Snow in the Region of Friuli

Guaranteed Skiiing, Snowboarding, and Memories

Be sure to check out Part I of snow activities in Friuli Venezia Giulia

HIGH ABOVE

Friuli Venezia Giulia's mountains hold a fascination for their untouched nature. To climb the snowy mountain tops to then descend off-slope accompanied by ski-school guides. There are numerous possibilities for real enthusiasts and lovers of high mountain slopes to practice this extreme sport in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The framework drawn by the extraordinary alpine landscapes remain both unique and a must see!

For the more seasoned skier the track which acts as a backdrop for Monte Canin Alpine Skiing, is the traditional competition for couples using free-style which takes place every year leaving from Sella Nevea by way of 6 ascents and six descents with a total difference in level of 4100 meters.

The Pellegrino track, which goes through the woods leading to the Monte Lussari summit, offers the most suggestive atmospheres from summit to valley, dominated by one of the region's most suggestive sanctuaries, where you can admire one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most beautiful panoramas made up of majestic peaks, at the centre of the three borders where nature and cultures are blended into one unique and exclusive cocktail.

The best alpine skiing slopes on the highest mountains in Carnia are to be found on Mount Coglians (2780 m high) which offers a South facing descent of great beauty and satisfaction. Between Forni di Sopra and the Sauris basin, you can take on the itinerary which leads you to the 2475m high Mount Bivera.

In February, at Claut in Valcellina, the national Transclautana competition is held for alpine ski teams immersed in the Friulan Dolomites Natural Park passing through Casera Pradut.

Friuli Venezia Giulia's high mountains also offer much simpler itineraries which unravel along the Via delle Malghe Carniche pathways which are closed during the winter, but whose slopes conserve the fascination of life at high altitude.

IN FLIGHT

There couldn't not be a specific offer for snow-board buffs. Tailor-made Half Pipe for the enthusiasts' needs included in a dreamlike backdrop. Pure adrenaline on the Friuli Venezia Giulia snow!

In the region, you can also enjoy the thrill of 2 arenas which are entirely devoted to snowboarders.

In the Zoncolan's very modern Snow Park Arena Free Style which has just been completed in an area entirely dedicated to freestyle, with an impressive boarder-cross and ski-cross track, where, accompanied by very loud music, you can jump and control the whoops and dominate the really scary parabolic curves. In the park's other area, which is exclusively reserved for aerial evolutions - enjoyment is guaranteed through rails and kickers of every kind.. Anyone can come to the Arena: whatever sport they practice or whatever their technical level, but be careful - make sure your helmet is well strapped on.

Piancavallo's Snowpark is thrilling: you can spin and jump in the half pipe, jumps and rails and then go back up on specially made ski-lifts. Instructors are on hand for beginners and are available for anyone who would like to perfect their skill. Besides this, in the Collalto area, an entire slope has been assigned to freestyle, where both snowboarders and skiers can try their hand.

PLAY

Ski schools and Snowparks

Naturally Friuli Venezia Giulia's mountains take the world of children greatly into account: ski schools which specifically address the child's needs with specific programs and structures which make sure that your child can learn winter sports by playing in the safest conditions.

Besides this, ever assisted by expert teachers, children can take their first steps in the magical snowy world of Forni di Sopra's Snow Park as well as in the park in Ravascletto and the Collalto Fun in the Piancavallo game park: three brand new structures equipped with play areas with obstacles, tunnels, moving carpets, bouncy blow-up shapes and enriched with simple slopes for sledges and tubing, making your child's stay even more pleasant.

SNOW AND FUN

Sleddog/Outings in horse-dran sledges/Outings with snow shoes

The sled dog is great attraction in the Tarvisiano and Piancavallo. Within a splendid snowy backdrop the international Mushing-sleddog school in Tarvisio offers the chance to both children and adults alike, to live the emotion of running light on resistant sledges drawn by able mushers who guide their blue-eyed dogs to perfection. The Italian survival school in Piancavallo proposes fantastic excursions on dog-drawn sledges as well as 3-day survival courses and Base Camps for mushers during which they can train or spend a holiday with their team.

