Abetone (in Italian: "large fir") was founded as a custom post in 1732 on the highest point of the main road between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy of Modena. The name derives from a large tree, which was cut down to allow the construction to proceed.
Starting from the early 20th century, it became a popular skiing resort. Zeno Colò, an Italian skier, was born here in 1920.
Abetone served as the finish of the 5th Stage of the 2015 Giro d'Italia.