With its 1.460 metres, it is one of the highest peaks of the Ligurian Apennines and there the province of Pavia “Oltrepo’ Pavese” in Valle Staffora borders with the province of Piacenza in the Trebbia and Tidone Valleys.
It is easy to reach the mountain peak with a street that, in the town of Passo Penice (1.149 m. a.s.l.), splits from the Provincial Road 461.
On sunny days, it is possible to enjoy an extraordinary view: from one side of the peak the perspective stretches over Bobbio, stiuated on the valley floor with the Trebbia river and the Ligurian Apennines in the background; from the other side of the peak it extends to the spurs that descend to the Po Valley, all the cities that stand there and on the horizon the Alps mountain chain. In winter it is ideal for skiing.
In every season the Mount Penice offers different possibilities to amuse and entertain: in summer there are Trekking paths for walking or for mountain biking, and in winter (from December to March) the little sized ski resort Passo Penice sciovie works, thanks to artificial snow.
The Passo Penice Sciovie offers slopes suitable for every skier and snowboarder and is an ideal fun area for families and children, with a wonderful view of the valley. In addition to the ski lift, it is equipped with a carpet lift for the ascent to the ski school, a kids’ sled slope, and a solarium. There is also a ski school with alpine ski instructors, including a coach and two instructors specialized in teaching people with disabilities. There is also the possibility to rent complete ski equipment from 3 years of age and a snowboard, snowshoes and sleds; a few steps from the slopes, there are a clothing and ski equipment shop and two restaurants with typical cuisine.
The road leading to the summit of the mountain also starts from Passo Penice, where there is the ancient Sanctuary of Santa Maria (1461 masl) and impressive television antenna including the historical one of Rai with the highest catchment area in all of Italy.
The Sanctuary's origins have been lost over the centuries. Historical sources attest that Saint Mary has been venerated on this peak for more than 1350 years and that the church is thought to be built on a pagan celtic-ligurian temple.
For many centuries the Sanctuary belonged to the numerous possessions of the monastery of Saint Columbanus, and after the creation of the Bobbio diocese, it was the main centre of Marian devotion in the area.
The ancient Sanctuary has undergone several changes between 1800 and 1900: the front porch was built and the new bell tower was built in 1967.
In the church you can admire the precious wooden statue of the Virgin with the Child in her lap which dates back to the period between the end of the 1500s and beginning of the 1600s. Worth noting is also the statue of Saint Bartholomew, original to the eighteenth century (1800).
The Sciovie Passo Penice ski resort offers slopes of various difficulty levels, sledding slopes and the possibility to book the ski slope by the hour with timekeepers.
The Mount Penice Fair, which usually takes place on the second Sunday of September, when people use to go on a pilgrimage to Saint Mary's Sanctuary.
At only 9 km from Passo Penice, in Ceci - Le Vallette, it is possible to practice cross-country skiing on a circular path 10 km long. The path is also available for trekking, snowshoeing (rentable on site) and mountain-biking. It is suitable also for nordic skiing and nordic walking.
The Bobbio Ski Club organizes courses and competitions.
At 12 km, on the way to Piacenza, the ancient medieval town of Bobbio is worth a visit.
