Winter

In winter time the snow reigns over the entire area, that shows the most amazing view of Corno Grande.

The Gran Sasso D’Italia is not only a mountain chain, it is the best way to enjoy the winter holiday, combining the fun of the snow and the visit to the characteristic suburbs.

In the area there are the ski facilities in Prati di Tivo and Prato Selva, where you can try alpine ski, ski mountaineering, ski leading, ski free laughs and touring. The facilities in Madonnina, il Pilone di Mezzo, Fonte Cristiana and Pratilandia offer entertainment for skiing of whole age. At 2433 m. there is Rifugio Franchetti the highest rendezvous point of Gran Sasso mountain.

The Strada Maestra Del Parco is the old way of comunication that runs through the mountain chain, but today is used only for touristic visits. An important touristic destination is Montorio al Vomano, located near the National Park of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, where you can take part of severals cultural demonstrations and traditional games such as Stù, a typical  local cards game that involves whole of the citizens; other typical winter event, in Montorio al Vomano, is Carnevale Morto, a theatrical parody of the carnival’s dead. So many other are the demonstrations winter characteristics and typical of the area:  the greatest log cabin of Santa Claus in Castel Castagna, the magic Christmas lights inside the “ Borgo di Babbo Natale” in Ripattoni di Bellante, and the Christmas markets in Isola del Gran Sasso where it is possible to participate in creative laboratories, participate in Christmas shows and taste the gastronomy of the territory.

Don't miss the traditions of the mangers scene, such as: “le genti della laga” in Torricella Sicura, the living manger in Cerqueto, Giulianova and Montepagano.