Properties in Italy

Abetone - the ski Resort

Abetone has always been popular with Italians since it first started welcoming skiers in 1935. It is a family resort and the extensive ski-lift facilities, 30 piste are served by 25 ski lifts, are among the most modern in Europe. With a total of 80 kilometres of ski-slopes, reaching altitudes of up to 1900 m, the skiing area extends over four wonderful valleys - Val di Luce, Valle della Scoltella, Sestaione and Lima valleys. The ski resort has also been recently equipped with artificial snow machines, guaranteeing 40 km of constantly snow-covered slopes. There are wide runs, ideal for all skiers, from beginners to experts. The most popular runs are on mount Gomito, which is reached by the Ovovia lift: they are named Zeno One, Two and Three, in tribute to the local Olympic gold winner Zeno Colo.

Another popular feature is the new Abetone terrain park, a state-of-the-art facility, boasting half-pipe and 10-foot jumps for the pleasure and thrill of daring snowboarders. First-time skiers and boarders will find in the Campo Tennis and the Campo Scuola a good, smooth place to learn, best under the guidance of a trained teacher from one of the three local ski schools (Scuola Sci Abetone, Scuola Italiana Sci Monte Gomito and Scuola Sci Colo) that offer both individual lessons and group discounts. The season runs from December to April and unlike its more famous counterparts, such as Sestriere and Cortina in the Alps, prices are not prohibitive and much lower than anything you will find in the French Alps. The fact that Italians mostly use the resort on the weekend also means you will not spend valuable skiing in time in frustrating, long queues for the ski lifts.

Abetone - the great outdoors

The area has as much to offer in the summer as it does in the winter. Throughout the year the Apennines are ideal for sports activities, walking trails, gastronomic excursions hunting for chestnuts or mushrooms. The area offers offers a wide variety of opportunities for cyclists - every year a growing number of cyclists from all Europe decide to visit where they can experience the joy of cycling in the valleys and the hills or along the ridge of the Apennines. The area is also a favourite with mountaineers and rock climbers, especially the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Stone) in neighbouring Emilia Romagna.

The Garfagnana is for sure one of Tuscany’s best kept secret’s, when the rest of Tuscany is jammed with people and traffic the Garfagnana is having another quiet and peaceful day thanks to its location in the lush Serchio River valley north of Lucca and Pisa, surrounded by a natural barrier of two mountain ranges, the Apennines and the marble mountains of the Alpi Apuane. One cannot see or hear the noise of the cities, but you can be close enough to experience what they have to offer. The Garfagnana being a lush area with regular rain falls has enabled some valleys to be dammed to create electricity from this natural source. The location of these lakes are stunning with amazing backdrops of the Alpi Apuane and villages reflected in their waters, and little inlets and places to explore, let alone the abundance of wildlife on their shore. Explore these lakes by a kayak. The following lakes are certain to provide you with an excellent day out Lago di Valli, Lago di Gramolazzo, Ladi di Pontecosi. Read more about the Garfagnana Valley

The Apuane Alps to the west are ideal for trekking or you could just spend time walking through centuries-old villages discovering fascinating medieval architecture with breath taking scenery as a back drop. Of course when you have immersed yourself in your chosen activity the delicious cuisine and wine of Tuscany will be the perfect compliment to another perfect day.

Abetone - alternatives

A 90 minute drive will find you on one of the marvelous beaches of western Tuscany. The region abounds with golf courses from the Poggio Dei Medici Golf Club near Florence to the courses around Lucca and the Garfagnana valley, in all there are 28 superb course to choose from and another planned in Lunigiana.

If you are looking to pamper yourself, Tuscany has around thirty thermal spas which await you, all within easy reach of Abetone and all set in breathtaking locations. The spa in Bagni di Lucca is the closest but others are centred around Pisa, Siena and Florence. If you want to be more active the options are endless, horse riding, white water rafting, cycling in the steep hills of the Chianti Valley or a more leisurely tour to the soft hills of the Lucca valley.

Abetone - access to Italian culture

Abetone is perfectly placed to take advantage of all the famous centres of Renaissance culture the region can offer. The sumptuous art, beautiful buildings and unique atmosphere of Florence is just 90 minutes from Abetone, while Lucca is under an hour, the medieval towers of San Gimignano and the wine-producing Chianti area are easily accessible while you can be in Siena to witness its famous palio horse race in under 2 hours away. Going north the porticos of Bologna and delights of Modena await you. The airports of Pisa, Parma, Bologna and Forli plus an excellent road system means getting to Abetone is a stress free experience.

Day in Lucca and Pisa
Along the way stop at the medieval bridge called the 'Devils Bridge', this masterpiece of construction spans the lower part of the river Serchio. On arrival in Pisa stop at Piazza dei Mirracoli. There is the Leaning Tower , and when you see it for real, it is only then you realise how much it really does lean. The baptistery and the Cathedral are both worth a visit. A walk along the main shopping street to see the river Arno.

Lucca is a small city which has an atmosphere that has long since been lost in other Tuscan cities. The hum of activity, the locals at work and the history of the city make for a great experience. Stroll along the 4km of city walls with the local cyclists and walkers. There is the Cathedral with many works of art, the mummified body of Santa Zita in the the church of San Frediano and the Piazza Antiteatro, built on the remains of the Roman amphitheatre. There is a lot to see and Wednesday is market day.

Florence

The Ufizzi Gallery and the Academia are a must to see especially Michelangelo’s “David” . Stroll the Ponte Vecchio and Boboli Gardens and experience the amazing views from Piazzale Michaelangelo. After the Duomo and Santa Croce, one can then attack the markets for a bargain, excellent leather and paper products are to be had there. A beautiful city, busy but one can still find a quiet spot there there.

Abetone - affordable property

Abetone offers something for everyone, and is ideally placed for both ski and summer holidays. Click here to read more about buying your own apartment in a new development in the wonderful Val di Luce - available freehold or for only £60,000 become a part-owner and secure yourself 4 weeks every year and membership of the Residence Club.
Read more about this exciting development in Abetone.