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Abetone for complete beginners with toddler
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

Hello all, a pair of almost complete newbies here. Puzzled We have both been on dry slopes a few times, a few years ago, but don't remember how to ski. Looking for advice on spending a week in Abetone this January, with private lessons and gear rental. We are both Brits but can get by in Italian, and we would be travelling from Florence.

First of all, does Abetone have reliable snow cover? My first thought was to drive off into the Alps, but it seems silly when we don't know how to ski yet.

We have a 1 year old son who would come along, so we need a creche. I guess this is something our hotel might provide? Recommendations much appreciated please!

We have a car here, an ordinary little front-wheel-drive Fiat with the legally required set of snow chains in the boot, but I've never used them and would rather avoid needing to. Buying a set of winter tyres just for this trip seems a bit much, so are we better off doing the whole trip on public transport? Since we won't have skis to carry. I don't know if being able to drive out of Abetone during our stay is likely to matter.

A quick Google suggests we should buy ski suits, gloves and masks, and pack some good hiking boots, but plan to rent skis and ski boots. Is that sensible, and will we need other things?

My travel insurance says it covers skiing - anything to watch out for there?

Dry ski slopes don't seem to exist in Italy, is that right? I've found an indoor snowdome place near Bergamo, which is too far for a daytrip, but nothing else in the whole country.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

@chaikhosi, welcome to snowHead .

I have no idea what Abetone is like, so cannot comment on the resort.

With regards to what to wear - beg and borrow as much stuff as you can so that if you don't like skiing (perish the thought) you are not lumbered with lots of kit you don't want. In the UK, I'd suggest try shopping at TKMaxx, Lidl, Aldi when they get their ski gear in (don't know if there are any Italian equivalents). Some useful information on clothing etc. on https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/17123.page

Sensible to rent skis and boots for your first time.

Travel insurance can be a minefield - best check the small print to see what conditions are imposed. For example, some policies require you to wear a helmet, some don't.

Admin - may be bump this post to the Piste or Resort Review section. No-one ever visits Bend ze Knees.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Abetone is okay, the village is a bit grim though. Is this the only reason you want to go there or is it the proximity to Florence?

Quote:

My first thought was to drive off into the Alps, but it seems silly when we don't know how to ski yet.


This isn't really an issue, there's plenty of smaller & quieter resorts that are more snowsure and prettier that Abetone

There's a cool pizza place hidden off the main square if you do go - Pizza Garage, Via Uccelliera, 22, 51021

I doubt you'll have any issues getting out of Abetone by car. Be mindful though that if you end up in an apartment or self catering, stop at a supermarket well before you get there because there's nothing nearby (besides some small delicatessen/markets)

There's also some nice snowshoeing trails

There are dry slopes in Italy but I think it would be easier to just drive to Abetone for a day skiing
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@chaikhosi, dry slopes really only exist in countries with limited natural skiing. The UK. In fact I’ve never heard of them anywhere else. The Netherlands?

The Italians sun bathe on the snow November to April and on the beach April to September.

No idea where they sunbathe in October.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Quote:

dry slopes really only exist in countries with limited natural skiing. The UK. In fact I’ve never heard of them anywhere else. The Netherlands?


not at all, there's plenty of dry slopes outside the UK. I just wouldn't recommend going to one if you're close enough to real snow
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