Visit to Val Di Rose, an integral reserve area reachable on foot from the village of Civitella Alfedena (see our trail map);
Trekking, snowshoeing or ski mountaineering in Val Di Rose starting from Civitella Alfedena passing by the Forca Resumi refuge: Civitella Alfedena is located at an altitude of 1127 meters and often near the village there is no snow. Therefore, sometimes you must still walk the first stretch to reach an altitude where ski mountaineering or snowshoes can be used. A map is always recommended and can be easily purchased in the village during summer (in winter Civitella Alfedena is not very frequented due to the lack of ski lifts for alpine skiing);
Visit to Lake Barrea, a splendid lake near the village where swimming is prohibited but where you can enjoy picnics on the shore, walks around the lake (even with snowshoes or cross-country skis when snow allows), walk to Barrea, or rent a canoe. From Val Di Rose you can see the lake from above and the landscape is breathtaking.
Winter characteristics: Val Di Rose is an integral reserve area whose trails climb to high altitudes and are suitable for those with good athletic ability. The ascent must follow off-piste skiing rules, requiring special avalanche safety equipment. Before starting the ascent, it is necessary to check weather and snow conditions. Near the village of Civitella Alfedena you may encounter deer, especially at night, while above 1700 meters it is very easy to see large herds of Abruzzo chamois, which, accustomed to people, do not run away and can be easily photographed.
Summer characteristics: Val Di Rose is very popular in summer. Before leaving, you must check with the Park Authority whether access restrictions are in place. The high number of visitors often recorded in summer is harmful to wildlife, and chamois are harder to spot in August. There are many trails to choose from; a map is necessary and can be easily purchased at the information points in Civitella Alfedena.
What you need to know: throughout the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the use of drones is strictly prohibited (unless expressly authorized) and dogs are not allowed on mountain trails, with heavy fines for violators. In summer there are controls, while in winter they are absent. Many people dislike this rule, but studies show that drones and dogs disturb local wildlife. We naturally agree about drones, but not about dogs, as this can discourage dog owners from visiting.
Curiosities: at the top of the village, near the trail to Val Di Rose, it is almost guaranteed to see at night a resident herd of deer, sometimes even inside the village. Interestingly, the deer leave in August and return when tourists decrease. If you get too close, they run away instantly.
Connections: Civitella Alfedena is located in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park and can only be reached via mountain roads. It is important to check road conditions before leaving in winter, as snowfall can be significant. Summer is the busiest period and parking can be difficult; however, even during peak season the village remains quiet and pleasant, with cool mountain evenings. Civitella Alfedena is about 25 minutes by car from Pescasseroli, 10 minutes from Barrea, 5 from Villetta Barrea, 15 from Opi, and about one hour from the ski lifts of Roccaraso.
Climate: in winter the climate is particularly harsh when Balkan winds arrive, less so with sirocco winds. Although snowfall is abundant, sometimes you may arrive in winter and find no snow in the village because warm sirocco winds can melt it. At higher altitudes where ski mountaineering is practiced, snow is almost always present from December to March.
