In southern Abruzzo, on the border of the Abruzzo National Park, lies the large ski basin formed by the slopes of Roccaraso, Rivisondoli and Pescasseroli. The ski area is equipped with numerous lifts, including several gondolas.

Complete Guide – Roccaraso & Alto Sangro Ski Area

Information, services, activities and useful contacts to enjoy the mountains at their best.

Lift Name	Area	Type	Base Altitude	Top Altitude	Notes
Gravare	Aremogna	Gondola	1,600 m	1,900 m	Access to intermediate slopes.
Pallottieri	Aremogna	4‑seat chairlift	1,650 m	1,900 m	Great for carving.
Toppe del Tesoro	Aremogna	4‑seat chairlift	1,700 m	2,140 m	Panoramic viewpoint.
Pizzalto	Pizzalto	4‑seat chairlift	1,620 m	1,800 m	Ideal for families.
Valle Verde	Pizzalto	4‑seat chairlift	1,650 m	1,900 m	Easy slopes.
Monte Pratello	Monte Pratello	Gondola	1,550 m	1,900 m	Access to the Pratello side.
Cerasuolo	Monte Pratello	4‑seat chairlift	1,700 m	2,060 m	Panoramic slopes.
Macchione	Monte Pratello	4‑seat chairlift	1,650 m	1,900 m	Connection between intermediate areas.

Slope Name	Area	Difficulty	Length	Notes
Aremogna 1	Aremogna	Blue	1,200 m	Ideal for beginners.
Aremogna 2	Aremogna	Red	1,500 m	Perfect for carving.
Pallottieri	Aremogna	Red	1,800 m	Constant gradient.
Toppe del Tesoro	Aremogna	Red	2,000 m	Majella view.
Pizzalto Baby	Pizzalto	Blue	600 m	For ski schools.
Pizzalto Centrale	Pizzalto	Red	1,400 m	Very popular.
Valle Verde	Pizzalto	Blue	1,000 m	Smooth and easy.
Pratello Direttissima	Monte Pratello	Black	1,600 m	For experts.
Cerasuolo	Monte Pratello	Red	2,200 m	Long and panoramic.
Macchione	Monte Pratello	Blue	1,300 m	Family‑friendly.

Parking

Aremogna Parking – Large, close to the Gravare gondola. Ideal for early‑morning starts.
Pizzalto Parking – Convenient for families and ski schools. Frequent shuttles to the lifts.
Monte Pratello Parking – Plenty of space, recommended on busy weekends.
Roccaraso Town Parking – Useful for those staying in town or using the ski bus.

Practical tip: on January–February weekends, arriving before 08:30 drastically reduces waiting times.

Events

World Cup Ski Races – International competitions periodically hosted in the ski area.
Winter Music Festival – Concerts and DJ sets at high altitude during the winter season.
Snowshoe & Trekking Gathering – Outdoor events in the Bosco di Sant’Antonio.
Roccaraso Live Summer – Shows, music and family activities in the town center.
Transiberiana d’Italia – Themed Events – Historic train journeys with tastings and reenactments.

Tip: many events require advance booking, especially on weekends.

Summer Rentals

MR Sport Roccaraso – MTB, e‑bikes, helmets, child seats.
Tel: 327 2262060
Website: mrsportroccaraso.it
Monte Pratello Bike Center – E‑bikes and MTB with guided tours.
Tel: 0864 619125
Website: roccaraso.net/monte-pratello
Aremogna Summer Rental – Mountain bikes, trekking poles, outdoor gear.
Tel: 0864 619083
Website: roccaraso.net/aremogna
Roccaraso Outdoor – E‑bikes, gravel bikes and guided tours.
Tel: 347 6503555
Website: roccarasooutdoor.it

Tip: book e‑bikes in advance on summer weekends, especially for tours in the Bosco di Sant’Antonio.

Name	Area	Services	Phone	Notes
Rental Aremogna	Aremogna	Ski, snowboard, helmets, storage	0864 619083 / 0864 619048	Aremogna gondola square.
Giancola Michele Rental	Aremogna	Ski, snowboard	0864 62737	Historic rental in the area.
Pizzalto Rental – “Lo Sci per Tutti”	Pizzalto	Ski, snowboard, sleds	0864 602383	Via Aremogna 12.
MR Sport Roccaraso	Roccaraso town	Ski, MTB, e‑bike	327 2262060	Open all year.

