Ski-ing in Friuli Venezia-Giulia

A Guide to the 5 ski resorts of Friuli Venezia-Giulia

1. Forni di Sopra
Forni di Sopra has a wide range of slopes that run through the Dolomites National Park, an area known for its stunning landscapes, excellent local cuisine and famous hospitality. The ski stations are in two zones: the Davost Slope which is great for beginners and Mount Varmost for more advanced skiers. There are also 13km of cross-country tracks, an ice rink and a snow playground for children. Grass skiing is available in summer.
How to get there: Exit the A4 at Carnia then follow the SS52 for 50km towards Tolmezzo.

 2. Piancavallo
At the foot of Mount Cavallo, the elegant mountain resort of Pordenonese has 25km of slopes that run through beautiful Nordic beech forests. For thrill seekers, try the slope at Tremol , which offers an adrenaline-filled experience or visit the Funk Park where you can find great snow- boarding trails, border-cross, freestyle and snow-tubing courses and a special park just for children.
How to get there: Take the A4 exiting at Prodenone to follow the A28 for approximately 30km towards Aviano and Piancavallo.

3. Sella Nevea/Bovec
Close to the border of Slovenia, the resort of Sella Nevea has been popular with skiers for over 30 years. Located in the valley between Mount Canin and Jôf Montasio, you can find a range of slopes including Canin with a technical slalom, ample opportunities for off-slope skiing and the wooded slopes of Montasio. 2010 sees the launch of a new cable car that will take you to Bovec, a small resort on the Slovenian side of Mount Canin and, where in years of heavy snowfall, you can enjoy skiing almost up to summer time.
How to get there: Sella Nevea can be reached through Tarvisio Cave Predil or through Chiusaforte.

4. Tarvisio
Popular since the 1930s, when it became a popular haunt of Duke Amedeo D’Aosta, this area has over 100km of slopes that wind their way through breathtaking scenery. There are 32km of descent including a black run, ‘Priesnig’, and the beautiful ‘Di Prampero’, which starts at Mount Lussari and runs for 4km including a vertical drop of 1000 metres, which is lit until midnight. There are also excellent cross-country ski courses with 60km of trails in the Val Saisera that run between picturesque lakes, and snowboarding courses in the Duca D’Aosta.
How to get there: Tarvisio is at the last exit of the A23 Alpe Adria motorway as you head for the border.

5. Zoncolan/Ravascletto
Ravascletto is considered to have some of the best facilities amongst the ski resorts of the Friuli region. It has 28km of trails that run through the panoramic scenery of the beautiful Valcada and a total of 13 ski lifts. The slopes include Tamai and Zoncolan, which host international competitions, as well as a night run for tobogganing, trampolines for jumping practise and ice hockey facilities. Close by, there is also the thermal spa of Arta Terme.
How to get there: Head for Tolmezzo and then continue in the direction of Sutrio towards Ravascletto