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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