Thanks to their particular geographical
characteristics, the Apennines are the ideal location for alternative
sports. These are generally sports practiced by people in vast open
spaces rather than in enclosed, localised facilities such as for traditional
sports. These sports can be practiced throughout the four seasons, mainly
in the higher Apennines where the landscape of the territory and the
uninhabited spaces are most suited to this type of sport. There are
long trails for hiking, mountain bike riding and horse riding as well
as others for trial motorcycles. Other trails are there to be discovered
through orienteering. The innumerable torrents and mountain streams
are ideal for a number of sports ranging from "no-kill" fishing,
to canoeing, and "torrenting". The wide open spaces, the craggy
cliffs and enchanting mountain landscapes are particularly suited to
hang-gliding and para-gliding. For thrill seekers we must not neglect
rock climbing, ski-mountaineering and extreme skiing on the highest
Apennine peaks.
Rock Climbing
Free climbing and rock climbing enthusiasts will find a natural training
ground in the spring and summer months on the Pietra di Bismantova located
close to Castelnovo ne Monti. The local climbing association provides
information, guides and recommended routes. You can also rock climb
at Sassi di Varana, near the town of Serramazzoni. This huge mass makes
an excellent natural rock climbing "gym" for enthusiasts.
 Canoeing
In spring the mountain streams and torrents are swollen with water and
provide the opportunity to canoe and explore deep gorges or zigzag through
racing rapids while admiring breathtaking mountain scenery that otherwise
would be impossible to see. In the lower reaches the difficulty lessens
but there is no less enjoyment in the river descent. There are many
tracts where it is possible to canoe including the Scoltenna, Leo, Ospitale
torrents and the Rio Perticara and Panaro river.
Hang-Gliding
And Para-Gliding
These particularly exhilarating sports are attracting
an ever increasing number of enthusiasts, particularly para-gliding
which requires less bulky and more easily transported equipment. It
is possible to fly over almost all the Apennine territory with cliffs
suitable for take off and plains for landing in all parts of the area.
The best locations in the Reggiano Apennines are Mt Cusna which is the
highest peak in the Apennine region at 2120 m, Modenese Apennines include
Monfestino, the whole Cimone area, and in particular Sestola (Pian di
Falco and Casine), Montecreto (Seggiovia), Fiumalbo (Pian Cavallaro,
landing on Doccia), Fanano (Pratignana), Montese, with the Montello
peak. The Bologna Apennines offer launching locations in the area of
Vergato (Monte Pero and Cereglio) and Castel d'Aiano. There are schools
for beginners almost everywhere.
Mountain
Biking
This sport has become very popular over the last few years at every
altitude in the Apennines with all those wanting to measure their physical
and cycling capacities on nature trails and excursions. By now almost
every town authority has created permanent bicycle trails. These are
frequently "ring" shaped, such as the longest trail for mountain
bikes in the Apennines, the "Cimone Ring", a demanding 45
km trail with very little road linking the four townships that circle
the Cimone mountain — Fanano, Sestola, Montecreto and Riolunato.
Other trails are to be found at Fanano, Pievepelago (Via Vandelli) and
at Savigno (the "Settechiese" trail). Mention must also be
made of the downhill trails at Sestola (Pian del Falco) and at Montecreto
(Monte Cervarola). In the Modenese Apennines a B.A.M. course (Modenese
Apennine Diploma) is organised every year from May to October. It involves
following new mountain bike trails through history and nature, and the
finishers who obtain the Diploma receive prizes related to tourism.
 Orienteering
This sport has been imported from Northern Europe and is becoming increasingly
popular in Italy. It puts to the test one's ability to orient oneself
in an unknown territory armed only with a map and compass. The competition
takes place in stages and points are awarded. There is an area dedicated
to this sport at S. Anna Pelago (Pievepelago).
No-Kill
Fishing
The Apennine torrents are famous for the abundance of fish such as trout
and fly fishing along their banks is an increasingly popular activity.
Over the last few years there has been an increase in the so-called
no-kill fishing — a manner of fishing that respects the environment
and that is purely limited to the enjoyment of the sport. The areas
dedicated to this sport are defined and governed by the Provincial Fauna
Regulations. In the Modenese Apennines the following areas have been
designated for this sport and are clearly sign-posted — "Fario"
(Fiumalbo), Ponte della Fola (Pievepelago / Riolunato), Prugneto (Scoltenna
torrent), "Campo di Gara" (Leo torrent), Docciola, Cave di
Govi and Casona (Panaro river).
Excursion
Skiing; Skiing And Mountaineering; Extreme Skiing
The snow which generously covers the higher reaches of the High Apennines
provides not only traditional winter sports but also a number of other
exciting activities. An unusual way to follow forest trails, the ancient
medieval roads and the numerous mountain tracks is excursion skiing
with cross-country skis. Skiing and mountaineering, on the other hand,
requires specific equipment and involves climbing the highest peaks
such as Giovo, Rondinaio, Libro Aperto, Cimone and Spigolino and skiing
down the steepest slopes. Also on the most 'heart-stopping' slopes,
expert skiers can try out their extreme skiing skills in dangerous and
thrilling conditions. In any case, due to the hidden dangers that snow
can veil, is it always advisable to undertake these activities only
with the appropriate equipment, up-to-date information and the right
training as well as with professional Guides if necessary.
"Torrenting"
A new sport, a youthful and unusual approach to mountain hiking in the
Apennines practiced by lovers of nature at its wildest. It involves
following water courses through canyons, ravines and dangerous gorges
where the water flows through rapids or over waterfalls. In the Frignano
area there are qualified guides who can accompany particularly adventurous
tourists along the torrents of the High Apennines. Treks lasting a few
days that go from valley to valley, but always follow water, are also
organised.
Motorcycle
Trial Riding
This sport is also enjoying an increased following. It is certainly
not a traditional way of immersing oneself in nature and, precisely
because of the means used, it is strictly practiced only along prepared
trails that are clearly sign-posted to limit the impact on the environment.
Permanent sign-posted trails for trial motorbikes are to be found at
Fanano and Montecreto. The itineraries often include tracts along the
sandy or stony banks of mountain streams to the delight of and challenging
the enthusiasts of this sport.
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