October 28, 2025
Reading time: 6 Minutes
Snowshoeing in Pescasseroli: Discover the Magic of Winter in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. When snow blankets the mountains and valleys of Pescasseroli in silence and beauty, nature seems to slumber under its white cover. Yet, it lives and breathes in a profound quiet, waiting to be discovered. Participating in a snowshoeing excursion in Pescasseroli means immersing yourself in the magic of the Abruzzo winter, step by step, in an authentic experience that combines wonder, respect, and awareness.
Snowshoeing in Pescasseroli: An Experience of Nature and Mindfulness
Snowshoeing in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is a unique opportunity to explore snow-covered forests and enchanting highlands at the foot of the mountains. It’s a different way to experience the cold season: away from the crowds, in direct contact with nature, surrounded by landscapes that seem frozen in time. During winter excursions in Pescasseroli, you can rediscover the joy of slow walking, observation, and silence. Every step in fresh snow becomes an invitation to reflection, an intimate dialogue with the mountains and with yourself. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, the snowshoe trails in the heart of Abruzzo promise authentic emotions and unforgettable scenery.
Where to Go Snowshoeing in Pescasseroli
1. Snowshoeing in Difesa di Pescasseroli – The Fairy Tale Forest
If it’s your first time trying snowshoes, a slow-paced excursion in the heart of Difesa di Pescasseroli is perfect for you. This trail guides you, like the pages of a book, through the wonders of winter. Walking in the quiet forests, you might spot the elusive pine marten or the small paw prints of the wild cat.
The route starts at Centro Ippico Agriturismo Valle Cupa, from where you can take trail C2 through an ancient wooded pasture nestled among steep mountains, dotted with monumental beech trees shaped like “candelabras” – a traditional pruning method used for firewood and fodder for livestock.
2. Snowshoeing in Terraegna Valley, Pescasseroli
One of the most evocative winter trails in the park leads to Terraegna Valley, a vast highland northeast of Pescasseroli. In summer, it’s a green expanse with ancient cattle tracks and grazing herds; in winter, it transforms into a snow-covered fairy tale landscape. Snowshoeing in Terraegna immerses you in deep silence, broken only by the crunch of your footsteps in fresh snow. The trail is gentle and panoramic, perfect for a longer, authentic winter experience.
From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, including Monte Marsicano, Val di Corte, and the entire Montagna Grande ridge. On clear days, the white peaks blend with the blue sky, creating a spectacle that leaves you speechless. With some luck, you might spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and wolves moving silently through the surrounding woods.
You can reach Terraegna via two routes: a three-hour walk following trail A1 from the town center, or an easier access from 1,350 meters above sea level via trail Z1 from Templo, halfway between Pescasseroli and Bisegna.
3. Snowshoeing in the Forests of Forca d’Acero and Macchiarvana
A snowshoe hike in Forca d’Acero and Macchiarvana is a journey into the magic of the snow-covered Apennines. Forca d’Acero, over 1,500 meters above sea level, marks a striking mountain pass between Pescasseroli and Lazio region. In winter, the area transforms into a Nordic-like landscape, with soft snow fields and rows of bare trees stretching to the horizon.
This trail is suitable for everyone – from beginners to families with children – thanks to its gentle terrain. It’s also one of the best spots to watch winter sunsets, when the sun paints the peaks of Monte Marsicano in pink and gold, and the forest grows even more silent. Macchiarvana is about 13 km from Pescasseroli and is easily reachable by car via SR509, with panoramic views along the way. Once parked, you can explore the forests through trails C1 and P2.
4. Moonlit Snowshoeing from Pescasseroli on Colli Alti
For those who want to experience the enchantment of the forest at night under a full moon, trails A9 and D6 offer magical excursions. The snow reflects the moonlight, allowing long stretches without a torch. This activity requires caution and preparation: always check snow and weather conditions, dress in layers, and consider hiring local guides if unfamiliar with the terrain.
5. The Lago Vivo Winter Loop
From Barrea, embark on a winter trek at the foot of the Monti della Meta, along trails K6 and K4. Lago Vivo, nestled in a karst basin at the foot of one of the park’s most spectacular natural amphitheaters, becomes a magical snowshoeing destination. When snow blankets the pastures and forests, every path turns into a white carpet. Even if partially frozen or drained, the lake offers fairy-tale scenery, ideal for those who love walking in pristine nature. The winter trail around Lago Vivo winds through erratic boulders, glacial cirques, and rock outcrops, evidence of the glaciers that shaped these mountains over millennia.
