Ovindoli

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Comune di Ovindoli
Coat of arms of Comune di Ovindoli
Municipal coat of arms

Location of Ovindoli in Italy
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Abruzzo
Province L'Aquila (AQ)
Elevation 1,375 m (4,511 ft)
Area 58.82 km² (23 sq mi)
Population (as of 01-01-2007 (ISTAT))
 - Total 1,263
 - Density 21/km² (54/sq mi)
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 42°8′17″N, 13°31′1″E
Gentilic Ovindolesi
Dialing code 0863
Postal code 67046
Frazioni Casalmartino, San Potito, Santo Iona
 - Day 20 January
Website: http://www.comunediovindoli.it/index.htm

Ovindoli is a village and comune of the province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Close to Rome, it is a popular resort for both summer and winter sports, including hiking, biking, equestrian activities and downhill and cross-country skiing.

[edit] Geography

Ovindoli lies in the Appenine Mountains of Abruzzo, within the regional park of Sirente-Velino.

[edit] History

Ovindoli became known as a downhill skiing destination following the First World War, but it was not until 1959 that the mountain organized as a modern ski resort; at the time, it was called Valturvema. During the 1961-62 season, ski lifts began to operate and the trails were expanded. Charles Rogers, an American working at that time in the US Embassy in Rome served as President of the Society that worked to develop the area as a ski resort and oversaw the expansion activities. In 1994, the ski resort changed management and was named Monte Magnola and modernized with new trails, ski lifts and snow making capabilities.

[edit] Twin towns

The town has been twinned with the following: