On Mount Cimone skiing with children

If you are looking for an inexpensive and convenient destination where you can ski, here is a destination within easy reach of Bologna: Sestola and Fanano with the Monte Cimone ski area.
The Cimone ski area stretches between 900 and 1976 meters offering 50 kilometers of slopes and 27 lifts. You'll have the opportunity to access every slope with the same ski pass, without ever having to take off your skis!

Cimone is the best-equipped ski resort in the entire Apennines, this is where the legendary Alberto Tomba made his first descents and won his first races, this is where Miro and Flora Tabanelli, brother and sister world Free-style champions, grew up.

Skiing on Cimone

When we talk about Cimone we refer to a larger area that includes in addition to Mount Cimone (2165 meters) the Cimoncino (2000 meters). Of the 50 km of slopes that this area offers, 38 km are for downhill skiing.
Most of the slopes are red runs, suitable for intermediate and evolving skiers.
The Direttissima that runs down from Pian Cavallaro to Passo del Lupo for 1.7 kilometers, or the long runs such as the Catinaccio descent (3 kilometers) are perfect for skiers.
Cimone's slopes are perfect for families: here you'll find school camps and two baby parks ideal for the little ones, the Baby Park at Lago della Ninfa and the one at Cimoncino.
In addition, the Cimone ski area has become a favorite destination for snow-boarders thanks to some of the characteristics of the slopes: their width, their conformation, the well-equipped snowpark and the vast possibility of off-piste trails.

There are more than 100 ski instructors in the area who, with passion and a deep mountain culture, will teach technique and convey curiosity about the sport.

📌 Here you can book individual and group ski lessons for both children and adults.

photo by Meri Cavani Monte Cimone ski area

All of Cimone's ski resorts are interconnected, let's look at the various resorts in the district one by one.

Passo del Lupo

The best known access point of the Cimone ski area is definitely the Passo del Lupo. A cable car departs from here and leads directly to Pian Cavallaro offering breathtaking views.
Passo del Lupo is easily reached by car from Sestola or from Pian del Falco by shuttle service. Here you will find hotels on the slopes, the Chalet dei Maestri, equipment rentals, bars, ski and snowboard schools, as well as specialty stores.

Lake of the Nymph

Lake Ninfa is an ideal destination for the whole family, both in summer and winter.
This enchanting body of water, located at 1500 meters above sea level just below the summit of Mount Cimone, becomes a main attraction due to its natural beauty. Its atmosphere, nestled between forests and mountains, is truly magical in every season.

A curiosity that makes the Lake of the Nymph even more fascinating is the legend surrounding it: it is said that on the clearest nights, a nymph dances on its waters, reflecting the light of the moon. This nymph, according to tradition, protects the lake and its surroundings, giving an aura of peace and harmony to those who visit it. Telling this story to children can make the visit even more special, fueling their imagination and making the day spent here unforgettable.

In winter, next to the rental, you will find the baby park "Cimonlandia", an area equipped with inflatable games and activities for the little ones.
In addition, there is a snowpark for the more adventurous.
The slope to Lake Ninfa is of medium difficulty, 900 m long. The beginning of the slope can be reached by chairlift from the lake.
This resort will offer you many services related to skiing: the school camp that will allow you to get closer to winter sports, the rental of technical equipment (skis and snowboards), and the ski and snowboard school.
There is no shortage of ample parking for cars and campers.

photo by Meri Cavani Snow-covered Lake of the Nymph

Cimoncino

The Cimoncino can be reached from Fanano, another resort not to be missed during a vacation here.
On Cimoncino, a very family-friendly resort, there is ample parking for cars and RVs, a sports store, various rentals, ski and snowboard schools, a lodge, bars, and clubs.
If you choose the Cimoncino resort you can decide to stay directly on the slopes and experience a unique thrill waking up directly on the perfectly groomed ski slopes of Cimone.

photo by Meri Cavani Refuge at Mount Cimone

Le Polle

Le Polle are located on the northwestern slope of Mount Cimone, at 1280 m above sea level.
Here, too, you will find ski schools, hotels, equipment rentals and sports stores. It was at this very resort that the new black slope dedicated to Olympic champion Giuliano Razzoli was recently opened.

The Polle can be reached directly from Riolunato. From the Polle, a 6-seater chairlift provides access to the rest of the Cimone ski area.

Here you can already book individual and group ski lessons for both children and adults.

Pian del Falco for first skiing

Pian del Falco is renowned for the beauty of its views and is not coincidentally called "the balcony of the Apennines."
If children are just starting out, Pian del Falco is perfect.
Everything you need for skiing is available locally at the various rentals and sports stores. There are federal ski school instructors. For the lift you can use the ski lift or have fun at the snowpark. The red slope connecting Pian del Falco and Sestola can be walked or snowshoed.

News from the Cimone ski area

Here is the latest news from the Cimone ski area:̀
- The black Direttissima slope has been fixed, widened and made safer
- At Passo del Lupo, the first bobsled track in the Apennines was inaugurated. The track is 700 meters long and the necessary equipment (helmet and bobsleigh) can be rented on site. For info and costs see the ski area's website
- The adapted ski center that allows people with disabilities to ski has been improved.

Not just skiing on Mount Cimone

If you're in Mount Cimone with kids in the winter, there are many ways to spend a fun day in the snow besides skiing and snowboarding..
Here you can rent sleds and have fun going down the snowy slopes.

If your kids are too young to ski or snowboard, you can take them to play in the snow in the area specially dedicated to children: there is no shortage of babyparks at Cimone: the best equipped are those at Cimoncino and Cimonelandia: courses are organized just for the little ones.

In Fanano there is also a beautiful ice skating rink. at the Palaghiaccio di Fanano.
This facility is a true landmark for winter fun, open throughout the cold season and suitable for young and old alike. The rink, which is wide and well maintained, is perfect both for those who want to try their hand at skating for the first time and for the more experienced-.
The rink is indoors, so it can be used even in bad weather, here you can rent skates directly on site. For children, there are also small supports in the shape of a penguin or polar bear to help little ones take their first steps on the ice in a safe and fun way.
The rink often holds themed events, especially during the Christmas season, with lights and music making the experience even more magical.

In addition, there are many restaurants and shelters where you can enjoy delicious hot dishes and drinks to warm you up.
😍Don't miss the famous crescentine, a typical dish of the Modenese Apennines. Crescentine also known as tigelle are best enjoyed with Modenese cold cuts!

🏎️E if one day the weather is bad, in 35 minutes from Fanano or Sestola you can be in Maranello at the visit the Museo Ferrari

Practical info for going skiing at Monte Cimone with children

Monte Cimone is located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, more precisely, it is situated right on the border between the province of Modena and Tuscany,
Monte Cimone is a strategic destination to go skiing from Bologna or from Florence.

Monte Cimone from Bologna

The travel time by car from Bologna to Monte Cimone depends on several factors, such as traffic and road conditions.
Under normal conditions, the trip should take about an hour and a half to two hours . However, I recommend that you check traffic conditions before you leave so that you can plan your trip appropriately.
You can take the A1 highway and exit at Sasso Marconi. From there, you will need to follow the signs to Mount Cimone.

Monte Cimone from Florence

About two and a half to three hours are required to reach Monte Cimone from Florence.
Passing through Pistoia and continuing a few kilometers after Abetone, you come to Monte Cimone