alternative to the downhill runs of nearby Prato Selva. The resort, which is the most popular in the Teramo area, is easily reached from the charming historic centre of Pietracamela. Its trails are located at the base of the northern slopes of the Corno Piccolo, the most striking rocky peak in the Gran Sasso.

• Prato Selva, 142 km – 2 h 2 min: Located at the base of the Mount Corvo woods at an elevation of 1400 m, in the middle of the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, Prato Selva has some of the longest downhill runs on the massif.

• Monte Piselli, 182 km – 2 h 11 min: The Monte Piselli ski trails are located on the northern slopes of the Fiori Mountain, which lies on the border between the Abruzzo and Marche regions. The nearest town is Ascoli Piceno, but the resort is in the province of Teramo. The town of Civitella Del Tronto is worth a visit. It boasts a fortified citadel and occupies a spectacular high position overlooking the surrounding hills. The imposing fortress was built by the Bourbons and is one of the largest in Italy.