With resorts closed, Italian skiers take to the steps and alleyways of tiny mountain village

Much of Italy has had heavy snowfall in recent days, but there is no one to enjoy it

Credit: La Stampa video

Italy’s ski resorts may be closed but that has not stopped a group of enthusiasts from taking advantage of perfect snow high up in the Apennine mountains.

A group of skiers slalomed and swept down the narrow streets, alleyways and stone staircases of the tiny village of Rocca di Cambio, which lies under a blanket of snow. At 4,700ft, it is one of the highest villages in the Apennine chain.

The group skied through the narrow streets

Credit: La Stampa video

Ski instructors from a nearby resort, called Campo Felice, showed off their skills in the hamlet’s snow-clogged streets.

By skiing through the village, rather than on official pistes, they were broking no coronavirus-related rules.

Italy’s mountainous regions, from the Alps and the Dolomites in the north to the Apennines which run along the spine of the country, have had heavy snowfall in recent days, as the rest of the country is lashed by torrential rain.

All ski resorts have been closed over Christmas and New Year

Credit: La Stampa video

The Italian government ordered all ski resorts to close over Christmas and New Year but had hoped to allow them to reopen on January 7.  The closure has now been extended until January 18.

The economic impact has been huge, with the sector losing tens millions of euros in revenue.

Winter tourism in Italy employs around 400,000 people, from ski instructors and lift operators to hoteliers and restaurant owners, generating annual revenue of around €10 billion.

But across the country, ski lifts are idle, mountain chalets are closed and the pistes are devoid of skiers.