Name	Area	Specializations	Phone	Notes
Italian Ski School Roccaraso – Aremogna	Aremogna	Beginners, children, groups	0864 62736	Historic school of the area.
Pizzalto Roccaraso Ski School	Pizzalto	Children, private lessons	348 003 9906	Specialized in families.
Italian Ski School Monte Pratello	Monte Pratello	Intermediate, advanced	0864 619125	Excellent for improvement.
Sole e Neve Ski School	Roccaraso	All levels	340 5095949	Personalized lessons.

Service	Phone	Notes
Mountain Rescue	118	Medical and mountain emergencies.
Carabinieri Roccaraso	0864 62126	Local station.
Roccaraso Info Point (IAT)	0864 62210	Tourist information.
Aremogna Ticket Office	0864 602148	Skipass and lifts.
Pizzalto Ticket Office	0864 602148	Skipass and lifts.
Monte Pratello Ticket Office	0864 69152 / 0864 69226	Skipass and lifts.
Castel di Sangro Hospital	0864 8991	Nearest emergency room.
Roccaraso Pharmacy	0864 62616	Pharmaceutical services.
Tourist Medical Service	0864 64008	Medical assistance.
Municipal Police	0864 6192214	Traffic and safety.
Abruzzo Civil Protection	800 861 016	Territorial emergencies.

Alto Sangro Ski Area

The Alto Sangro ski area is the largest in central‑southern Italy, with over 100 km of slopes and 24 ski lifts. It ranges from 1,250 to 2,100 meters in altitude and features a modern snowmaking system.

Altitudes of the Ski Area

Main elevation levels of Roccaraso, Aremogna, Pizzalto and Monte Pratello.

Area	Minimum Altitude	Maximum Altitude	Vertical Drop	Notes
Aremogna	1,600 m	2,140 m	540 m	Largest area of the ski domain.
Pizzalto	1,620 m	1,900 m	280 m	Ideal for families and ski schools.
Monte Pratello	1,550 m	2,060 m	510 m	Sunny and panoramic slopes.
Roccaraso Town	1,250 m	1,600 m	350 m	Logistical base and services.

Recommended Routes – Trekking, Snowshoeing, MTB

A selection of panoramic and accessible routes across the main areas of the ski domain.

Easy Routes

Bosco di Sant’Antonio – Loop (3 km, +80 m) – Ideal for families, snowshoeing and photography.
Pizzalto – Valle Verde (2.5 km, +120 m) – Simple and very scenic walk.
Monte Pratello – Plateau (4 km, +150 m) – Perfect for entry‑level MTB.

Intermediate Routes

Aremogna – Toppe del Tesoro (6 km, +350 m) – Majella views.
Pizzalto – Aremogna (7 km, +420 m) – Classic connection route.
Monte Pratello – Belvedere (5 km, +300 m) – Very panoramic trail.

Advanced Routes

Aremogna Ridges – Gravare (10 km, +650 m) – Technical and spectacular itinerary.
Monte Pratello – 2060 Peak (8 km, +550 m) – For experienced hikers.
Pizzalto – Aremogna – Pratello Traverse (12 km, +700 m) – Full ski‑area crossing.

Tip: in winter always check the snow report and trail conditions.

Points of Interest

Monte Pratello Ski Lift – Highly rated cableway.
Monte Pratello Cable Car System – Modern gondola connected to the ski area.
AltoSangroSkipass – Centralized access to the entire ski domain.
Pizzalto – Ski area with hotels and services.

Family Services

Kinderheim Montepratello: snow playground for children aged 3–12.
Scivolandia in Pizzalto: snow play area, ideal for younger kids.
Pesco Swup Snowpark: for freestyle enthusiasts.

How to Get There

By Car

From Rome: A24 + A25, exit Pratola Peligna – Sulmona
From Naples: A1, exit Caianello
From Pescara: A25, exit Pratola Peligna – Sulmona

By Train

Sulmona–Carpinone line (the “Transiberiana d’Italia”).

By Bus

Connections from Rome, Naples, Pescara and Sulmona.

Skipass and Rates

Daily
Morning / Afternoon
Multi‑day
Seasonal
See all rates

Weather and Slope Conditions

Snow report
Live webcams
Weather alerts

Extra Activities

Guided snowshoe hikes – Routes in Bosco di Sant’Antonio, Aremogna and Valle delle Gravare.
Ice skating – “Giuseppe Bolino” Ice Arena, open all year.
Sledding and bob – Dedicated areas in Pizzalto and Aremogna.
Transiberiana d’Italia – Historic panoramic train.
Pesco Swup Snowpark – Freestyle area with kickers and rails.
Fat‑bike on snow – Groomed trails in Monte Pratello.
Wellness & SPA – Wellness centers in hotels and resorts.
Photography excursions – Tours dedicated to wildlife and landscapes.

