The First Snows of Winter
Lovely Weather We're Having
Perhaps it's an English obsession, but the weather in this corner of Abruzzo is a source of endless fascination. Yesterday for example we had:
- a high of 21C – around 70F – at lunchtime
- followed by vicious squalls early evening
- and the sight this morning of the mountains in the Maiella National Park with their first proper winter coat of snow
Perhaps not quite enough to get the skis waxed and the car revved-up for the drive to Passo di Lanciano or Roccaraso, but certainly enough to justify a glass of hot chocolate after having a decent snowball fight and building a snowman.
The Winter of their Discontent
Some snow – any snow – will almost be a cause for dancing in the streets of the Maiella National Park and Gran Sasso resorts after last winter, when the first proper snows didn't arrive until January. They lingered – as they always do – well in to March, (and even later at Passo di Lanciano), but that wasn't much consolation for a damp squib December. I asked one of the waiters at the excellent La Corniola in Pescocostanzo, (a bit pricey, but recommended. Try the tagliatelle with lamb ragu if it's available), what last winter had been like for business. The gist of the answer was 'Not that great…'
Good News for Ski Bums
Roccaraso's waiting for you ! Hard to believe that Abruzzo's biggest – and best ? – ski resort isn't in the Gran Sasso, but at the southernmost tip of the Maiella. The Roccaraso-Rivisindoli area has 100kms+ of slopes: access them all with an Alto Sangro Skipass. You can get more details from the Consorzio Skipass Alto Sangro on 0039 086 460 2148.
Ski in the Morning; Swim in the Afternoon (or play Golf – or all three !)
It's not some hoary old PR story. You really can ! After an early start and a few good runs down the slopes at Passo di Lanciano – from which you'll be able to see the sea twinkling in the distance – jump into the car and head for Francavilla, just over an hour away. In late March/early April it's warm enough for a brisk – or even leisurely – dip in the Adriatic, (which is guaranteed to get you the undivided attention of the beach dog-walkers), followed by a round of golf at Miglianico GC
And then…and then…a gargantuan blow-out. After a day like that, you deserve…no, not a pizza…not even two pizzas (though you'll be hungry enough)…but that culinary legend – Bistecca alla Fiorentina and the best bottle of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that money can buy. And with restaurant Montepulciano d'Abruzzo prices starting at around €5 a bottle, and a connoisseur's choice available at under €20, the bill's not going to irreperably dent your holiday budget.
(Click on pictures in text for larger images)
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