Ski Your Way Around Rome

I’ve only ever seen it snow once in the centre of Rome. It was during the winter of 2005 and it was 3:30 in the morning. I rushed out of the night club where I had been dancing away to run around in the magic white stuff that was falling softly across this ancient capital.
A white covered Piazza Navona is not something you see very often given that Rome is known for its mild Mediterranean climate.

Despite the lack of snow in the city of Rome it doesn’t mean visitors to the Lazio region need miss out on winter-time whiteness. The lower Apennine Mountains not far from the capital have numerous ski resorts, and all around the city you can see the snow-capped peaks.
Here is a guide to the main ski resorts in Lazio which are open from December until around April subject to snow conditions.

Campo Catino
Situated at 1800m, the Campo Catino valley is nestled between the Ernici and Cantari Mountain Ranges. The closest town is Guarcino and from there it’s a lovely drive up the winding, panoramic road to the ski resort. The resort has 12km of slopes of various levels and there is also a large ski school with plenty of instructors on hand.
By Car: Campo Catino is 98 km from Rome and 165 km from Naples. From Rome take the E821 in the direction of Fiuggi and then follow the signs past Guarcino.

Campo Felice
Campo Felice is one of the most famous ski resorts in the central part of the Apennine Mountains, around 200m with some 16 km of slopes. The resort is actually located in the Province of L’Aquila in the Abruzzo Region but is a mecca for Roman skiers. From the top of the Rotondo Mountain you have an excellent view of the surrounding peaks including the famous Gran Sasso.
This resort is also one of the few in central Italy that allows you to ski cross-country between two mountain ranges. Home to two of the most famous ski schools in Italy, there are also specialised areas and activities for baby skiers.
By Car: From Rome follow Highway A24 in the direction of L’Aquila. Take the Tornimparte (Km. 84) exit and follow the signs for Brecciara. From L’Aquila follow the signs for Avezzano, Rocca di Cambio and Campo until you arrive at Brecciara.
By Bus: There is a daily bus from Rome to Campo Felice during the ski season departing from outside the San Giovanni Metro A Station at 7:15am. A return ticket costs 24 euro. For bookings and to check times, call 06 7008347.

Campo Staffi
Campo Staffi is one of the most modern ski resorts in Lazio. Found between 1500 and 2000 meters, it has two loops of ski slopes stretching for more than 10 km. There are slopes of various difficulties and a ski school. The town of Filettino just a few kilometers away has numerous restaurants, shops and hotels including a youth hostel. There is a mini bus that links the Filettino to the slopes.
By Car: Campo Staffi is 100 km from Rome. Follow Highway A24 in the direction of L’Aquila and take the Avezzano exit to Capistrello then on to Campo Staffi, or take the
Vicovaro-Mandela exit passing Subiaco, Altipiani di Arcinazzo and Filettino to Campo Staffi. You can also take the a1 Highway in the direction of Naples taking the Valmontone exit and following the signs for Genazzano, Piglio, Altipiani and Filettino to Campo Staffi.
By Bus: There are COTRAL long distance buses to Filettino from Rome. From Filettino there is a regular mini bus to the ski slopes.

Prati di Mezzo
At 1500m this area is located in the heart of the Lazio, Abruzzo and Molise National Park and is a popular tourist spot in both summer and winter. Prati di Mezzo is located in the picturesque Comino Valley with the highest mountains being Monte Meta 2242 m, Monte Petroso 2249 m, Rocca Altiera 2016 m, Monte Serrone 2000 m and Monte Forcellone 2030 m. The nearby town of Picinisco dates back to the 10th Century AD is also worth a visit because it was here that author DH Lawrence once lived.
By Car: Take the A1 in the direction of Naples and take the Frosinone exit. From there take the State Road (SS) for Frosinone – Sora then the State Road (SS) for Sora – Cassino. Exit at Atina. If you are coming from Naples take the A1 highway in the direction of Rome. Take the Cassino exit, then take the State Road (SS) Cassino-Sora and take the Atina inferiore exit. Follow the signs for Picinisco.
By Train: You can take a train from either Rome or Naples to Cassino. From Cassino you can take a bus to Prati di Mezzo or Picinisco.