On the snowy peaks of Sardinia

There´s nothing like Sardinia, even in winter, when you find yourself in the upper Campidano and you can see the sea on one side and the snowy mountains on the other at the same time. When it snows in Sardinia, it is mainly in the Gennargentu massif and on the majestic Mount Limbara. But also on the other highest mountains of the island and in a large part of the north, from Logudoro, through Monte Acuto to Gallura. The cities in the heart of Sardinia turn white from Barbagia to Goceano, from Marghine to Montiferru. The slopes of Bruncu Spina can be explored on sledges or snowboards, cross-country ski trails that start from the villages of Aritzo, Belvì, Desulo, Fonni, Gavoi or Tonara or at a slower pace on snowshoe trails. Just a short distance from the capital Cagliari it snows on the hills of Dolianova and in the park of Sette Fratelli, on the hills that are covered by the Is Cannoneris forest (Pula) and on Mount Linas in Gerrei and Barbagia di Suelo, at the gateway to the Ogliastra region. It almost never snows in the coast. There was a historically unique snowfall in 1956, when the entire island was covered by snow white blanket, from the mountains to the sea. The years, when the snow fell on the coast can be counted on the fingers of one hand: 1956,1985,1993,1999. At altitudes above 1000 metres, snowfall can appear from the end of October to the beginning of May, but lasts on average from 5 days to 1 month. At the highest locations of Sardinia, above 1500 m, snow often remains for 3 months of the year, and after particularly heavy winters, the last snow spots can disappear from the peaks as late as mid-June. The mountain villages in Barbagia retain the charm of authentic mountain villages from the past, there are no crowded ski resorts. They are cities surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, many of them decorated with wall paintings and with various archeological sites in the neighborhood. In these places, you live among the locals who are hospitable and welcoming, you visit artisan bread and sweets shops, you enjoy simple and tasty meal and drink cannonau. Fonni is the highest located town in Sardinia, with 4000 inhabitants, situated in the very center of the island at naltitude of 1000 m, in the heart of the Barbagia region among low and rounded peaks of Gennargentu. The entire area around Fonni, fully immersed in a wild environment and nature rich in various animal and plant species, is a perfect fir for beautiful walks and interesting trips, it is a countryside crisscrossed with tourist trails. It was the location that made Fonni a well-known ski destination, thanks to the ski lifts on the peaks of Mount Spada and Bruncu Spina (at 1,829 m it is the second highest mountain on the island). However, the ski lifts have not been functional for several years now. Fonni though still remains the only village in Sardinia, where you can enjoy winter adventures throughout the winter and therefore a sought-after destination for lovers of mountain tourism. The itineraries start from Bruncu Spina (1 829 m), from where you can follow the ridge of the mountain to reach Punta Paulina (1 792 m), Arcu Gennargentu (1 659 m), Su Susciu (“the collapsed mountain”). Those in a very good physical shape can also climb Punta La Marmora (1 834 m), the highest peak in Sardinia.