Tuscany is not synonymous with ‘winter sports’: indeed, the mountains here are not nearly as good as in the Dolomites or the Alps. But avid skiers or snowboarders can nonetheless find temporary satisfaction in the region.
Abetone, northwest of Pistoia, is a little under two hours’ drive (or three hours by bus) from Florence and has 50km of runs, topping out at around 1,900m (see theflr.net/kl5zf2). In contrast with its modern ovovia lift and beep-through ski-pass, the chalets here are a throwback to the 1970s—both the good parts, such as the food, and the bad, like the slippery, brown-tiled bathrooms. A bit crowded on weekends, Abetone is most fun midweek, when the ski pass prices are also lower. See www.multipassabetone.it.
In southern Tuscany, Maremma locals take in the snow at Monte Amiata (1,728m), with its 10km of runs. As it is warmer than the area around Pistoia, opening may be limited to one run, which would be more fun on a toboggan (but not permitted) than on skis. See www.amiataneve.it.
Farther away from Florence, in the Lunigiana area, is Zum Zeri: Passo Due Santi, which has the unusual distinction of being a ski resort affording clear views of the sea! See www.zumzeri.net.
The Garfagnana area also offers a few ski areas that are perfect for families, with a handful of runs and lifts. See theflr.net/i3fnfj.
N.B. When this article went to print, snow had melted throughout Tuscany. Please check the websites for updated snow information.
