
So in wintertime Friuli is often covered in white, with its mountains flaunting their snowy caps while standing out against immaculate backgrounds. Though right now and up to the 6th January all Italian region are classified as “red areas” due to Covid-19, meaning that no one can move from one region to another, we're still allowed to dream of holidays and visiting marvellous places... and to keep notes about where to go, when all this will be left right behind us as just a very bad nightmare.
Ham and snow in Sauris
There are plenty of places worth visiting in winter, especially if you fancy snow and all related sports too, like skiing or snowboarding. We already mentioned some of them on our blog because most of them are such nice places, distinguishing themselves also for their local products, that are fully enjoyable all year round. Like Sauris, for example, in the Lumiei Valley (in Carnia), where they make the delicious Prosciutto di Sauris (labelled as IGP – Geographically Protected Identification) and which transforms into the perfect set for winter holidays when it snows. The hike from there to nearby Mount Rucke is easy and can be pleasant in summertime, and also in wintertime with your snowshoes on: and at the end of it, a well deserved lunch at Agriturismo Monte Rucke with their tasty local dishes is just the cherry on the apple pie!
Snowshoeing, Alpine skiing, ice skating in Forni, Tarvisio and Piancavallo
Some interesting routes depart from Forni di Sopra, a tiny treasure in the Park of the Friulian Dolomites with a long history, as one can see by its stunning castles. Besides a 15 km-wide ski area and cross-country skiing tracks, some paths are accessible with snowshoes too. From there, it's very easy to get to Rifugio Giaf, a mountain lodge serving home made dishes which is also a good starting point for a few walks around, and for some beautiful skiing itineraries.
The breathtaking Lakes of Fusine, a matchless set for No Borders Music Festival during the summer, are just as wonderful in wintertime. Snowshoeing up there from Tarvisio is not a huge feat though it takes its time (at least two hours), and is really enjoyable. Tarvisio itself offers a great range of winter and snow activities, and from there Sella Nevea – Kanin, an incredible spot at 2,200 metres high between Italy and Slovenia, is close at hand if you like Alpine skiing.
For some no sweat hikes on the snow, Piancavallo can be a good choice. Just near Aviano (in the Pordenone province), it includes everything from skiing to snownboarding or ice skating. It's the perfect winter resort for families, with many events both during summer and winter.
But the list could still be even longer... Hang on for another round of Friuli's top mountain spots here on our blog!
Cover photo by Eva Troncon - Borgo Menis (Pordenone) under the snow