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Natural attractions

Monte Cimone

4.6 · 788 reviews
Alpine, rugged, and windswept.
Monte Cimone, 41029 Sestola, Province of Modena, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The mountain hosts the Mount Cimone Observatory, one of the most important atmospheric monitoring stations in Europe for greenhouse gas measurements.

2

It is the highest point in the entire Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

3

The mountain's slopes are part of the protected area within the Frignano Regional Park.

4

During the 19th century, the summit was a major site for geodetic surveys to map the Italian peninsula.

5

The area is home to unique flora, including the rare Cimone gentian.

6

The mountain is connected to a lift network that allows for a 'tour' of the entire ski resort without repeating the same path.

Overview

Monte Cimone is the highest peak in the Northern Apennines, reaching an elevation of 2,165 meters. It serves as the primary hub for the Cimone Ski Area, the largest ski resort in the Emilia-Romagna region. The mountain features an extensive network of over 50 kilometers of ski slopes catering to all skill levels. During the summer, the area transforms into a destination for mountain biking, trekking, and trail running. An active weather observatory and a research laboratory operated by the Italian Air Force are located at the summit. The peak offers panoramic views extending to the Adriatic Sea and the Alps on clear days. The terrain is characterized by high-altitude meadows and rocky ridges typical of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Photo spot

The summit terrace near the weather observatory for 360-degree views of the Apennine range.

Insider tips

Check the local mountain weather conditions via the observatory's data portal before ascending, as alpine weather shifts rapidly.

Utilize the chairlift network during summer to bypass the steepest elevation gains if you intend to focus on ridge-line hiking.

Bring wind-resistant layers even in summer, as the summit is consistently exposed to high-velocity winds.

What to avoid

Attempting to summit during periods of high wind or forecasted thunderstorms, as the peak is highly exposed.

Good to know

Ski lifts operate seasonally during winter months; some lifts re-open for summer hiking and biking access.

Etiquette

Stick to marked trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem; refrain from picking wild flora.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
January to March for skiing, or July to August for high-altitude hiking and clear vistas.
Address
Monte Cimone, 41029 Sestola, Province of Modena, Italy
44.194, 10.701
Get directions
Details
Peak Elevation2,165 meters
Terrain TypeHigh-altitude alpine meadows and rocky ridges

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is January to March for skiing, or July to August for high-altitude hiking and clear vistas..

The summit terrace near the weather observatory for 360-degree views of the Apennine range.

Close by you'll find Adventure Park Cimone, Cascata del Doccione - Fanano, Fontana Bedini.