Upcoming Trail Running Retreats
July 24-30, 2025
Youth Skyrunning Camp
This camp provides an opportunity for youth athletes to experience the culture and hearty mountain trails, food and historic towns of the Abruzzo region.
-
For Youth Skyrunners between the ages of 15 and 18 who enjoy hiking and running in the mountains. Appropriate for the more serious youth Skyrunner looking to train and also for less competitive athlete who simply loves long mountain days and may be interested in racing in the future.
-
Interested Youth Skyrunners should also have demonstrated the ability to be able to complete 1000 vertical meters on foot in approximately 1 hour as well as Race Results, Strava Segments or something that demonstrates this ability. They should also be prepared for lots of laughs while doing so!
-
Stay at Albergo Parco Maiella
Located in Sant’Eufemia a Majella, this charming hotel is your home away from home.
Family-Run Hospitality
Enjoy personalized care and attention in a family-style setting.
Local Mediterranean Cuisine
Meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients celebrate Abruzzo’s culinary heritage.
Mesmerizing Views and Comfort
Relax in cozy rooms set against the backdrop of mountains, wildflowers, and the charm of an Italian village.
Easy Accessibility
Reach the hotel via shuttle services from Rome or Pescara, or rent a car for a leisurely trip through the beautiful countryside.
-
Get picked up at the Leonardo Di Vinci Airport in Rome around 12pm on July 24th. On July 30th, the van will take athletes to L’Aquila for the Youth Skyrunning World Championships. If not attending the champs
provided early on the morning of
the 21st. If flying on the 21st it is
advised not to book flights
earlier than 12 Noon.
-
This camp is designed for maintenance and sharpening for those runners readying for the Youth Skyrunning World Championships.
Alternatively this camp also serves as a taster for those youth runners aspiring to dip a toe into Skyrunning, or those who simply enjoy to rack up vert in technical, awe-inspiring mountainscapes.
Runners should expect some moderate duration maintenance hike/runs (2-3 hours), some light intervals and perhaps a short time-trial.
-
Comfortable TRAIL running shoes. 2 pairs with a grippyread (vibram or similar) and at least moderate cush ioning.
Crampons/Ice Axe- There may be some pre-existing ice/snow near mountain summits and these may be necessary.
Trail Running Pack/Hydration flasks- Approximately 15-20 liters of storage should be sufficient.
Helmet- For cycling and potentially some rock fall zones should we venture into slide areas.
Breathable base layers, 1 lighter wind jacket and 1 midweight all weather jacket.
Hats/gloves/neck wear
An updated and detailed packing list will be provided to all athletes prior to arrival.
-
There are only a fews spots left! Please inquire about cost and availability.
June, 2026
Maiella Adult Trail Retreat
-
Adult runners who enjoy technical trails. Trails vary from deep, rolling, cool mountain gorges to expansive mountain summits speckled with Comosci (Mountain Deer) and views of the Adriatic Sea. In between runners will also experience rich hardwood forests and rolling fields with winding singletrack.
-
As any good coach and athlete knows- there is a limit to the amount of running one can absorb during a week. The Maiella region is steeped in rich history, picturesque stone villages and authentic cuisine.
Afternoons may also include some light cycling, yoga or hiking for regeneration and site seeing- All to the bellows of the native commosci in rut! It's quite a spectacle to behold!
-
While we love The Alps region particularly in the hot summer months, we also feel that Abruzzo offers some unique advantages.
The Climate is very temperate. Most days are very pleasant for getting low and high.
Mountains and Sea. Both the mountains and sea are visible and accessible within a short distance.
The Cuisine is a slightly lighter fare- again with the fusion of sea and earth from homemade egg pasta with local wild mushrooms and savory Cingialle (Wild Boar) to fresh and fragrant sea foods.
The Crowds. Parco Maiella is a more remote and wild region. One can observe Bear, Wolves, Fox, Elk and Cinghialle. Emphasis is on eco tourism and celebrating that purity. There are few to none junkie rides and ski lifts. Therefore the trails are much less crowded than you may see in other regions.
-
No. While point-to-point camps are very fun within it's own right, many runners enjoy and relish coming back to the same bed with the same friendly staff who know their individual dietary preferences night after night.
This also allows the flexibility to change the daily plan depending on weather without being locked into any one route.
This allows runners to exert their energy on the trails and surroundings without needing to navigate a new space for sleeping and eating night after night.
-
Stay at Agriturismo Pietrantica
Agriturismo Pietrantica, managed by Camillo and Marisa Sanelli along with their grandfather Paolino, invites you to the picturesque village of Decontra, perched 900 meters above sea level in the heart of the Majella National Park. The property is a collection of beautifully restored old barns, carefully renovated to preserve the authenticity of the original materials and craftsmanship, including Majella stone, wood, and terracotta.
This organic farm has been committed to promoting sustainable development within the Majella National Park since 2000. It holds certification from the international organization PAN PARKS and collaborates with them to support responsible tourism in the area.
Inside, you’ll find six charming en-suite bedrooms and two self-contained apartments, each equipped with a kitchenette and fireplace. Every space is uniquely and tastefully furnished, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
A stay at Agriturismo Pietrantica is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of the region. You’ll leave with not just memories, but a deep connection to the soul of this remarkable place.
-
The nearest international airport is Leonardo Davinci Airport in Rome (Ah, Shucks.. You gotta go to Rome too!)
From there we can recommend a very clean, safe and affordable bus service, or of course private transport is also an option. And obviously a personal rental car is also an option.
-
Day 1
Arrive at Agriturismo Pietrantica
Afternoon shake out run and stretch in the Boschetto
Dinner at Pietrantica
Day 2
Breakfast served at Albergo
Orfento Gorge-Decontra Loop. 13km, 600M vertical.
Lunch at Taverna Ducale
Afternoon Regeneration: go for a bike ride, check out surrounding area, take a dip in the river nearby.
Dinner at Pietrantica.
Day 3
Breakfast at Pietrantica.
Roccacaramonico-Monte Marrone loop. 10-15km, ~1000M vertical.
Lunch at Maiella in Tavola
PM Regeneration- Cycle/walk from Albergo
Optional: Tour the Daniela Brescia Botanical Garden.
Dinner at Pietrantica
Day 4
Breakfast at Pietrantica Maiella
Monte Amaro-Pescafalcone-Rapina mountain loop.
Lunch at Trattoria Maiella.
PM Choice regeneration from Albergo.
Dinner at Pietantica.
Day 5
Breakfast at Albergo Maiella
Recovery/Siteseeing Day
VIsit Heritage Abbey Santo Spirito a Maiella
Lunch at Terrae Eremis
Easy walk/jog to San Bartolomeo Hermitage
Dinner at Albergo Maiella
Day 6:
Breakfast at Petrantica
Gran Sasso
Lunch in San Stefano di Sessanio at Cuore Nero
Tour/Explore
Pizza dinner at Hotel Viola
Day 7
Breakfast at Pietrantica
Departure
-
Item description
-
€1770 per person
Includes 6 nights, half board lodging (breakfast and dinner), guided tours and transportation during the week.
Fee does not include flights, transportation to/from Rome airport, lunches, bike rentals (optional).
For an additional cost we can organize transportation to/from the airport if needed.
