Italy’s Secret Winter Paradise: Discover Abruzzo’s Snowy Villages

When winter arrives, some Italian regions reveal their most compelling and unexpected side. Abruzzo is one of them, especially for travelers looking ahead to 2026 as the ideal year to explore destinations still outside the most conventional routes. In this guide, we’ve selected the must-see winter destinations in Abruzzo, from snow-covered villages to wild mountain landscapes and lesser-known territories waiting to be discovered.

In the heart of the Apennines, from Gran Sasso National Park to the Majella, snowfall reshapes vast, dramatic landscapes, creating the perfect setting for snowshoeing, skiing, and winter walks. Here, the experience goes beyond sport: it’s a journey defined by nature, a slower pace, and an authentic connection to the land—an approach increasingly appreciated by those seeking alternatives to classic Alpine destinations.

Alongside well-known ski resorts such as Roccaraso, Ovindoli, and Campo Felice, winter in Abruzzo truly comes to life in its small historic towns, among seasonal markets, local traditions, and a sense of everyday authenticity. This unique blend of landscape and heritage is what makes Abruzzo a new frontier of luxury—understood as a deep, meaningful, and non-conventional experience when compared to the Alps and the Dolomites.

In 2026, Abruzzo stands out as one of Italy’s most compelling and non-conventional winter destinations, ideal for travelers looking beyond the usual Alpine routes. Here, snow is more than a seasonal feature—it becomes a gateway to exploring mountains, valleys, and high plateaus that take on a strikingly authentic character in winter.

From the Gran Sasso to the Majella, the heart of the central Apennines, high elevations and generally reliable snowfall between December and March create ideal conditions for skiing, snowshoeing, and scenic winter walks. Unlike the Alps and the Dolomites, Abruzzo offers wide-open spaces, geographic diversity, and a closer connection to the land, turning winter into an experience of continuous discovery for curious, mindful travelers.

Among the Abruzzo winter destinations to discover in 2026, a collection of places emerges that offers a different way to experience winter in Italy—beyond the well-established models of the Alps and the Dolomites.

These selected stops combine striking landscapes, strong local identity, and a wide range of experiences, presenting an authentic and unexpected alternative. From the ski areas of Roccaraso and Ovindoli to the vast open spaces of the Gran Sasso, and from historic villages like Santo Stefano di Sessanio to the frozen waters of Lake Scanno, each destination invites travelers to explore Abruzzo in winter as a region still waiting to be discovered.

In the Alto Sangro area, the ski district that includes Roccaraso and Rivisondoli is widely regarded as the heart of Abruzzo winter destinations, with more than 55 miles of slopes served by modern lifts between 4,300 and 7,000 feet in elevation and runs suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

Roccaraso features an extensive and varied network of runs and connections, with gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts spread across areas such as Pizzalto, Aremogna, and Monte Pratello, as well as cross-country trails and snowparks.

After a day on the slopes, both towns offer well-equipped services, welcoming mountain lodges, and a relaxed après-ski scene that appeals to families and active travelers seeking comfort in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains.

Located just over an hour from Rome, Ovindoli is widely regarded as one of the most accessible winter destinations in Abruzzo for travelers looking to escape to the snow, even on a day trip. The Monte Magnola ski area features well-groomed slopes, a fully equipped snowpark, and runs suited to different skill levels, making it especially appealing to active skiers and groups of friends.

Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Ovindoli has developed a lively, contemporary atmosphere, with modern mountain lodges, relaxed après-ski spots, and a youthful crowd, making it one of the most popular Abruzzo winter destinations for frequent, time-conscious travelers.

Nestled on a high plateau between the peaks of the Mainarde mountain range, Campo Felice stands out as one of the most versatile winter destinations in Abruzzo, where nature and outdoor sports come together in a single, expansive setting.

Beyond its alpine ski slopes, the area offers rewarding snowshoeing routes through unspoiled landscapes, along with wide-open spaces ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.

The atmosphere here feels distinctly wild and untamed, with sweeping views over beech forests that draw travelers seeking an authentic, lightly traveled winter experience, far from the crowds and deeply immersed in the natural landscapes of the central Apennines.

Campo Imperatore, the vast plateau suspended above the Gran Sasso range, offers winter landscapes of striking, iconic power, shaped by snow-covered expanses, crisp light, and seemingly endless horizons. In winter, it becomes a prime destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and landscape photography, thanks to its open, unspoiled environment.

It is no coincidence that this setting has been chosen as the backdrop for films that have entered the collective imagination, such as "They Call Me Trinity…" and "The Tartar Steppe," both of which highlight its almost otherworldly character. Here, winter in Abruzzo turns into an intensely visual and sensory experience.

Nestled within Majella National Park, Pacentro is one of the most captivating Abruzzo winter destinations for travelers who enjoy blending history, landscape, and local identity. Listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and set on the slopes of Mount Morrone, the town overlooks the Peligna Valley with a medieval urban fabric of narrow lanes, stone arches, and sweeping viewpoints.

