Things to Do in the Sibillini Mountains

Ski touring in the Sibillini

For ski touring in the Sibillini the most popular areas are Monte Porche, Palazzo Borghese, Monte Argentella and the Valle Santa. A classic route is the ascent of Monte Vettore through the Valle Santa. It starts from Aie Capate/Fonte Nova (1,385 m), with about 1,100 m of elevation gain and 3 and a half hours of climbing. The valley is sheltered from strong winds and holds its snow longer. When there is avalanche danger, this ascent should be avoided.

Cross-country skiing in the Monti Sibillini

Cross-country skiing in the Monti Sibillini has three main areas:

• the Centro Fondo Sibillini at Castelluccio di Norcia, with more than 25 km of trails on the high plateaus;
• the Piani di Ragnolo, with loops for classic and skate technique;
• Pintura di Bolognola, with a loop of about 4 km and a cross-country ski school.

Mountain biking and e-bikes in the Sibillini Mountains

For mountain biking, the reference route is the Grande Anello by mountain bike, which differs from the hiking loop on foot. It runs on forest roads and back roads. It usually starts from Visso, home of the Park headquarters, and passes through Fiastra, Amandola, Montegallo and Norcia. It generally takes 4 or 5 days. The best period runs from May to October.

E-bikes can be recharged at the hikers' huts restored by the Park. The 2016 earthquake, however, damaged many facilities, and some have not yet reopened.

Paragliding in Castelluccio

For more than 25 years Castelluccio di Norcia has been home to a national free-flight school, with courses in paragliding, hang gliding and paramotoring. Even without experience, it is possible to fly tandem with an instructor. A shuttle takes passengers to one of the takeoff points around the Piano Grande, and the length of the flight depends on the air currents. After the 2016 earthquakes much of the village remained in ruins for a long time.

Horseback riding and trail rides in the Sibillini Mountains

From the Pian Grande of Castelluccio, horseback rides of one or more hours set out, suitable for beginners too. There are also multi-day treks with overnight stays in tents. From Norcia, a very popular ride leads to the Pantani di Accumoli. Park guides trained as equestrian guides organize horseback or mule excursions on request for groups or schools.

Rock climbing in the Sibillini Mountains

Monte Bove has broad walls of dolomitic limestone on its north and east faces. In the Bove area, the Park allows climbing only during set periods to protect the Apennine chamois, so it is worth checking the updated calendar before setting out. The Park has authorized bolted routes on the Collina crag, in the municipality of Montemonaco. Opening new routes requires the Park's authorization.

Mushroom and truffle foraging in Le Marche

In Le Marche, picking mushrooms requires a permit card. Foraging is governed by regional law no. 18 of 2022 and later amendments: it is allowed for people aged at least 16 and requires paying for a permit. For truffles, regional law no. 5 of 2013 requires a certificate of eligibility. It is obtained by passing an exam and is valid throughout Italy. Its validity depends on the annual payment of the regional concession fee.

The Sibillini by camper van in Le Marche

Amandola is considered the eastern gateway to the Park. It has a municipal camper stopover area open year-round, with water, electricity and waste disposal, where vehicles can stay for a maximum of two days. Another camper stopover area is in Valfornace, in the province of Macerata.