When we think of Florence, we imagine centuries of artistic and cultural heritage, historic streets and masterpieces at every corner. What we mightn’t think of, however, is skiing. In fact, just over an hour from Florence, you can grab some skis and embark on adrenaline-fueled fun to mix up your museum-hopping with some physical activity. Sprinkled with fresh snow, these peaks are simply paradisiacal. 

Abetone is one such site, located roughly 80 kilometers from Florence, taking about an hour and half to get there. Located in the Pistoia mountains, it’s an ideal day-trip if you don’t feel like extracting yourself from Florence for too long yet still want to enjoy the dramatic downhill slopes and the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Featuring over 30 tree-lined slopes ranging from 1200 to 1950 meters in height, the slopes are spread across the four valleys of Luce, Scoltenna, Sestaione and Lima. While best suited for beginner-intermediate level skiers, those seeking more of a challenge will be satisfied too as the Black Diamond piste known as Zeno One can be found on Monte Gomito, designed by Olympic medalist Zeno Colo who taught skiing here for many years. Day passes cost very little in comparison to bigger name resorts and you won’t have to battle the numbers you’d find there either.