Val Pagana and Passo dei Monaci with snowshoes

A winter journey through wild nature, deep silence, and endless views. An excursion that takes us to one of the most fascinating and lesser-known corners of the Central Apennines.

When you finally come face to face with Mount Meta, you can't help but be captivated by the beauty of the landscape. The forested slopes give way to snow-covered karst fields and steep rocky walls. It's a rugged and wild environment, made even more magical by the call of the rock partridge and the silent flight of the golden eagle. From the Passo dei Monaci - a mountain pass marking the boundary between Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise - the view takes your breath away. Your gaze sweeps across the snow-covered Apennine ranges, and on clear days, beyond Monte Cassino, you can even glimpse the sea on the horizon.

Highlights

Come and discover the magic of the snow-white mountains of Abruzzo. Enchanted forests, quiet valleys and views as far as the eye can see.
If you're lucky, you might spot wildlife such as deer and Apennine chamois. You can also catch a glimpse of the golden eagle in flight.
The Mainarde mountain range, blanketed in white, is a winter wonderland for snow lovers.

Costs

from 30,00 €

What's included

Guide and organization
Snowshoes and pole rental

What is excluded

Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
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

Make sure to stay warm throughout your excursion. Our advice is to bring several layers of technical and comfortable clothing.

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
Rucksack (25+ liters)
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.

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.

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.

The recommended minimum age for climbing Val Pagana and Passo dei Monaci 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.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike to the Val Pagana and Passo dei Monaci . 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.

Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your sneaks and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.

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 Val Pagana and Passo dei Monaci 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 are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

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.