With its 1.460 m, 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 Trebba 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 scenery: 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 every season the town offers to tourists different possibilities to amuse and entertain themselves outside: in summer there are Trekking paths for walking or for mountain biking, and in winter (from December to March) the ski resort for winter sports Passo Penice works, thanks to artificial snow. This ski resort is ideal for children to take their first steps on the snow and for relaxed skiing.
Its origins are lost in 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 of the eighteenth century (1800).
The snow park with night illumination has slopes of varying difficulty, 3 consecutive jumps and the possibility to book the ski slope by the hour with timekeepers.
The ski resort has two ski slopes and a school slope for kids.
Thanks to artificial snow, the slopes are practicable and are also equipped with a night skiing lighting system. The resort has a ski-school and alpine ski-instructors.
Next to the ski slopes there are also downhill slopes for bobsleds or toboggans for adults and kids.
From Passo Penice, you can reach the peak with a long walk on a roadway. Once arrived there are the ancient sanctuary together with towering broadcast transmitters, among which the historical repeater of RAI (national broadcast company).
An important date is the Mount Penice Fair which usually takes place on the second Sunday in September, when it is the custom 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 Piacenza side, the ancient medieval town Bobbio is worth a visit and at 13 km, on the Pavia side, it is suggested to visit Varzi which has a well preserved historical centre.
