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Four unmissable snowshoe hikes in the Apennines
Updated on 28 January 2026
Our Bolognese Apennines are one of the most fascinating and varied destinations for mountain lovers, especially during winter, when its ridges are covered in snow and the landscapes are transformed into fairytale settings: here are four places to explore with snowshoes, for a unique experience surrounded by snow and nature.
Lake Scaffaiolo and Corno alle Scale: a scenic route through nature and history
Lake Scaffaiolo, located at an altitude of about 1,800 meters, is one of the most popular destinations for those who want to go snowshoeing at high altitude. The lake is a small jewel nestled between the ridges of Corno alle Scale, the highest peak in the Bolognese Apennines, which reaches 1,945 meters above sea level. During the winter, Lake Scaffaiolo is transformed into an evocative landscape, surrounded by a blanket of snow that reflects the sky and the surrounding ridges. The hike from the lake or the Cavone refuge up to Corno alle Scale is one of the most beautiful and scenic in the area. The route is an excellent opportunity to test yourself on a moderately difficult hike, suitable for those who are in good physical shape. During the ascent, you will pass through coniferous forests, beech woods, clearings, and slopes covered with snow. Once you reach the top of Corno alle Scale, the view is breathtaking: from the highest peaks of the Apennines to, on lucky days, the Apuan Alps and the island of Gorgona on the horizon. Once you reach the Duca degli Abruzzi refuge near the lake, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest, perhaps savoring a typical traditional mountain dish.
The Dardagna waterfalls, in the Corno alle Scale park, are one of the most evocative natural attractions in the Bolognese Apennines. This place is perfect for winter snowshoeing. The route to the waterfalls starts from the Cavone refuge and is easily accessible by car or public transport, taking the train to Porretta Terme and then the 776 bus to Cavone. The route to the waterfalls is relatively easy, but care must be taken due to the slope and the wet and slippery ground. During the hike, you will pass through beech and fir woods, with the snow making the walk even more magical. As you get closer to the waterfall, winter shows off all its beauty.
Suviana and Brasimone: snow-covered lakes for hiking and relax
The lakes of Suviana and Brasimone are the perfect place for snowshoeing in a natural environment rich in woods and gentle hills. Both lakes, located at 400 and 800 meters above sea level respectively, offer fascinating scenery, with the waters alternating with the snow covering the surrounding land. Although these hikes are not particularly difficult, these trails allow you to enjoy evocative and relaxing landscapes, perfect for a day of snowshoeing with friends. Lake Suviana, in particular, is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful snowshoe hike, immersed in the silence of the woods among the paths and forest trails that run through its mountains. The route that runs along the lake offers beautiful panoramic views and winds through the woods, making the atmosphere even more peaceful and charming. Lake Brasimone is another destination not to be missed. Both lakes have restaurants and rest stops where you can relax and enjoy typical dishes to round off a day in the snow-covered mountains. Not far away, there are also tourist facilities and farmhouses where you can spend the night and enjoy a relaxing break in a mountain setting.
Alpe di Monghidoro is the ideal place for those seeking an experience that combines history, tradition, and nature. Located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, Alpe is a large plateau offering numerous hiking trails starting from the village of Monghidoro. This route is suitable for hikers of all levels, with a variety of itineraries ranging from the easiest to the most challenging. The area is rich in history, having been a borderland for centuries between the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and the old Filigare customs house can still be found nearby. The area is known for its spectacular views, stretching over the valleys below and the surrounding mountains covered with forests. The route to the Alps is particularly picturesque in winter when snowfall creates a fairytale atmosphere. And what if we want to try the traditional cuisine of the Emilian Apennines here too? No problem, just visit the restaurants and trattorias found in almost every town in the area to taste the delicious and rich flavors of the Bolognese mountains.
