Stardust, a snowshoe weekend in Abruzzo and overnight in mountain refuge

All dates available

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January 10, 2026
February 14, 2026
February 28, 2026

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The Mountains of Abruzzo, in winter, are vast spaces of nature and beauty. Peaks, valleys, plateaus, and beech forests offer hikers extraordinary adventures. The Pianoro Campitelli in Alfedena, with its brand-new Rifugio Campitelli, is also an excellent starting point for exploring the southern side of the Park and some of its wildest and most secluded areas. Encounters with wildlife are always possible, both in the wooded valleys and across the silent high-altitude plateaus.

At the foot of the Mainarde range, far from city lights and noise, we’ll move at an unhurried pace through snowy woods and open stretches… a snowshoe trek with an overnight stay in a mountain hut, made even more special by the chance to gaze deeply into the star-filled night sky.

Highlights

Walking in the silence of the snow-covered mountains offers an unmatched feeling of peace and serenity.
Along the trail, every corner reveals enchanting and evocative views, perfect for unforgettable photographs.
This experience also offers the chance to admire the starry sky in one of the least pol

Costs

from 140,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Accommodation in a mountain refuge
Dinner and breakfast
Headlamps
Snowshoes and poles
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Personal travel insurance

Exploring snow-covered Abruzzo with snowshoes is a fascinating experience, but it requires a bit of preparation. The route includes some uphill sections and calls for a moderate level of stamina for walking on snow. Nothing extreme: the pace will be adapted to the group, with regular breaks to rest and enjoy the landscape.

No prior experience with snowshoes is required: this excursion is also suitable for first-time participants, as long as they are in good health and have a basic level of walking fitness. We kindly ask you to inform us in advance of any specific health conditions or personal needs, so we can assess together whether the route is a good fit for you and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Essential tips and useful details for a smooth and enjoyable stay

CLOTHING
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Hiking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Worn in hiking boots or shoes
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Waterproof gloves
Gaiters

BAG AND SLEEPING
Rucksack (30+ liters)
Sleeping bag liner
Ear-plugs
Personal first-aid kit
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 1 l)

Whether you are going on a day hike or a multi-day trip, it is essential to prepare properly to ensure your safety and enjoyment. See our guidelines on how to equip yourself for each season.

Surrounded by majestic beech trees, Alfedena’s Rifugio Campitelli is a warm and welcoming place, perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Meta Mountains. Situated at the foot of this imposing mountain range, the refuge offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat where you can regenerate after a day spent exploring the surrounding trails. Built from natural materials, the lodge reflects the traditional architecture of the region, creating an intimate and homely atmosphere. The interiors are rustic, with windows offering relaxing views of the lush greenery of the forest. The warmth of the wood and the crackle of the wood-burning stove welcome guests, creating an ideal environment to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. It has 10 comfortable beds, linen, electricity from renewable sources, toilets and hot water.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request on your passenger info form.

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is one of the most precious and symbolic places of Italian nature. Founded in 1922, it is among the oldest national parks in Europe and represents a model of balance between environmental protection and human presence. Its importance lies both in the conservation of biodiversity and in its cultural and identity value for central Italy. Visiting the Park in winter is a magical experience.

The snow transforms the woods and mountains into a silent, enchanted landscape: the clear light and crisp air make the scenery even more striking. The tracks of animals in the snow — footprints of foxes, deer, or wolves — tell the hidden life of the forest. It is the ideal season for those seeking an authentic connection with nature, far from mass tourism, where time seems to slow down with every step.

This trip generates an average of 13,1 kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities and guides.

But what does that mean?

Is it still difficult to understand your impact on the planet? To get a fuller picture:

Driving 1000km in an average car is equivalent to about 300kg of CO2 (or 150kg per person if there are two of you).
A return economy class flight between London and Rome Fiumicino is equivalent to about 670 kg per person.
It is estimated that 10 trees in a temperate forest remove about 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing?

We are working with all our partners and suppliers to develop long-term carbon reduction plans. We are working with Rewilding Apennines to ensure that this journey achieves net zero emissions by supporting their programmes and ensuring the protection and restoration of natural environments outside protected areas.

FAQ

Naturally, many of the participants on guided hikes in Abruzzo National Park are solo travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs in the area of Mainarde and Mount Meta . If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

The recommended minimum age for climbing in winter the Mainarde mountain range is 10 years, and participants must have previous hiking experience. Younger children may be able to participate on other dates and on a private basis, if requested.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private hike to the Mainarde mountain range with a overnight in a mountain cabin if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

Alfedena is one the most important village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pratola Peligna exit, proceed on SS17 until Alfedena. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pratola Peligna exit, go on towards SS17 until Alfedena. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Alfedena.

You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of LineaRoma or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Avezzano.