6. Snowshoeing in Ziomas Valley and Ferroio di Scanno
A little north of Pescasseroli, Ziomas Valley welcomes you with serene winter landscapes of gentle slopes and karst dolines covered in snow. From the saddle overlooking Ferroio di Scanno, gaze over peaks such as Monte Godi, Monte Marsicano, the Camosciara, and Monte Petroso. Nearby, the village of Scanno – famous for photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Mario Giacomelli – is worth a visit, along with its goldsmith shops and the traditional Pan dell’Orso, a soft almond, honey, and chocolate pastry.
Guided Tours in Pescasseroli
Do you want to experience these adventures safely and discover the secrets of the Park with people who truly know it? With Wildlife Adventures, a reference point for winter excursions in Pescasseroli, you can join guided snowshoeing tours led by expert naturalists and guides registered with the Collegio Guide Alpine Regione Abruzzo and International Mountain Leader. You will learn to track wild animals, hear stories and curiosities about the snow-covered forests, and choose between day trips or multi-day tours, including night excursions. Here are some options from the calendar:
-
from December 7, 2025 to March 7, 2026Winter moon over Mainarde mountains: with wolves and chamois
Explore the Molisan Mainarde amid snowy silence and moonlit ridges. Follow the traces of wildlife, hike through pristine forests, and discover the magic of winter nights. A weekend retreat for those seeking adventure, authenticity, and quiet wonder.
- Sunrise and sunset, Snowshoe hiking, Forest and valleys
-
from December 22, 2025 to March 6, 2026Terraegna valley with snowshoes
Snowshoeing in the Terraegna Valley of Pescasseroli through the UNESCO beech forests of the Abruzzo National Park. A very evocative environment in all seasons.
- Snowshoe hiking
-
December 28, 2025New Year’s Eve in the wildest area of Abruzzo
Five days in the heart of the most ancient and renowned protected area of Italy, with the opportunity to see deers, wolves and chamoises and visits to villages rich in history and traditions.
- Snowshoe hiking, Forest and valleys
Where to eat in Pescasseroli: Authentic flavors of abruzzo
After a day of excursions, there’s nothing better than indulging in the flavors of tradition. Abruzzo’s cuisine is diverse, reflecting the variety of its territory and the cultures that have shaped it. In Pescasseroli, you can enjoy the evolution of the agropastoral cuisine—the food of the humble mountain and foothill farmers and shepherds—characterized by simple yet flavorful dishes based on lamb and sheep meat, soups, cheeses, and aromatic herbs.
For a traditional lunch or dinner with a touch of joviality, Ristorante A’Cavut is perfect. It is one of the few remaining restaurants serving patate maritate, a hearty and savory homemade dish. The warm and family-friendly atmosphere of Ristorante Da Giuseppe is ideal for enjoying a plate of polenta with a glass of Montepulciano wine. In recent years, no Italian region has made as much progress in wine production as Abruzzo. This is evident not only from the growing interest in DOC Abruzzese wines across Europe but also from the numerous international awards earned by the region’s top producers. A visit to some of Abruzzo’s most interesting wineries, such as Enoteca da Barcone or the newly renovated Vineria del Duca, offers tasting menus with carefully paired wines and a touch of creativity that will delight both the eyes and the palate.
Where to Stay in Pescasseroli
In Pescasseroli, you can choose from numerous accommodations, perfect for those wanting to experience the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park in winter. Options range from small B&Bs in the historic center to family-run hotels with many services, including for families with children. Among these, 36 Slow Living Rooms stands out for its cozy, meticulously designed rooms, some with private bathtubs, ideal for relaxing after a day of snowshoeing and winter adventures. The historic center of Pescasseroli is small, charming, and intimate, and staying at 36 Slow Living Rooms allows you to easily reach the main points of interest on foot, at a leisurely pace. From the historic Palazzo Sipari to the evocative Castel Mancino, everything is within easy reach.
From the complete renovation of a building dating back to the second decade of the 20th century, preserving its composite Liberty style and the calm, comfortable charm typical of early 1900s architecture, Villino Quintiliani was born. It is ideal for those seeking a refined and peaceful stay, immersed in a historical yet welcoming atmosphere. The rooms, carefully designed, combine the charm of the past with modern comforts, offering guests a unique experience of relaxation and elegance.
Winter in the Abruzzo National Park: an unforgettable experience
Snow-covered forests, silent footsteps, clear skies, and breathtaking views: winter in Pescasseroli invites you to slow down and breathe in nature at its purest. Each snowshoeing excursion becomes a small journey, a moment of connection with the mountains and with yourself. Whether you are seeking adventure, contemplation, or simply the beauty of silence, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park will welcome you with its subtle and authentic magic.
