Confused? We know there aren’t actually any snowy mountains IN Rome but nearby Apennines have a lot of skiing to offer to those of you who want to get away from the snow crowds! Fancy shopping and having a couple of day trips to the slopes?
Fly into Rome on the Saturday and check into your Dolce Vita Villa. Spend Sunday exploring the delights of the city, particularly the Jewish ghetto which offers a wide selection of wonderful pastry shops. Then, on Monday, whilst everyone else is preparing for work, climb into a rental car (Dolce Vita Villas can also organise a transfer for you) and hit the slopes! Here’s what you can do within 2 hours’ drive of Rome.
The biggest ski resort in central Italy (110km of slopes), Roccaraso has a lot to offer experienced and inexperienced skiers and is only 2 hours’ drive from central Rome. Ski passes are €33 for adults and €28 for children/over 65s. It even has a ice skating rink for those who would like an alternative to skiing.
Ski on the highest peak of the Gran Sasso, 20km of slopes around 1 hour 50 from Rome with a lovely town of Castel del Monte and Rocca Calascio with its medieval castle nearby.
Only 1 and a half hours from central Rome, this lovely ski resort offers 22km of pistes for a family group of all ages and levels of experience. It offers spectacular views over the surrounding valleys. Ski passes: Adults €27, children/senior €23.
The closest ski resort to Rome (only 1 hour’s drive) offers 40km of pistes for all the family. Ski passes: MON-FRI adult €25, child/senior €22; SAT/SUN and holidays: adult €30, child/senior €26.
Skis can be rented either in Rome (Sports Centre SRL on Via Tagliamento) or nearer the slopes. Please ask Dolce Vita Villas for transfers and information for car rental. For weather forecasts, see snow-forecast.com!
As for places to stay in Rome, our central Rome apartments are ideal for those who want to spend a week shopping and skiing. Giulia, in the heart of Rome next to Piazza Farnese and Piazza Navona, can sleep 5 and can be rented along with Giulietta (in the same building) for larger groups (up to 10). Alternatively, Ripetta (sleeps 4) is 5 minutes from the Spanish Steps and all the famous boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada…) that can be found in this area.
The Gran Sasso is another destination you definitely need to see. Just under 2 hours from Rome the Gran Sasso is definitely a destination for those passionate about nature and skiing !
Skiing in Roccaraso is defintively an experience all Alps fanatic should do to surprise themeselves with the Appenine. The first time I skied there I was impressed byt the qauntity and by the length of the slopes. If you have the luck of going during the week is pure paradise especially if one loves snow powder. A skiing experience not to be missed.
Certain week-ends especially Sundays in January and February may be crowded.
P.S. do not forget the panino with scamorza e salsiccia an injection of pure energy Abruzzo style.