Discover with us the most beautiful locations from Rome to enjoy a snow day for a trip from the Eternal City
Rome is famous worldwide for is ancient ruins, beautiful Renaissance masterpieces and unique atmosphere. The eternal city offers also the opportunity to enjoy a snow day in some locations not so far from Rome. When winter descends, the Eternal City serves as the perfect springboard for some of Italy’s most underrated alpine adventures. Within just 90 minutes, you can swap your espresso in Trastevere for a pair of skis in the Apennines.
Whether you’re an adrenaline winter sport lover or a family looking for that first snowball fight, here is your ultimate guide to seeing snow near Rome.
Monte Livata: the mountain of Rome
Located just 84km from the city center, Monte Livata is the only ski resort in the province of Rome. So called by locals as the mountain of Rome, Monte Livata is the quintessential day-trip destination for locals and savvy travelers alike. It is the best location families and cross-country enthusiasts and it is so authentic, relaxed, and incredibly accessible.
Our suggestion is to visit Monna dell’Orso for downhill skiing, or try the 7km cross-country loop that winds through enchanting beech forests. If you aren’t a skier, the sunset snowshoeing tours offer breathtaking views of the Simbruini Mountains.
Monte Livata is far 1.5-hour by car via the A24. If you don’t have a car, you can take a regional bus to Subiaco and then a local shuttle up the mountain.
Campo Felice: the modern skier’s choice
If you’re looking for high-tech lifts and wide, sunny slopes, Campo Felice in Abruzzo is your best destination. Situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, it offers more reliable snow cover and a diverse range of 23 pistes. It is the best option for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and the “Delle Aquile” run is a must-try for experts, featuring a challenging 600-meter vertical drop.
Campo Felice is a straight shot on the A24 motorway approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Rome’s city center. The proximity to the highway makes it the easiest big snow resort to reach from Rome.
Ovindoli: night skiing and snow parks
Just a stone’s throw from Campo Felice lies Ovindoli, a resort that combines traditional Abruzzese charm with a modern “cool” factor. It boasts one of the best snow parks in Central Italy (Magnola Upper-Park) and offers night skiing on the “Dolce Vita” slope on selected evenings.
Located at roughly 1 hour 50 minutes from Rome, Ovindoli is a slightly longer drive from the Eternal City but well worth it for the superior terrain and vibrant village atmosphere.
Monte Terminillo: the historic peak
Known traditionally as la montagna dei Romani – the locals’ mountains , Monte Terminillo offers a classic Italian mountain experience. Rising to 2,216 meters, it’s visible from Rome on clear winter days, beckoning with its jagged, snow-capped peaks. It is the best location for history buffs and panoramic views. Beyond the 30km of alpine slopes, Terminillo is famous for its trekking and mountaineering culture.
The village of Pian de Valli feels like a step back in time with cozy rifugi serving hearty pasta. To reach Terminillo from the Eternal City you can reach Terminillo by taking a train from Roma Termini to Rieti, followed by a Cotral bus.
Tips travel logistics: how to reach the snow
Renting a car is the most flexible option: ensure you have winter tires or snow chains (mandatory in Italy in the mountains from November to April). During peak season – from January to March – several private operators like Busforfun offer “Ski Days” packages that include round-trip transport from Rome and a lift pass.
For a magical experience in 2026, check out the historic Trans-Siberian of Italy a vintage train departing from Sulmona – reachable from Rome – that traverses the snow-covered Maiella National Park.
