Snow in the Region of Friuli

Guaranteed Skiing, Snowboarding, and Memories

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

The eastern Dolomites, the Alps in Carnia and the Western Giulian Alps. From Piancavallo passing through Carnia until you reach Tarvisio and the surrounding areas: it is still possible to ski away from the crowds and noise, on the numerous downhill slopes for those who love the thrill of speed and on other, simpler slopes, for those who prefer a more relaxing and calmer ski.

Those who would like to get close to the winter world little by little can do so by following the ski instructors' expert advise and suggestions. There are innumerable opportunities for those who love running along for kilometres in the padded silence of the snow on the cross-country ski slopes and along the suggestive itineraries set out for the alpine skier.

Piancavallo and Forni di Sopra in the eastern Dolomites, the Zoncolan and Sauris in Carnia, Sella Nevea and the Tarvisiano in the Giulian Alps are all well known districts for snow lovers and are able to satisfy skiers of all levels, as well as enthusiasts of every kind. Alternative ski resorts are also not lacking with suggestive ski-ing tracks and routes for Nordic sport, amongst which you can find the International Centre which is always the theatre for international competitions over a 10 km route, starting at Forni Avoltri, in an uncontaminated landscape which is a must to be included in any classic tourism destination.

And should the downhill and cross-country ski-ing not be enough, Friuli Venezia Giulia's winter offer further enriches your mountain holiday with a host of real and true on-snow extravagances such as sled dog, ice-climbing, snow walking on special snow shoes, freeride and snowboard, ice skating, curling... being able to make anyone's dream come true and enable you to live fun adventures within nature's true environment.

Leaving the snow behind there is nothing better than to relax, at the thermal spas or in one of the region's health spas to restore both body and mind. And why not let yourself be tempted by Friuli's mountain's ancient culinary tradition which knowingly combines aromas and fragrances which are undiscoverable in any other area, with ingredients which are perhaps more well-known within international cooking circles, such as San Daniele and Sauris ham, the white wines from Collio a symphony of taste which is simple and the essence itself of Friulan hospitality.

Even in winter time, Friuli Venezia Giulia gives you the possibility to abandon yourself to its suggestive festive atmosphere and ancient popular customs which repeat themselves every year in memory of their ancestor's traditions. You can also let yourself be transported by exciting cultural and sporting events which are of an international level.

DOWNHILL

Snow is always guaranteed, thanks to the programmed snowfall in all the ski resorts. Reduced skipass prices, the lack of queues at the ski-lifts, the high quality and safety of the slopes themselves and the magical atmosphere which the region reserves for its guests, make Friuli Venezia Giulia a welcoming and unique place for all kinds of skiers.

Friuli's richness can be translated as an exceptional natural backdrop which accompanies the skier through unforgettable experiences.

You can choose Tarvisio, which became famous thanks to Duke Amedeo d'Aosta who often spent his holidays here during the 30s, and where you can enjoy more than 70 hectares of snow-covered slopes. Even the most imposing slope will become a cult for enthusiasts, departing from near to the motorway toll booth, you will find the Di Prampero where you can ski downhill for more than 4 km: from the Monte Lussari sanctuary, a cult for Mitteleuropean traditions up to Camporosso. With breathtaking views, the slope which partially open even at night for the thrill, to the rhythm of music during the "notte bianca" or all night skiing. Besides this, for those who have less experience, you can find ski-lifts which will take you to three relatively easy slopes and one of medium-difficulty in Valbruna.

Close to the Slovenian border, you could choose Sella Nevea which has developed on the slopes of the Montasio and Canin mountains, from which the track of the same name which descends in between the rocks of the evocative massif. In this delightful area you can also find a slalom stadium which is considered one of the best courses of this sporting speciality.

An ideal choice for skiing as a family, is Forni di Sopra, in the High Tagliamento Valley, : from the Carnia Prealps to Cadore. It has two skiable basins one in the valley and the other at altitude, where you can reach some 2073 metres on the famous Varmost-Crusicalas slope.

The vast skiing area of Piancavallo stretches from under the Monte Cavallo to the borders of the Alpago basin. Its 50 hectares of slopes offer ample choice for skiers of all levels. This is a particular ski resort due to its position: the nearest to the sea in this region, and on clear days you can see the Adriatic and the roofs of nearby Venice!

The Ravascletto-Zoncolan resort is set out like a giant seashell in a one of the prettiest corners of the Carnic Pre-Alps. It is made up of two basins – one in the valley which joins the other which is at altitude on which some 60 hectares of slopes branch out up until an altitude of 2000 metres.

Not to be forgotten is Sauris, a pearl of the Carnic Alps, within an enchantingly beautiful panorama. between the lake and the fir-wood where a skiing holiday is a privilege, immersed in the magical atmosphere of an ancient "borgo", between past and present offering the highest of service.

IN NATURE

Our region's mountains therefore offer, an ample range of possibilities which are of a very high level as far as competitive cross-country skiing is concerned. Various kilometres of slopes are offered to both the beginner and the more experienced skier who can use them as a practice ground and area of fun, an ideal place in which to emerge himself within natures splendour.

Land of cross-country skiing and nordic sport, Friuli Venezia Giulia has given birth to whole families of Olympic and world champions who have contributed in creating a real school in this sporting discipline.

From the enormous choice of the cross-country rings of the Tarvisiano and Sella Nevea which unravel for some 60 km of slopes both in town (the mythical Paruzzi Arena in the town of Tarvisio) and in the extremely fascinating mountain areas (Val Saisera), passing through the rings of Forni di Sopra on the banks of the Tagliamento River, arriving at the Piancavallo cross-country arena which even has an illuminated slope and the home of the cross-country skier in Ravascletto-Zoncolan and the magnificent cross-country centre at the Paluzzi Tarn or the cross-country Stadium in Forni Avoltri, the cross-country skiing enthusiast and tourist can understand the motivations, passions, strengths and glory of the olympic athletes from Friuli, sharing in their effort and their emotions.

The insuperable choice as far as the richness of the landscape is concerned, the immense diversity in the slopes' difficulty and the vastness of the skiing territory make Friuli Venezia Giulia the perfect choice for cross-country skiers.

Continue to Part II of snow activities in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Agenzia Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia