To the summits!
The region's mountains may not be the highest in the country, but they do offer exceptional scenery to enjoy in summer and winter alike. From the Friulian Dolomites to the Julian Alps and the Carnic Alps, there's a whole host of possibilities for sports enthusiasts!
The Friulian Dolomites offer a splendid, wild and unspoilt landscape where time seems to stand still. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can head for Piancavallo's modern infrastructure and 24 km of downhill slopes. The resort was also the first in Italy to have an artificial snowmaking system, and has already hosted several international competitions.
To the north of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park, Forni di Sopra is the Carnic pearl of the Eastern Dolomites, nestling between the magnificent Dolomite peaks: 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 superb resort with its typical mountain charm also offers great opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, including a long 18 km Nordic trail.
Last but not least, Claut in the Valcellina valley offers the chance to work on your stick skills.
In the Carnic Alps, close to the Austrian border, skiers are particularly keen to tackle Mount Zoncolan. The Ravascletto cable car takes you quickly to the summit, where you can enjoy 22 km of pistes. The Zoncolan can also be reached from the Sutrio ski resort, or from the Sappada ski resort near the border.
In the Julian Alps, nestled between Austria and Slovenia, skiers and snowboarders can head to Tarvisio and Camporosso to ride Monte Lussari, with its 1,000 m vertical drop and 24 km of pistes.
In summer, throughout the three massifs, skiers give way to hikers enchanted by the scent of pine trees and wild orchids. Summer activities abound in all the above-mentioned resorts, from hiking and horse-riding to mountain biking, hang-gliding and (cool) swimming in the mountain lakes (which can also be explored by kayak and canoe) or rafting and canyoning in the torrents.
On the coast: lounging, swimming and cruising
After a few dips in the cooler lakes, swimmers will find milder temperatures in the Adriatic Sea. The coastline around Trieste, with its pebble beaches, coves and rocky capes, lends itself to idleness and water sports. As you head up the coast to the north of the city, concrete beaches line the road to Grignano. On this seaside path, sailing enthusiasts won't want to miss a stopover in the town of Barcola, renowned for its beach, much appreciated by 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 in October.
Further along, on the other side of the gulf, lies the Friulian coast, a succession of long sandy beaches and nature reserves inhabited by numerous species of birds. The lagoons of Marano and Grado are the ideal refuge for those fleeing crowded beaches and wishing to enjoy the coastline in the company of herons and cormorants. The Grado seaside resort has also been renowned for its therapeutic properties since the 19th century. Finally, the famous Aquasplash water park in Lignano Sabbiadoro has been delighting local families and tourists alike for decades.
