When you envision Calabria, you likely picture stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches, and you wouldn’t be mistaken; Calabria is famous for its remarkable seaside towns. However, this region also boasts magnificent lush mountain ranges that are perfect for visiting during the winter months.
Calabria is home to three National Parks, each featuring charming villages, tourism opportunities, and ski resorts that welcome both locals and visitors year-round. Whether you’re interested in hiking during the warmer months or engaging in winter sports like skiing or tobogganing when the snow falls, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Calabria during the off-season and want to experience breathtaking views and enjoy some fun in the snow, be sure to check out these destinations!
Meanwhile, if you’d like to explore the cuisine and culture of Calabria and southern Italy in the company of expert local guides, explore our Small Group Tours to Southern Italy.
(Source: Camigliatello Ski)
Camigliatello Silano
This mountain village, situated within Sila National Park, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you will find small shops selling artisan products and delicious local specialties, such as porcini mushrooms, cheeses, and cured meats. For skiing enthusiasts, the “Rifugio del Tasso” is located just a short distance from the center of Camigliatello. From there, you can take a ski lift to Mount Curcio, which features two main slopes: the Red Slope for experienced skiers and the Blue Slope for those who are less experienced. After a day on the slopes, Camigliatello offers many excellent restaurants serving high-quality local cuisine.
(Source: Lorica Ski Area)
Lorica
Lorica is a small resort village located near Lake Arvo in the Sila Mountains. It is composed of three municipalities within the Province of Cosenza: San Giovanni in Fiore, Serra Pedace, and Pedace. Lorica is an excellent destination to visit year-round, offering an adventure park, hiking trails, horseback riding, skiing, and even bobsledding.
Just three kilometers from Lorica, in the area known as Coppo di Cavaliere, there is a funicular that transports visitors to the summit of Mount Botte Donato, which stands 1,928 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the valley below and enjoy the stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. At the top of Botte Donato, you can choose to ski down various slopes or, if you prefer cross-country skiing, take a marked path that connects Mount Botte Donato with Mount Curcio.
Gambarie d’Aspromonte
Gambarie d’Aspromonte is a charming hamlet located in the province of Reggio Calabria, right in the heart of Aspromonte National Park. While the area continues to grow, it is dedicated to maintaining a harmonious balance between nature and its developing landscape. This commitment has paid off, as Gambarie d’Aspromonte is renowned for its stunning ski slopes—five in total—that provide breathtaking views of the Messina Strait, the Aeolian Islands, and Mount Etna.
If you enjoy the idea of skiing surrounded by nature, this is definitely the destination for you. So, keep in mind that you don’t have to wait for summer to explore Calabria. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here during the winter months, and for many visitors, the winters are milder than what they experience back home.
Do you enjoy winter getaways? Share with us on the My Bella Vita Facebook Group which of these Calabrian ski resorts you would be interested in visiting.
And before you leave, check out our Small Group Tours to Southern Italy. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Image Credits: Beppeveltri, Faffy87, Domecost80
