Ciaspole: how to visit the Park in winter

Huge and ancient trees that seem like giants protecting the forest; clear and crystal waters that quench thirst animals and all the creatures; and the snow that covers everything with its silence. This is the Tuscan Romagna in winter, a place to visit and enjoy with a slow pace, following the paths through the forest, better with the Ciaspole (snowshoes).

With the ciaspole is better

Winter in the park can be really hard. Snow is not a harmless presence: it covers everything, cancelling every reference point you may have built in your mind during the good season. The fluffy snow will make your walking very difficult, that is why the best way to enjoy your trekking adventure is to go out with ciaspole.

You don’t need to have a technical one, just buy yourself a pair in one sport shop or hire them. What we are proposing you is the path that leads from Valbura until the Acquacheta fall that became famous through the Dante’s Divina Commedia.

This itinerary is a quite easy one, only 4, 5 Kilometers with a drop of 250 meters. In summer, this path shows you the birth of plants, flowers and little animals such as butterflies, frogs and many others. In winter, you can see the tracks of deers, wild pigs, foxes, hares.

Following the tracks of the hare

Walking with ciaspole is like having a pair of rackets at your feet (so funny as it may appear) which helps a lot since the snow is not so tough and you won't be able to walk in any different way! But at the same you do not feel very comfortable at the beginning. The best thing you can do, especially if it’s your first time with ciaspole, is to share it with a group of half experienced people that will help you to wear it and adjust them along the way, especially if you are in need or you feel tired.

Do not expect to meet wild animals. They are shy and afraid of people, but if you are lucky and walk in silence, you will probably have the chance to see some of them, even if from very far. The path goes slowly: take your time to breathe the fresh air of the morning, listen to the sounds coming from trees and animals and see the light passing through the branches.

The final destination, Dante’s bed is not very far. Just the time to enjoy the brunch offered by Vecchio Convento, have some rest, and it’s time to go back to real life.