Ski touring and snowshoeing

Forca d’Acero is a mountain pass that connects Lazio to Abruzzo, immersed in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. During the winter, Forca d’Acero becomes a favorite destination for ski touring and snowshoeing enthusiasts. Heavy snowfall covers the extensive beech forests and large clearings, creating an ideal environment for practicing these winter activities. Ski touring, in particular, allows you to explore snowy mountain territories away from the beaten track, offering direct contact with uncontaminated nature and the opportunity to discover hidden corners of the park.

Ski touring is a discipline that combines hiking with cross-country skiing, allowing you to explore snowy mountain territories away from the beaten track. In Forca d’Acero, enthusiasts can venture along paths that pass through centuries-old woods and picturesque plateaus. One of the most popular routes is the ring that develops around Monte La Felcia, starting from the Forca d’Acero car park. This route, about 6 km long with a difference in altitude of 100 metres, is also suitable for less experienced skiers and offers enchanting views of the surrounding valley.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE
SNOWY FAGETA

Snowshoeing is a fascinating way to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature during the winter. Forca d’Acero offers numerous itineraries suitable for all levels of preparation. A particularly evocative excursion is the one that crosses the beech forest of the brigands, an area rich in history and biodiversity. This route, lasting about 3 and a half hours, allows you to admire the silent beauty of the snow-covered forest and discover traces of local fauna, such as wolves, deer and roe deer.

Points of
Interest

During the ski touring excursions in Forca d'Acero, you can admire numerous points of naturalistic and landscape interest:

Old beech forests: The area is characterized by extensive beech forests, some of which are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These centuries-old woods offer enchanting scenery, especially after a snowfall, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Wildlife: The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is home to a rich variety of fauna. During excursions, with a bit of luck and silence, it is possible to spot deer, chamois, foxes and tracks of the Marsican brown bear. The area is also a habitat for Apennine wolves and numerous species of birds of prey, including the golden eagle.
Mountain panoramas: The routes offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, such as Monte Tranquillo and Serra delle Gravare. From the heights, on clear days, the gaze sweeps over snow-capped valleys and majestic peaks, offering unique emotions.
Altopiano di macchiarvana: This plateau is a favorite destination for lovers of cross-country skiing and ski touring. Crossing it means immersing yourself in an uncontaminated environment, where nature reigns supreme.
Val Fondillo: Located nearby, Val Fondillo is known for its springs and scenic beauty. Although more frequented in other seasons, in winter it offers suggestive routes for ski touring.

ROUTES
RECOMMENDED

Monte La Felcia Ring: This ring route starts from the Forca d’Acero car park. After a short stretch on the SR509, take the F4 trail, then continue on the F7 trail. The return is via the P2 trail, bringing you back to the starting point. With a length of about 6 km and a difference in altitude of 100 metres, it is ideal for a half-day excursion.
Macchiarvana and Campo Lungo Ring: Always starting from the Forca d’Acero car park, follow the P2 trail until it connects to the C1 trail. Then, follow the D5 trail and, finally, a short stretch of the P1 trail to return to the starting point. This itinerary, about 9 km long with a difference in altitude of 50 meters, is suitable for hikers of all levels.
Forca d’Acero – Monte Tranquillo Ring: Starting from the Forca d’Acero pass, follow the P2 path that descends towards Macchiarvana, then joins the C1 path. The route continues to Monte Tranquillo, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The itinerary is approximately 14.75 km long and has a positive difference in altitude of 649 meters, requiring good physical preparation.

What
to know

Before embarking on any hike, it is essential to check the weather and snow conditions. Mountains can present risks related to avalanches or sudden changes in weather, so careful planning is crucial.

It is advisable to start excursions early in the morning, to have all the necessary time and reduce the risk of finding yourself in difficulty when it gets dark. Furthermore, it is always preferable not to go on excursions alone, but in company, to ensure greater safety.