Piani di Pezza - Rocca di Mezzo

Piani di Pezza is a glacial plateau located between Rocca di Mezzo and Ovindoli, in the heart of the Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park. At 1,400–1,550 metres, it offers wide open landscapes, ancient beech forests, deep silence and year‑round outdoor activities: hiking, cross‑country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife watching and photography. The main access is from Rovere, with Rifugio Il Lupo as a useful reference point. A perfect destination for those seeking authentic nature and pristine Apennine environments.

Abruzzo • Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park

Piani di Pezza

Glacial plateau at 1,400–1,550 m, surrounded by ancient beech forests, deep silence and wide open spaces.

Hiking Cross‑country skiing Snowshoeing Unspoilt nature

Protected area of the Sirente‑Velino Park

Altitude 1,400–1,550 m

Municipality Rocca di Mezzo / Ovindoli

Quick navigation

Overview
Why visit
Activities
When to go
Getting there
Practical tips
Fauna & Flora

Access

The main access to Piani di Pezza is by car from Rocca di Mezzo and the hamlet of Rovere, along a road leading to the large parking area at the entrance of the plateau. From here start the main hiking routes and itineraries, both in summer and winter.

Overview

Where Piani di Pezza is located

Piani di Pezza is a glacial and karst‑alluvial plateau in the heart of the Sirente‑Velino Regional Nature Park, within the municipalities of Rocca di Mezzo and partly Ovindoli.

Altitude

1,400–1,550 m

Environment

Glacial plateau

Area

Sirente‑Velino Park

Best for

Hiking, XC skiing, nature

Reasons to visit

Why visit Piani di Pezza

Unspoilt nature and some of the purest landscapes in the Apennines.
Deep silence and a regenerating sense of remoteness.
Seasonal beauty: spring blooms, summer green, autumn foliage, winter snow.

What to do

Activities in Piani di Pezza

Hiking & trekking

Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani
Colletto di Pezza
Valle Cerchiata

Cross‑country skiing

Loops for classic and skating technique in a quiet, natural setting.

Snowshoeing & ski touring

Monte Rotondo
Monte Orsello

Relaxation & photography

Perfect for landscapes, foliage, snow and wide open skies.

Best time

When to go

Spring: blooms and fresh air.
Summer: mild temperatures and open meadows.
Autumn: spectacular foliage.
Winter: abundant snow, ideal for XC skiing and snowshoeing.

Access

Getting to Piani di Pezza

Main access from Rovere (Rocca di Mezzo). From Barisciano: 40–45 minutes.

By car: SS17 → Rocca di Mezzo → Rovere → Piani di Pezza.
Parking: small areas near the plateau.
Reference point: Rifugio Il Lupo, Rovere. Tel: 0862 196 5376
Winter: check snow conditions and chains requirement.

Useful info

Practical tips

Weather changes quickly: always check forecasts.
Technical clothing required in winter.
No services on the plateau: nearest is Rifugio Il Lupo, Rovere.
Sun protection recommended even in winter.
Protected area: respect wildlife and vegetation.

Rifugio Il Lupo

Useful base for information, food and orientation.

Location: Rovere (AQ)
Phone: 0862 196 5376

Fauna & Flora

Typical species of the plateau and the ancient beech forests of the Sirente‑Velino area.

Red deer and roe deer — often seen at dawn and dusk along the forest edges.
Apennine wolf — elusive and rarely visible, yet essential to the ecosystem.
Red fox — frequently spotted in open meadows, especially in summer.
Birds of prey — goshawk, buzzard and occasionally peregrine falcon.
Ancient beech forests — extensive, biodiverse and stunning in autumn.
Alpine flora — gentians, Apennine edelweiss and spring blooms.

Safety

Fast‑changing weather: the plateau is exposed; always check forecasts.
Winter: ice and whiteout possible; microspikes/snowshoes recommended.
Navigation: few landmarks; GPS or offline track advised.
Wildlife: keep distance from deer and other animals.

Elevation

Base altitude: 1,400–1,550 m
Typical gain: 250–700 m for routes to Sebastiani / Rotondo.
Terrain: gentle on the plateau, steeper on surrounding slopes.

Geology

Glacial origin: shaped by Quaternary glaciers.
Karst‑alluvial deposits: typical of Apennine plateaus.
Tectonics: area influenced by active Apennine fault systems.

The plateau stretches for about 5.5 km in length and 3 km in width, appearing as a wide grassy and karstic plain framed by ancient beech forests and mountain slopes that become snow‑covered in winter.

Environment and landscape

In spring and summer, Piani di Pezza offers green, flowered meadows ideal for panoramic hikes and relaxing moments in nature. In autumn, the beech forests display warm, intense foliage, while in winter the plateau turns into a white, silent basin, often very cold and scenically striking.

Outdoor activities

Trekking and hiking: routes of varying length and difficulty, with views of the Sirente–Velino peaks.
Snowshoeing: gentle and wooded trails suitable even for less experienced hikers.
Cross‑country skiing: groomed loops (when snow and management allow) on flat terrain.
Ski touring and backcountry skiing: ascents toward the surrounding ridges for experienced users.
Mountain biking and horseback riding: in summer, routes on dirt roads and trails crossing the plateau and the woods.

View the map online

Piani di Pezza - Rocca di Mezzo

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