Calabria is the toe of the Italian “boot” and is, by definition, “the California of Italy”. This southern region is famous for its miles of enchanting beaches, its seabeds beloved by divers, its nearly year-round sunshine, and its outdoor lifestyle. And in winter? Hardly anyone considers Calabria a skiing destination… and perhaps this is precisely its “luck.” Because here you can ski in dreamy locations and in complete tranquility. Follow us to find out where and how.
Mountains of Calabria
Calabria is a region of beaches, but the beaches all lie at the foot of massive mountains—the Apennines—that overlook the sea to both the north and south. In the innermost areas of this mountain range, which is not very high but quite enough, there are snow paradises that also host interesting ski slopes in winter. In Calabria, you can ski on the Sila plateau and the Aspromonte mountains. To reach these locations, rely on our customized transfers, departing from the airports of Lamezia Terme (SUF) and Reggio Calabria (REG).
Skiing in the Sila Forests
Sila is a wooded plateau that covers the districts of Cosenza, Crotone, and Catanzaro. It is a national park with elevations that can reach -and exceed- 1,800 meters above sea level ( Porcina Ranges, Mount Nero) up to the 1,928 meters of the highest peak, Mount Botte Donato. The alpine beauty of this corner of Calabria, home to rivers, lakes, and trails winding through centuries-old trees, transforms into a snowy paradise in winter. Here, skiing and winter sports enthusiasts find their true joy.
In Sila, you can ski on over 24 km of slopes: in Camigliatello Silano, 2 km of blue tracks are accessible to everyone, even children, and 2 km of red tracks are ideal for the more experienced and adventurous. Families and less experienced skiers can also enjoy the snow at the Villaggio Palumbo facilities, in the Crotone area, where 11 km are dedicated to blue slopes and 9 km to red ones.
Professionals and risk-takers can challenge themselves on the one-kilometer black slope located at the Lorica facilities; here, you can ski on medium-difficulty 5 km red tracks, while just one kilometer is available for beginners. Lorica offers the highest slopes in Sila, breathtaking views and extremely challenging descents that will get your adrenaline pumping!
Skiing in Aspromonte while admiring Mount Etna and the sea
With over 7 km of slopes, the Gambarie resort (Reggio Calabria) ascends and descends the rugged peaks of the Aspromontes, offering skiers unique views. On the horizon, the sea opens up, dotted with the Aeolian Islands and the giant cone of Mount Etna in the distance, in Sicily. This spectacle can be admired along the nearly 3 km of blue slopes dedicated to beginners or while practicing hard on the 2.5 km of red slopes. The most challenging black track is just one kilometer long and you will hardly think about the view, when you try it!
Ski Lifts
Gambarie has 5 ski lifts. There are 3 at Villaggio Palumbo, while the Camigliatello and Lorica resorts offer 1 and 7 lifts, respectively.
Therefore, given the amenities available, the most suitable locations for mass winter tourism are undoubtedly Gambarie, Villaggio Palumbo, and Lorica.
What to see nearby…
The beauty of “winter” Calabria goes beyond snow-covered forests and scenic ski slopes. Every Calabrian village holds treasures worth discovering once you’ve taken off your skis.
Camigliatello (Cosenza), with its Alpine appearance, is already a little gem: here, tourists can admire an Archaeological Museum and several Paleolithic sites, such as Ampollino and Piana di Cecita. In Cecita, around the lake of the same name, there are also remains from the Greek-Roman time. Don’t miss a visit to the La Nave Museum, which collects memories of emigration—both Italian emigration abroad and new immigrants arriving every day.
Lorica is the gateway to Calabria’s second largest lake, after Cecita: Lake Arvo. Nearby, the two towns to which Lorica hamlet belongs offer wonders such as the churches and abbeys of San Giovanni in Fiore or the medieval villages that make up the scattered municipality of Casali del Manco.
In Gambarie, you’ll admire the artistic fountain, the Mangeruca square, the Garibaldi Mausoleum, the Amendolea waterfalls, and Lake Menta. Meanwhile, in Villaggio Palumbo, the star attraction is the stunning Lake Ampollino.