Defining the village skyline are the towers of the Cantelmo-Caldora Castle, a fortification of early medieval origin expanded between the 14th and 15th centuries, symbolizing the area’s long defensive history. In winter, climbing the King's Tower rewards visitors with wide views over the snow-dusted village, Sulmona, and the entire valley.

Among the must-see stops is Casa Ciccone, an old family home linked to the grandparents of Madonna, a detail that makes Pacentro especially appealing to fans of the pop icon. Trails leading toward Passo San Leonardo and the valleys of the Majella complete the experience, making Pacentro an ideal place to discover the true essence of Abruzzo.

Rocca Calascio, perched on a rocky outcrop at over 4,600 feet above sea level, commands sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and is considered one of the most iconic winter destinations in Abruzzo for travelers drawn to history and dramatic scenery.

Built in the 10th century as a military stronghold, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking panoramas over a sea of snow-covered mountains, making it a favorite Instagram-worthy spot and a striking film location.

It is no coincidence that Rocca Calascio has appeared in movies such as "Ladyhawke" and "The Paladins: Story of Arms and Love," where its snow-dusted silhouette enhanced the epic mood of the scenes.

In the heart of the Gran Sasso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio stands out in 2026 as one of the most captivating snow-covered villages in Abruzzo, an ideal destination for travelers seeking a slow, authentic winter escape.

Its medieval fabric—built of pale limestone, towers, and quiet alleyways—invites unhurried walks past artisan workshops and perfectly preserved corners. The village’s distinctive model of scattered hospitality, which restores historic homes as elegant guest accommodations, turns a stay into a fully immersive slow travel experience.

In winter, wrapped in soft snow and warm lights, Santo Stefano di Sessanio reveals an intimate, off-the-beaten-path side of Abruzzo, far removed from mass tourism.

In the heart of the Abruzzo Apennines, Scanno is one of the Abruzzo winter destinations where natural landscapes and cultural identity coexist in rare harmony.

In winter, Lake Scanno, often framed by snow and ice, becomes the focal point for scenic walks and striking photography, while the historic center preserves rituals, traditional dress, and artisan workshops that tell the story of a community still deeply alive.

Scanno offers a slow winter travel experience, ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, and genuinely authentic atmospheres.

Within Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, Pescasseroli is one of the most well-rounded winter destinations in Abruzzo for travelers looking to combine nature, adventure, and outdoor experiences. In winter, the town becomes an ideal starting point for guided snowshoeing, winter hikes, and wildlife spotting.

Lively yet human-scaled, the town center offers natural history museums, local shops, and hearty mountain cuisine, making Pescasseroli a balanced choice for experiencing winter in Abruzzo through exploration and storytelling.

On the eastern slopes of the Majella, winter reveals a more intimate side of Abruzzo, shaped by rock-cut hermitages, solitary trails, and suspended landscapes. Here you encounter places such as the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio and the Hermitage of Santo Spirito, closely linked to Celestine V and reachable via winter trekking routes that wind through gorges and woodlands.

Snow heightens the sense of isolation, inviting a contemplative experience ideal for travelers seeking slow journeys, spirituality, and untamed nature, far from the usual winter tourism routes

Winter in Abruzzo comes alive through folk rituals where food, fire, and community are deeply intertwined. Celebrations honoring Saint Anthony the Abbot, held in many villages, are among the most deeply felt: large bonfires lit in town squares become gathering places for sharing and connection. In Fara Filiorum Petri, the spectacular Farchie—bundles of burning reeds carried on shoulders—light up the night in an ancient purification ritual.

In Collelongo, the tradition of the Cuttóre centers on large copper cauldrons set up in public squares, where hearty legume and grain soups are cooked according to age-old recipes. Prepared collectively and shared with everyone, the food becomes a ritual of solidarity, symbolizing protection and abundance for the year ahead.

In the Teramo area, Uccelletti di Sant’Antonio appear—ritual sweets prepared as a wish for prosperity. Between rustic dishes, local wine, and traditions passed down through generations, winter in Abruzzo unfolds as an authentic, convivial experience deeply rooted in the land.

Yes. Abruzzo’s mountains offer spectacular snowy landscapes, varied slopes, and outdoor activities without the crowds and often higher costs of the Alps. Here, snow, historic villages, and local traditions come together to create a more authentic, relaxed winter experience, far from mass tourism.

The ideal time to find snow in Abruzzo is from January to February, when conditions are generally more stable, and snowfall is most reliable at elevations between 4,300 and 5,000 feet (1,300 to 1,500 metres).

December can be atmospheric but unpredictable, while February often offers the best balance of snow coverage, weather, and mountain activities.

Yes. Abruzzo is ideal for short winter getaways from both Rome and Naples, thanks to relatively short travel times—many mountain destinations can be reached in around two hours by car. The close mix of nature, historic villages, and winter activities makes it easy to plan a well-rounded trip even over just a few days.