Winter moon over Mainarde mountains: with wolves and chamois

There is a moment in the year when the Mainarde mountains turn silver. Snow reflects the moon, forests fall silent, and only the tracks tell us who inhabits these mountains. It is the winter moon: an invitation to walk slowly, listen carefully, and discover the secret life of the Appennine Wolf and Chamois.

Among silent woods and the first snowfalls, we will trace the steps of wolves, observe chamois on the ridges, and experience the magic of the nocturnal mountain. Rifugio di Campitelli will be our warm refuge between hikes, storytelling, good food, and winter stars. A weekend for those seeking authenticity, quiet, and wonder.

PROGRAM

DAY 1 – Winter Night in the Wolf’s Realm

Arrival at Pianoro Campitelli in the early afternoon. Accommodation in rooms and a welcome herbal tea. Introduction to the program with the guides: “The Return of the Wolf in the Apennines: Between Reality and Legend.”Afternoon hike at twilight. Every step invites you to pause, listen, and reflect on the delicate balance between humans and nature. Upon returning, the illuminated refuge becomes a warm oasis in the dark, a place to reconnect and share impressions. Dinner featuring local products. For those who wish, a walk on the natural terrace separating Pianoro Campitelli and Pianoro Le Forme offers a chance to admire the clear sky and the full moon lighting up the snow-covered peaks.

6 km · 4 hours · 300 m elevation gain · 300 m elevation loss

DAY 2 – Chamois and the first snowfalls

After breakfast, departure for a guided hike to the Molisan Mainarde. With some luck, you may observe herds of Appennine Chamois moving across rocky slopes. In winter, this species shows its best coat: thick and dark to withstand harsh weather and low temperatures at high altitudes.The guide will explain adaptations to mountain climates, selective winter feeding, survival strategies, social dynamics, and conservation efforts for this iconic species of the Central Apennines. Packed lunch in the mountains. In the afternoon, return to the valley, hot chocolate, and departure.

9 km · 6 hours · 500 m elevation gain · 500 m elevation loss

The Chamois traces its origins to the Miocene, about 15 million years ago. Its distant ancestor was an extinct Asian gazelle-like species, which also gave rise to other mountain-adapted animals such as the goral and Himalayan takin.

From Central Asia, chamois ancestors arrived in Europe around 200,000 years ago, taking refuge in the Italian and Iberian peninsulas during glacial expansions. A second wave reached Italy 80,000 years ago, giving rise to the populations still present in much of the Alps today.

Once heavily hunted, the Abruzzo Chamois, often called “the most beautiful chamois in the world” nearly disappeared in the early 1900s. From a small group saved in extremis in the Abruzzo National Park, reintroductions were carried out in four other protected areas of the Apennines. Today, although still vulnerable, this population numbers around 2,500 strictly protected individuals.

Highlights

We will walk under the winter moon through silent forests and snow-covered peaks. The snow reflects a silvery light, the trails fade into the quiet, and every step brings us closer to the magic of nature.
Following tracks along the paths and sightings among the rocks, we observe the behaviors and relationships of two iconic species, experiencing their hidden lives with respect and wonder.
Warmth and wonder at Rifugio Campitelli. At the end of the hikes, we immerse ourselves in stories, local flavors, and starry skies, letting the enchantment of winter in the Mainarde mountains surround us.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.