Where to Sleep

Hotels and Resorts
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Residences and Apartments
Find a hotel in Roccaraso

Practical Tips

Parking: Aremogna, Pizzalto, Monte Pratello
Avoid 09:00–10:00 on weekends
Winter tires or snow chains required
Buy skipass online

Where to Eat

Traditional restaurants
Mountain huts
Pizzerias
Bars and après‑ski
Find a restaurant

Recommended Itineraries

Bosco di Sant’Antonio
Monte Pratello – Belvedere
Pizzalto – Aremogna
Trails of the Abruzzo National Park

Local Transport

Roccaraso–Aremogna–Pizzalto–Pratello Ski Bus
Typical hours: 08:00–17:00
Frequency: every 20–30 minutes during peak hours
Main stops: Roccaraso center, Pizzalto, Aremogna, Monte Pratello
Info and updates: 0864 602 148 (lift ticket office)
Lift Shuttles
Service active on weekends and high season
Hours: 08:30–16:30
Frequency: every 10–15 minutes
Tip: on busy days, park at Monte Pratello and use the shuttle.
Roccaraso Taxis
Contacts:
– Taxi Roccaraso: 338 932 9551
– Taxi Di Donato: 333 267 9480
– Taxi / NCC Di Padova: 338 903 9090
Availability: 24/7 by reservation
Tip: book the night before on high‑season weekends.
NCC (Private Driver Service)
– NCC Alto Sangro: 329 616 2846
– NCC Abruzzo Transfer: 347 650 3555
Services: transfers to lifts, hotels, stations and airports
Tip: useful for groups or families with equipment.
Intercity Bus Connections
– Satam / TUA Abruzzo: connections from Pescara, Chieti, Sulmona
– Naples–Roccaraso (regional buses)
Typical hours: 06:30–20:00
Tip: in winter always check for possible delays due to snow.

Practical tip: on January and February weekends, the 09:00–10:00 slot is the most congested. Arriving before 08:30 drastically reduces waiting times.

Mountain Safety

Check the snow report
Wear a helmet
Do not leave the marked slopes
Emergency: 118

Shops and Useful Services

Sports shops – Technical clothing and ski equipment.
Pharmacies – Roccaraso Pharmacy open also on weekends.
Supermarkets – Minimarkets and grocery stores in town.
Tourist offices – Roccaraso IAT Info Point.
Ski and snowboard repairs – Specialized workshops.
Tobacco shops and newsstands – In town center and near the lifts.
Local products and souvenirs – Crafts and local gastronomy.
ATMs – Cash machines in the town center.

Dog‑Friendly Activities

Dog‑accessible trails – Bosco di Sant’Antonio, Monte Pratello.
Green areas – Open spaces in Pizzalto and Aremogna.
Pet‑friendly accommodations – Hotels, B&Bs and residences.
Pet shops – Stores in the town center.
Dedicated snow areas – Delimited zones for safe movement.
Veterinary services – Clinics in Roccaraso and Castel di Sangro.

Alto Sangro Ski Area – Roccaraso and Rivisondoli

The ski lifts of Roccaraso and Rivisondoli form the largest ski area in central Italy, created by the union of three originally independent ski stations — Aremogna, Monte Pratello and Pizzalto — later integrated under the Alto Sangro Ski Consortium, which also includes the lifts of Pescasseroli.

As of 2022, the area features 6 gondolas, several chairlifts and drag lifts, offering over 100 km of skiable slopes.

Access is possible from three main entry points (see the map for details): from the Piana delle 5 Miglia on the Rivisondoli side for Monte Pratello (usually the busiest due to easy access), and from Roccaraso via the Aremogna lifts.

The lowest departure point of the Monte Pratello gondola is at 1,250 m, while on the Aremogna side the lowest access point is around 1,560 m.

The ski area is equipped with a state‑of‑the‑art snowmaking system, and the number of lifts generally ensures quick queue management. Lift passes can be purchased online at Roccaraso.net to avoid queues at ticket offices.

The entire area is well organized in terms of restroom facilities, and the mountain chalets — although not numerous — are efficient and welcoming.

Before heading out, it is advisable to check weather conditions, road accessibility, and especially snow coverage, which can vary significantly.

Due to exposure to cold Balkan winds, the ski area can receive exceptional snowfalls, alternating with periods of reduced snowfall caused by sirocco winds, which may raise temperatures even in mid‑winter.