Traveling through Abruzzo we arrived at Prati di Tivo, on the North-East side of the Gran Sasso d’Italia: a wonderful tourist destination, ideal both in winter and summer, in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in the Teramo area.

Complete Guide

Prati di Tivo

Q: How do you reach Prati di Tivo?

Prati di Tivo can be reached via the SP43 road from Pietracamela and Intermesoli.

Q: Is the cable car always open?

Opening times vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Gateway to the Teramo side of the Gran Sasso, at the foot of Corno Piccolo, among beech forests, alpine walls and views stretching to the Adriatic Sea.

Altitude 1450 m Pietracamela (TE) Gran Sasso d’Italia

➤ Activities 🥾 Trekking

A historic destination for mountaineers and hikers, starting point for Rifugio Franchetti, the Madonnina and the routes of Corno Piccolo.

Information Gran Sasso

Altitude

1450 m

Municipality

Pietracamela

Access

Cable car · Capanne

Activities

Trekking · Climbing · Skiing

Strategic point to reach Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo and Campo Pericoli.

Location

Prati di Tivo is located in the municipality of Pietracamela, in the province of Teramo, on the northern side of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. Situated at about 1450 meters above sea level, it is one of the main access points to the massif.

Strategic point to reach Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo and the Campo Pericoli plateau.

Available Activities

Trekking

Scenic trails, classic itineraries and high-altitude routes make Prati di Tivo an ideal destination for hikers of all levels.

Ski Mountaineering

In winter the area becomes a privileged starting point for ascents toward Corno Grande and the surrounding glacial valleys.

Climbing

The walls of Corno Piccolo offer historic and modern routes, perfect for rock lovers.

Nature Excursions

The Gran Sasso National Park hosts unique biodiversity, ideal for nature observation.

Trekking Routes

Many routes start from the cable car station or the Capanne area.

Ski Mountaineering Routes

These routes require experience, ARTVA, shovel, probe and safe snow conditions.

Franchetti Hut

The Carlo Franchetti Hut (2433 m) is one of the most famous in the Apennines. Reachable from Prati di Tivo via the trail that climbs to the Madonnina and continues into the Vallone delle Cornacchie, it is the ideal base for ascents to Corno Grande and Corno Piccolo.

Average ascent time: 2h 30' – 3h. Difficulty: E/EE depending on conditions.

Municipality of Pietracamela

Pietracamela is one of the most charming villages in Abruzzo, perched at 1000 meters. It is part of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and is the reference municipality for Prati di Tivo.

Curiosity: the village is mentioned in medieval documents as early as the 12th century.

Gran Sasso National Park

Prati di Tivo is located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Italy. The territory hosts rare species such as the Apennine chamois, the golden eagle and the wolf.

The park protects over 150,000 hectares of unspoiled nature.

Useful Numbers

Service	Phone	Address
🏛️ Municipality	0861 955112	Via XXV Luglio, 19
👮 Carabinieri	0861 955122	Via del Colle
💊 Esposito Pharmacy	0861 955222	Via XXV Luglio
🩺 Medical Service	0861 95105	Medical Clinic
📮 Post Office	0861 955115	Via XXV Luglio
🌲 Forest Service	0861 955110	Via del Colle
🏞️ Pro Loco	0861 959684	Pietracamela
🎿 Carlo Franchetti Hut	0861 959634	Prati di Tivo
🚁 Mountain Rescue	800 258239	National
🏔️ Mountain Community	0861 699267	Gran Sasso
🥾 Hiking Guides	349 3586871	Pietracamela

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reach Prati di Tivo?

Prati di Tivo can be reached from Pietracamela and Intermesoli via the SP43 road, open all year except in severe weather conditions.

Is the cable car always open?

Opening times vary depending on the season and weather. It is recommended to check updated schedules with the lift operators or the Pro Loco.

Which trails are suitable for beginners?

The trails to the Madonnina and the Belvedere are the easiest. The route to Rifugio Franchetti requires more experience.

Can you hike in winter?

Yes, but only with proper equipment and safe snow conditions. For demanding routes, a mountain guide is recommended.

Where can you park?

Parking areas are available near the cable car and in the Capanne area.

Are there huts or places to eat?

Yes: the Carlo Franchetti Hut at high altitude and several eateries in the Capanne area.

Is it a family-friendly area?

Absolutely: there are easy walks, green areas and services suitable for children.

While travelling through Abruzzo, we discovered Prati di Tivo. It was a real revelation... Yes, I admit it: although I was born in Abruzzo, I had never heard of this wonderful place in the heart of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. Of course, I knew Prati di Tivo by name as a ski resort, and that was exactly our destination when, equipped with ski suits and a camera, we ventured up into the mountains. The drive to get there is famously beautiful. Anyone who has travelled along “Le Capannelle” knows it is a succession of incredible landscapes that never get old, whether in summer, with lush nature, or in winter, when everything is covered by a soft blanket of snow.

So, heading towards Prati di Tivo, we discover (or better, I discover… I believe my husband, my travel companion, already knew the secrets of the area) that we are actually going to “Prati di Tivo – Contrada di Pietracamela”. A village here? Right in the middle of the mountain? Yes indeed. And not just any village, but a true Heidi-style mountain village! It climbs uphill, surrounded by mountains and woods; the houses are all close together, all made of stone, with wooden windows from which small plants timidly peek out, having survived the harsh winter. The streets are nothing more than narrow climbs (or often stairways) where barely two people can walk side by side and therefore… wonder of wonders… no cars, no scooters, not even bicycles can pass. Around us only nature, silence, peace, and a breathtaking landscape. We climb to the top of the village and discover that the road (now a real path) continues into the woods and up the mountain. We assume it leads directly to our first destination (Prati di Tivo), but it is winter and we don’t know the area, so we wisely decide not to venture further and instead return to the car to reach our destination in a safer and more comfortable way (though certainly less charming). We promise ourselves to return here in summer and follow that magical path we have just left behind.

A few minutes by car and we arrive at Prati di Tivo. There is so much snow here at this time of year, so much!!! If Pietracamela is the ideal mountain village, this valley is a dream for nature lovers. Everything is white and enchanted, giving the impression of untouched nature, making us want to dive into the snow (and in fact, that’s exactly what we do!!!). There is a beautiful cross-country ski trail that crosses the entire valley, offering dreamlike views to skiers; there are ski lifts for those who prefer downhill skiing, and evocative routes for those who love long (and tiring) snowshoe hikes. In short, this place has everything: magical scenery, wild nature, and fun for everyone!!!

Prati di Tivo - 1450 m a.s.l.

Traveling through Abruzzo we arrived at Prati di Tivo, on the North-East side of the Gran Sasso d’Italia: a wonderful tourist destination, ideal both in winter and summer, in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in the Teramo area.

Prati di Tivo

Location