A hotel in central Italy has been hit by an avalanche and rescuers are trying to ascertain whether there are any victims, Italian media reported.

Three people were believed missing after the avalanche hit the hotel in Pescara, a province in the Abruzzo region near the Apennines, Italian news agency ANSA reported, citing rescuers who had spoken to witnesses.

Several news websites quoted the president of the province as writing on social media that an avalanche had hit the Hotel Rigopiano, saying it was buried in snow.

"There seem to be victims, but it all needs to be confirmed. There were 20 guests in the hotel," provincial President Antonio Di Marco was quoted as saying.