To experience the magic of Abruzzo’s winter landscapes, the “Snow Trains” experience offers an unforgettable journey aboard a historic train that travels up the picturesque Peligna Valley and the Maiella mountains. This tour, which combines the charm of vintage travel with the discovery of mountain beauty, starts from the historic city of Sulmona.
The Historic Journey and Logistics
The trip begins on a Saturday in January in Sulmona, a town easily reached from Rome by a train ride of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The meeting at Sulmona station is scheduled for 8:45 a.m., with an on-time departure at 9:00 a.m. Therefore, to avoid early risers, we recommend arriving on a Friday. The train takes a scenic route that touches places such as Pettorano sul Gizio, Cansano and Campo di Giove, offering breathtaking views.
The first stop is scheduled around 10:30 a.m. at the station of Palena, located on the Forchetta Pass at nearly 1,300 meters above sea level. This stop allows travelers to admire the wide horizon of the Greater Abruzzo Highlands while enjoying a time for breakfast, refreshments and a display of local handicrafts.
The historical train departs in the afternoon from Roccaraso at 4:30 p.m., making intermediate stops to catch up with travelers, with final arrival in Sulmona around 6 p.m.
Tourist Destinations and Tour Options
After the intermediate stop, travelers can choose from four different tourist itineraries included in the package:
- Palena and the Celestinian Hermitage: A bus tour to the interesting historic center of Palena and then to the Hermitage of the Madonna dell’Altare, a place of profound spiritual and historical importance set in a scenic location.
- Pescocostanzo: A guided tour to admire the old town with its craft stores and architectural beauty, with subsequent free time for lunch in Roccaraso.
- Pietransieri and Mount Zurrone: A historical itinerary that traces the sites of the War along the Gustav Line, visiting the Limmari Memorial and the Military Memorial of the Crossless Fallen, while offering panoramic views of the Cinquemiglia Plateau.
- Roccaraso: The option most devoted to snow recreation, allowing you to spend your free time in the renowned winter sports center, with the possibility of using chairlifts for breathtaking views, or indulge in skating at the Palaghiaccio ice rink.
The Palena, Pescocostanzo and Pietransieri/Monte Zurrone itineraries must be booked compulsorily along with the integrated train + tour ticket.
Basic prices for train travel alone (without overnight stay or guided tours) start at about 55 euros. However, complete two-day, one-night packages are also available that include overnight hotel stay in Sulmona, dinner and breakfast, sightseeing, and one of the itineraries of your choice. These special packages are on offer from 179 euros per adult.
Historical train departures for winter 2026 are scheduled on the following dates: Jan. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31. Advance reservations are strongly recommended to secure your place on the train and in your desired tour.