Careggine: Skiing, Trails and History

When looking for a hotel in Careggine, it is worth deciding what to focus on during your trip: winter sports, a shorter walk, hiking destinations or cultural history. The options differ in discipline, route type and theme. This lets you plan around the activities that interest you, without treating alpine ski slopes, cross-country ski trails and hiking trails as interchangeable offerings.

Skiing, cross-country trails and snowshoeing

A municipal description dated July 11, 2023, lists three ski lifts in the Careggine ski area. They serve alpine ski slopes in the two areas of Formica and Monte la Cima; together, there are five kilometres of groomed downhill runs. Five kilometres of groomed trails are also listed for Nordic skiing, for both classic technique and skating. The two five-kilometre figures refer to different disciplines: downhill runs and cross-country trails are not the same route for two types of use. If you are choosing between alpine and Nordic skiing, you can start planning with the technique you prefer. The description also mentions snowshoeing to explore the area’s forests and clearings. This is a distinct way to experience the winter landscape and is not the same as skiing on the slopes or cross-country trails.

Circular routes and hiking destinations

The options for walking also differ in route type and destination. The Sentiero dei Mulini consists of two circular routes that meet near the sports facilities. This also makes a shorter walk possible. It offers a different planning option from trails with named summit destinations. Isola Santa is in the municipality of Careggine, in the Apuan Alps at an altitude of 550 metres. The village was probably founded in the High Middle Ages as a hospice on the road linking Garfagnana and Versilia. Hiking trails from Isola Santa lead to Monte Corchia, Freddone and Monte Penna di Sumbra. This gives you a shorter circular walk and trails to specific destinations as different options for planning your trip.

Bosa: Landscape, park and natural history

Bosa is home to the visitor centre of the Apuan Alps Regional Park. It is situated on a natural terrace overlooking Lake Vagli and the valley of the Edron River. The Museo della fauna di ieri e di oggi displays taxidermied animals that live today on the mountain peaks, alpine meadows and in the forests of the Apuan Alps. Life-size reconstructions of a cave bear and a cave lion complement the natural history exhibits; original finds provide evidence of these animals’ presence in the area. Thus, today’s wildlife and prehistoric finds are presented side by side. The Bottega focuses on fresh and preserved goods. These include products from short supply chains, heritage and local varieties, and niche products. Organic and traditional production are among the offer’s key features.

Church history in Careggine

The first records of Careggine date back to 720, when a chapel was consecrated; it is now the parish church. Today’s parish church houses a stone altarpiece and a statue of Saint Anthony. The statue is dated 1563 and attributed to Vincenzo Civitali. More than eight centuries separate the chapel’s early mention from the dated work of art. These two dates give the history of the village a specific timespan, while the altarpiece and statue are distinct works of art within the church.

Discover more destinations: Isola Santa, Pierdiscini, Viareggio, Campolemisi, Porcari, Borgo A Mozzano, Renaio, Villa Basilica.

See the main travel overview: Lucca.