More widespread but non the less original, are the snow-shoe excursions using the traditional ciaspole which when attached to your ski-boots allow you to cross the snowy slopes which are also somewhat steep easily without any particular training or athletic preparation. The proposed itineraries for the "ciaspolate" are well within the reach of anyone attracted to dynamic walks which will allow you to admire the magic of the winter mountains.

For the more romantic of you and for who love saddle animals, there is nothing better that letting yourself slide along in a horse-drawn sledge amongst the fascinating and unmistakable woods wrapped in silence either in the tarvisiano or within the magic Sauris valley.

Piancavallo, Tarvisio and Ravascletto propose bob-sleigh and sleigh tracks in well-marked off and protected areas allowing you to have fun on the snow in the simplest and most immediate way.

FANTASY ON ICE

Iceland, climbing the glacier/Ice Palaces and ice-skating rinks/igloo villages

Friuli Venezia Giulia's winter mountains also offer an ample choice of activities even for those less sporty types who don't want to miss out on the fascination of the ice and the snowy surroundings.

In Valcellina in the Claut village, which is in the heart of the mountains of Pordenone at 1800 meters altitude, you can realize your dream for an unusual holiday as an Eskimo in an unusual igloo village where you won't find firesides and warm, welcoming bedrooms, but ice rooms with temperatures close to zero. To prepare yourself better for this arctic adventure, you will need an accelerated high altitude survival course accompanied by expert alpine guides.

For ice-skating lovers, there is the ice palace in Pontebba, home to large sporting exhibitions, above all linked to ice hockey (in particular it is the training head quarters for the famous Aquile team) and the Piancavallo ice palace, which is an ideal place to have fun on your bladed shoes. From morning until night entertainment is guaranteed whilst experimenting with unusual high-speed figures. The brand new building in Claut, on the other hand, besides ice-skating also hosts important national competitions for a sport which is getting more and more popular like curling.

The suggestive surroundings of the Friulan Dolomites and Giulian Alps Park is a backdrop for magnificent climbs on majestic ice-walls and ice cascades. The region's alpine school guides are ready to prepare the more motivated amongst you for the magical ice world through courses and periods of training as an approach to the different levels available and to accompany you in really unforgettable experiences.

NOT ONLY SKIING

Spas/ Gastronomy/ Event taking place on the snow

Arta Terma is just a few kilometers away from the rich Zoncolan territory, and allows you to join the fun of skiing holiday with the benefits of the thermal waters. In fact, in the new "Fonte Pudia" establishment you can regenerate both body and mind through whirlpool baths, saunas, massage and thermal baths.

To live an original holiday the "widespread" hotels in Sutrio, Sauris and Comglians guarantee their guests a unique experience, the added value is represented by the possibility of losing themselves in a typical rural "borgo" way of life for a relaxing and regenerating holiday, taking part in village life as well as in the popular traditional initiatives.

Satisfied with a splendid day spent on the slopes, sitting down to dinner is a pleasure which is not be missed. The cuisine in this area is typical of the mountains; tasty hors d'oevres of local salame, the classic sweet or herb "cjarsons", the unforgettable polenta and frico, desserts made on the premises and a selection of grappa all offered with cordiality and kindness by restaurants, hotels, farm kitchens who know how to satisfy even the most exacting palate.

Cultural and enogastronomic events and above all shows and sporting competitions enrich the season in Friuli Venezia Giulia's winter resorts which have become a privileged location for all those who identify themselves as "living and sporty".

The calendar of sporting events includes a series of uproarious appointments which should not be missed: every year on the Canin slopes, which has even been recognized for World Cup competitions, the Duca d'Aosta Cup takes place, one of the best Mens's European Cup competitions in the whole circuit, whilst in Forni di Sopra, on the longest track in the Region, every year the Varmost Gigantissimo from the monte Crusicalas summit at a height of 2100 meters altitude takes place and on the Monte Lussari in Tarivisio the "Lussarissimo" parallel slalom competition of 4 km has become a tradition not to be missed.

Finally, let's remember that in Tarvisio on the Di Prampero slope three competitions of international importance which are valid for the Female Alpine Skiers World Cup: a Super G, a downhill race and a supercombined race take place.

Don't forget to read Part I of snow activities in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Agenzia Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia