Abetone

Abetone is located high in the Apennines in Tuscany and is one of the clearest choices for alpine skiing in central Italy. The skiing is divided into several sectors, where Val di Luce usually feels like the more open, high-mountain-adjacent area, while the terrain closest to Abetone has more of a forest feel and shorter, well-defined runs.

In terms of size, it’s a mid-sized resort with about 27 to 31 miles of slopes and 17 lifts, depending on how you add up the different sections. Elevations range from roughly 4,068 to 6,207 feet, so it isn’t a high-altitude resort, but it’s enough to deliver a true winter atmosphere when the weather cooperates.

The terrain is a great fit for groomed-run skiers who want variety without the area being hard to navigate. There are easier slopes for building confidence as well as more demanding descents when you want to pick up the pace. Because the elevation isn’t alpine in the same way as the Dolomites or the Alps farther north, snowmaking is important, and large parts of the slopes have access to artificial snow, which often makes a big difference for the season’s reliability.