10 Ski Resorts in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Tarvisio is the most famous ski resort in Friuli and the perfect winter destination. In this magic spot in the Alps, there are blue, red and black runs for both beginners and experts in winter sports. The thrilling and learners' routes are found on Mount Lussari and Mount Florianca, summits that boast breath-taking views and moments of silence amidst the snowy profiles and steep rocks.

For an intoxicating adrenaline rush, don't miss the Di Prampero run that whizzes down Mount Lussari with 1,000 metres of elevation change, stretching for 4 kilometres towards Camporosso. If you'd rather take your snow holiday at a slower pace, the cross-country ski runs, snowshoeing routes and sleds pulled by huskies are appealing alternatives to the Alpine skiing.

Ravascletto, in northern Friuli towards the Austrian border, is a wonderful stop for fans of the mountains in winter, suitable for beginner or expert skiers. The tiny village, characterised by lovely architecture in the style of the local Carnia historical region, is the perfect base camp for a snow holiday.

There are ski slopes to suit all levels. If you'd rather stay in the valley, you can do some cross-country skiing. Alternatively, the area for descents lies along the slopes of Monte Zoncolan (Mount Zoncolan), where the handy Ravascletto-Zoncolan cable car reaches the summit at an altitude of 1745 metres.

Sauris di Sopra is the perfect place to make your children fall in love with skiing, with blue and red (easy and intermediate) slopes and a ski school. The slopes are equipped with ski lifts that can even be used by novices.

Adults can unwind on the easy slopes, surrounded by views of pure white, glittering snow. Or for something more challenging, why not set out on a fascinating ski mountaineering excursion? If you're a keen cross-country skier, we recommend heading to Anello Plotse, an enchanting slope with a fantastic view of Monte Bivera (Mount Bivera).

Sauris di Sotto, to the east of its twin, Sauris di Sopra, is nestled in the Carnic Alps and surrounded by dense evergreen forests. You can practise your skiing on the blue slope, try out some basic slaloms or do some short descents in the tuck position.

The course is lit at night and equipped with lifting devices. Intrepid mountaineering skiers can take advantage of designated areas on the slopes of Monte Bivera (Mount Bivera). The routes boast marvellous views of scree, valleys and rocky spurs.

Forni di Sopra can be seen peeping through the Dolomite landscape in Alta Val Tagliamento, between the regions of Carnia and Cadore. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and ski resort is beloved by experienced and novice skiers alike.

Near the ski lifts is Fantasy Snow Park, an area kitted out with rides where little children can build confidence in the snow and with winter sports. A chair lift will take you to Cima Crusicalas (at about 2100 metres), where the Varmost slope begins. It's relatively easy and offers spectacular views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) and other Dolomite peaks and pinnacles.

Piancavallo (in the Carnic Prealps, near Veneto) is a vibrant, well-kept location. It lies at the foot of Monte Cavallo (Mount Cavallo), surrounded by the woodland of the Cansiglio plateau. Fun-filled activities are at your fingertips, with mountaineering and cross-country ski slopes just a stone's throw away.

The wide expanses of snow are a delight to skiers who have perfected their technique, and also great for those with room for improvement. Teachers from the ski school will help your children learn with the skis and ski poles. Alternatively, sleds are available for playing freely and using up all that unspent energy.

Forni Avoltri offers year-round skiing on diverse terrain. At the northernmost point of Friuli, bordering Austria, and standing among the Carnic peaks of Val Degano (Degano Valley), Forni Avoltri's home to the Carnia Arena International Biathlon Centre.

Here you'll find long cross-country ski slopes covered in artificial snow in every season, plus a roller skiing slope. In the spring, untiring athletes craving adventure arm themselves with seal skin and challenge themselves to the numerous ski mountaineering routes. The route to the summit of Monte Cogliàns (Mount Cogliàns) is famous, but only suitable for experienced skiers.

Sappada is one of the highest peaks in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, standing at 1245 metres. This village is a wonderful destination for families. The pristine landscape of the Dolomites, with its brown mantles of fir and larch trees, is kitted out with activities for both children and parents.

The Nevelandia play park in particular is a great place for kids to have fun in the snow in safety, with rubber rides, small sleds and miniature bobsleighs. Suitable for all skiers and snowboarders, the 20 km of snowy descents are easily accessible via ski lifts and chair lifts.

Sella Nevea is a small, delightful village. Its name ('snowy seat') describes the environmental and climate conditions of a valley, between the Kanin Mountains and the peak of Jôf di Montasio, that are highly favourable to snowfall. The snow has an unusual, powdery consistency, and compacts beautifully under skis and snowboards.

Sella Nevea's slopes offer something for everyone: picturesque but little-known descents like the Canin and the Bila Pec; routes for beginner and intermediate skiers; slopes for cross-country skiers and off-slope skiing itineraries, including those that twist and turn from the Sella Golovec. You're really spoilt for choice!

Tolmezzo lies at the centre of a natural hemicycle formed by mountain ranges. This town is the beating heart of Carnia and stands at the foot of Monte Strabut (Mount Strabut) and Monte Amariana (Mount Amariana). The beautiful landscape and crisp air – perfect for winter sports in the cold months – will tempt you to live mountain life to the full.

The mountaineering ski slopes meander down to the valley, surrounded by evergreen groves. Choose from cross-country skiing routes, routes for intrepid ski mountaineering and even ice climbing walls.