Campo Imperatore Ski Lifts – Fonte Cerreto

Overview

Fonte Cerreto is a mountain hamlet at the foot of the Gran Sasso massif and the departure station of the cable car to Campo Imperatore.

Cable Car

The cable car reaches Campo Imperatore in about 7 minutes.

Main Activities

• Hiking and panoramic trails
• Cable car ride
• Skiing in winter
• Local Abruzzo cuisine

Getting There

20–25 minutes from L’Aquila by car. Large parking areas available.

Best Time

Summer and early autumn for hiking; winter for skiing.

Quick Facts

Elevation: ~1,115 m
Municipality: L’Aquila (AQ)
Region: Abruzzo

Practical tips

• Always check the weather: Campo Imperatore is known for rapid changes, especially in winter.
• Arrive early: on weekends the cable car may have queues, especially during peak hours.
• Layered clothing: the temperature difference between Fonte Cerreto and the summit can exceed 10°C.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: high altitude increases UV exposure, even with light cloud cover.
• Water and snacks: services at high altitude may be limited during certain periods.
• Beware of strong winds: they may affect lift operations.
• Mountain footwear: essential for moving safely outside the groomed slopes.

Resort elevations

• Fonte Cerreto (cable car base): 1,115–1,125 m
• Campo Imperatore (cable car top): 2,130 m
• Fontari area: 1,850–2,000 m
• Scindarella: 2,200–2,230 m
• Total skiable vertical drop: ~1,000 m
• Highest point reachable by lifts: ~2,230 m

The high elevations ensure cold temperatures and natural snow for much of the season, making Campo Imperatore one of the most “alpine‑like” ski areas in the Apennines.

Ski mountaineering in Campo Imperatore

Campo Imperatore is one of the most renowned ski mountaineering areas in the Apennines, thanks to its high altitude, wide open slopes and the variety of routes available. The environment is demanding and alpine in character, with variable exposures and snow conditions that require experience and careful assessment.

General features

• Starting altitude: 2,130 m (top station of the cable car)
• Exposures: North, North-East, East, South-East depending on the route
• Recommended period: January to April, depending on snow cover
• Terrain: open slopes, gullies, glacial basins and wide ridges
• Required level: intermediate to advanced

The area offers numerous options: ascents towards Monte Portella, traverses towards the Vallone di Assergi, descents into the Conca del Sambuco and, above all, the classic line down Valle Fredda.

Valle Fredda descent

The descent into Valle Fredda is one of the most iconic routes of the Gran Sasso for ski mountaineers and freeriders. It offers an isolated environment, wide slopes and a natural line descending towards the L’Aquila side of the massif.

Technical data

• Starting altitude: 2,130 m (Campo Imperatore)
• Ending altitude: approx. 1,450–1,500 m
• Vertical drop: ~650–700 m
• Exposure: North / North-East
• Average slope: 25–30%
• Maximum slope: 35–38% in some sections
• Difficulty: BS / MS depending on conditions

Route description

From the top station of the cable car, a short traverse leads to the Portella area. From here, the upper basin opens into Valle Fredda. The descent develops on wide, regular slopes, with the possibility of steeper variants along the sides of the valley.

The central section is the most characteristic: a long, uniform slope that allows wide turns and continuous skiing. In the lower part, the valley narrows slightly before opening again towards the bottom.

Ascent and return

• Classic ascent: skinning up the valley back to Portella
• Alternative return: towards Fonte Cerreto (only with continuous snow and safe conditions)
• Average ascent time: 1h30–2h

Important notes

• Valle Fredda is prone to wind slabs and wind‑drifted accumulations.
• The upper section may present hard or icy snow.
• The valley is isolated: evaluate weather and snowpack stability carefully.
• Avalanche rescue skills are strongly recommended.

Campo Imperatore Prices

Updated rates for ski passes and the cable car at Campo Imperatore.