To the summits!
Although the mountains of the region are not the highest in the country, they offer exceptional landscapes that can be enjoyed in summer and winter. From the Friulian Dolomites to the Julian Alps and the Carnic Alps, there are many possibilities for sports enthusiasts!
The Friulian Dolomites offer a splendid, wild and preserved nature where time seems to have stopped. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can head for the modern infrastructure and 24 km of downhill ski slopes of Piancavallo. The resort was also the first in Italy to have an artificial snowmaking system and has already hosted several international competitions
Forni di Sopra is the pearl of the Eastern Dolomites, nestled between the magnificent peaks of the Dolomites: Cridola (2,581 m) and Monfalconi to the west, Pramaggiore (2,478 m) to the southwest, and Bivera (2,473 m), Clap Savon (2,462 m) and Clap Varmost (2,073 m) to the northeast. This beautiful resort with its typical mountain charm also offers great opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, including a long Nordic trail of 18 km
Finally, you can also work on your stick skills in Claut in the Valcellina valley
In the Carnic Alps, close to the Austrian border, skiers will especially want to go to the Zoncolan mountain. The Ravascletto cable car allows you to quickly reach its summit and enjoy its 22 km of trails. It is also possible to reach the Zoncolan from the Sutrio resort or to slide in the Sappada resort, near the border.
In the Julian Alps, nestled between Austria and Slovenia, skiers and snowboarders can go to Tarvisio and Camporosso to ride on Monte Lussari and enjoy its 1,000 m of vertical drop and 24 km of trails
In summer, throughout the three massifs, skiers give way to hikers enchanted by the smell of pine trees and wild orchids. In all the above-mentioned resorts, summer activities are numerous, from walking or horseback riding, mountain biking, hang-gliding, swimming in the mountain lakes (which can also be explored by kayak and canoe), to rafting and canyoning in the streams.
On the coast, lazing around, swimming and cruising
After a few dives in the cool lakes, swimmers will find milder temperatures in the Adriatic Sea. The coastline around Trieste, with its pebbled beaches, coves and rocky capes, is ideal for relaxation and water sports. Going up the coast to the north of the city, the concrete beaches stretch along the road to Grignano. On this seaside road, sailing enthusiasts will not miss a stopover in the town of Barcola, famous for its beach, very popular with Triestinians, and for its marina. The spot is world famous for hosting the largest regatta in the Mediterranean basin, the Barcolana, on the second Sunday of October
Further on, on the other side of the gulf, the Friulian coast begins, where long sandy beaches and natural reserves populated by numerous species of birds follow one another. The lagoons of Marano and Grado are the ideal refuge for those who want to avoid crowded beaches and enjoy the coastline with herons and cormorants. The seaside resort of Grado has also been known since the 19th century for its therapeutic virtues. Finally, the famous Aquasplash water park in Lignano Sabbiadoro has been a favorite of local families and tourists for decades.
