Abetone

Abetone is Tuscany’s biggest and most historic ski area: it became a winter sports destination back in the first half of the 20th century. With 50 km of runs, 22 lifts, and the Gravity Snowpark at Pulicchio, it’s the most complete snowboard spot in central Italy. The ski area stretches from Abetone to Val di Luce, across the Tuscan and Emilian sides of the Apennines (Pistoia and Modena provinces), and offers a lot more than you’d expect from a “small Apennine resort.” It has hosted international alpine ski races, and the area has produced plenty of strong athletes.

Why Go Snowboarding

Abetone has a serious snowpark and about 550 m of vertical: not Alpine numbers, but enough for long, fun runs. The Gravity Snowpark at Pulicchio is the go-to park for riders in central Italy: three progressive terraces, lots of jib features (rails and boxes), and a final 12–15 m kicker. You can use it from your first day in the park all the way up to expert level. In Val di Luce the runs are wide and flowing, great for carving, and after a snowfall the off-piste variations give you a few hours of good powder.

Terrain & Slopes

The ski area spans roughly 1,388 to 1,940 m across three main zones: the Zeno runs in Val di Luce (designed by local champion Zeno Colò), the historic Abetone sector with the Selletta, Fivizzani, and Riva chairlifts, and the Pulicchio sector. The 22 lifts move 18,000 people an hour, so lines stay short. The runs are evenly split between easy, intermediate, and difficult, and there are also 18 km of cross-country trails.

Snowpark

Gravity Snowpark Abetone, at Pulicchio along the Coppi run, is the main park: three terraces with 3, 4, and 5 m kickers, a 6 m box, a 9 m rail and kink, whoops, a wallride, and a plug, plus a final 12–15 m kicker for experienced riders. Shapers work it every day. In Val di Luce the tourist portal abetone.com also lists Snow Park Roccione (4, 6, 12, and 15 m twin jumps and a beginner area), which the operator doesn’t confirm: check on site whether it’s open.

Getting There

From Florence, take the A11 to the Pistoia exit, then the SS66 to Abetone: about 85 km, an hour and a half of driving. From Bologna, take the SS64 via Porretta Terme, about 100 km. Seasonal buses run from Florence, Pistoia, and Lucca. By train, get off at Pistoia and continue by bus (about an hour). You can park in the village and at the bases of the various sectors.

Tips

In the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines it can rain low down while it’s dumping at the top: check the forecast and aim for high-pressure days, which bring the best conditions. Opening depends on snowfall, and the season usually ends in mid-April: check the dates on the official site. The village has character, the food is good, and there’s a bit of nightlife. The lift ticket costs about the same as at other Apennine resorts, with discounts for juniors and over-65s.