All year mountain activities in Mount Amiata
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| Mount Amiata |
Although Mount Amiata is a dormant volcano, the territory still conserves a great amount of energy in its interior which gives a strong identity to the region and its inhabitants.
Winter sport lovers will appreciate down-hill and cross-country skiing on the slopes of Mount Amiata, while hikers will head to the area during the autumn months to hunt for mushrooms and chestnuts. Spring is best when it comes to looking for raspberries and blueberries. Those who love water will enjoy a canoe ride along one of the area’s many waterways.
Winter sport lovers will appreciate down-hill and cross-country skiing on the slopes of Mount Amiata, while hikers will head to the area during the autumn months to hunt for mushrooms and chestnuts. Spring is best when it comes to looking for raspberries and blueberries. Those who love water will enjoy a canoe ride along one of the area’s many waterways.
Mountain-climbers can enjoy the territory’s trails, known for their breathtaking views. Novice mountaineers are likely to appreciate the trails that wind along the cliffs of the Amiata. Trained cyclists won’t want to miss an incredible mountain-bike excursion or a climb to the mountain top. | |
| Skilifts on Mount Amiata |
When the white blanket of snow covers the mountain, skiers can choose among the 15 ski lifts, located in four locations on the mountain (Prato della Contessa, Prato delle Macinaie, Marsiliana, and the Cantore Refuge). These lifts serve over 25 km of ski trails and slopes, in addition to the resort's 12 km of cross-country ski trails. Ski instructors and ski schools are also available to beginners and children or those who want to brush up on their style. When snow is abundant, the trails that travel through the Amiata woods are a great pleasure. Snow-shoeing trails are also available.
Famous is the network of long and short footpaths in Mount Amiata. The most important excursion in this vast network is the 'Ring of the Mountain', a magnificent 28 km-long itinerary that travels around the volcano. The maximum duration of the itinerary is 12 hours and it takes you through the mountain towns and villages, like Abbadia San Salvatore, Vivo d'Orcia, Arcidosso, Piancastagnaio, and Santa Fiora. This footpath is well marked with signs. Other itineraries connect Santa Fiora, Piancastagnaio and the 'Ring of the Mountain' to Mount Civitella and Castell'Azzarra. These footpaths travel through the natural reserves of Pigelleto and Monte Penna. The 'chestnut footpaths' are noteworthy for the flora and fauna, as well as for the castle, villas and old farmhouses along the path.
Trekking lovers can combine these various itineraries over a period of a few days, or use the marked routes that connect the footpaths of Mount Amiata with interesting places in Maremma and the province of Siena. Along the marked routes in the province of Grosseto, you can go to Pitigliano, Saturnia, Scansano and the Argentario area. The routes in Siena travel to Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Chiusi and the city of Siena. The Florence-Siena-Roma footpath, inaugurated in 1996, connects 25 Tuscan cities to Rome, and crosses the forests of Mount Amiata and the fields of Mount Labbro. All of the marked itineraries can also be travelled on horseback with special guides.
Many cycle routes (not all of them, however) can be travelled with mountain bikes. For the vast majority of the routes in Mount Amiata, however, it is recommended that cyclists use an all-terrain bicycle that can ride on both uphill and downhill asphalted and dirt roads. Also those who seek classic-style cycling tourism (on asphalted roads only) will find something interesting in Mount Amiata, and in northern Maremma and Val d'Orcia. The five routes that travel up the Amiata are recommended for expert cyclists.
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