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In the heart of the Parco Nazionale del
Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga lies the Gran Sasso massif itself.
A half-hours drive from the city of Aquila, which itself is
only some two and a half hours from Rome, the national park
is a favorite escape for Romans in all seasons, particularly
summer and winter. During the winter, residents of the Italian
capital flock to the ski resort that lies in the shadow of the
Gran Sasso, in the high alpine plain of Campo Imperatore. Accessible
from Assergi (a typical medieval Abruzzo village) via a cable
car (or road when clear of snow), Campo Imperatore has been
a tourist destination for over a century, the Rifugio Duca degli
Abruzzi for example dating back to 1908.
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For those who enjoy skiing on lift-serviced trails the Gran Sasso
has much to offer, as do several other neighboring resorts such
as Campo Felice and Roccaraso. But some of the best itineraries,
for both downhill and cross-country skiers, are to be found off-piste.
One excellent downhill itinerary that is easily accessible by
the lift system is the descent to the cable car station from the
top of the cable car itself at Campo Imperatore or from the Scinderella
lifts. There are many possible off-piste descents in this area,
as well as others more difficult (and requiring a guide): be sure
to talk to the guides for conditions before departing, know the
terrain well and above all do not do these routes alone.
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Many fine cross-country ski routes exist from Campo Imperatore.
There is a groomed path that runs along the basin, which makes
a good warm-up. After this the classic loop of the three little
lakes is highly recommended. A 4-hour loop from Campo Imperatore,
the track follows the suggestive high altitude Fossetta basin,
which feels more like Scandinavia or Greenland than central Italy.
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks in a golden silence
granted only to those who venture into mountain wilderness.
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From late spring until the first snows, the Abruzzo parks transform
themselves into hiker's wonderland. Particularly in spring, when
the green slopes are awash with flowers, and in the fall, when
the leaves begin to change color and the mountain slopes turn
a serene shade of orange. Many treks can be completed throughout
the region, which is lined with mountain rifugi that no matter
how remote still offer comfortable accommodation, a fun social
atmosphere and above all wonderful, typical cuisine (remember
you are in the heart of Italy). A stay is recommended at the historic
Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, from where one could complete a fine
2-4 hour loop to Monte Portella, Punta Cefalone and Rifugio Garibaldi
before returning to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi. Panoramic views
extend to the nearby summit of Corno Grande, a much more difficult
ascent recommended with alpine guide; the climb begins from the
Prati di Tivo before crossing the southernmost glacier in Europe,
at the foot of the great peak.
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