by InTrieste
Interview: FVG councilor for tourism, Sergio Bini
The ski season in Friuli Venezia Giulia is set to begin on December 6, with most of the region’s resorts opening a selection of slopes and lifts for the long holiday weekend. Piancavallo, Sappada–Forni Avoltri, Forni di Sopra–Sauris, Ravascletto–Zoncolan and Tarvisio will welcome skiers starting Saturday, while Sella Nevea is scheduled to open on December 13.
From December 6 to 19, visitors will benefit from low-season prices, with an additional 30 percent discount applied at resorts where less than 40 percent of terrain is accessible. High-season rates will take effect from December 20 through March 8. This year’s ski pass prices remain unchanged from the previous season, and family-friendly packages continue to be offered across the region.
As the 2025–26 winter season gets underway, regional officials emphasize that modernization and maintenance work in recent months has focused on improving efficiency and visitor experience. The season is scheduled to run through March 22, 2026, with Sella Nevea remaining open until April 6. In addition to skiing, Friuli Venezia Giulia will offer a wide program of non-ski activities, including more than 500 guided outings organized in partnership with local networks and tourism consortia.
Resorts Open With Partial Terrain and Early-Season Discounts
Each resort is preparing a phased opening. In Piancavallo, a mix of carpets, chairlifts and slopes—including the Daini, Genzianella, Casere and Busa Grande areas—will operate daily starting December 6, with some zones opening only on weekends until coverage improves. The rail-mounted alpine coaster and Nevelandia will also begin their season on Saturday.
In Sappada, the Pian dei Nidi and Eiben Col dei Mughi chairlifts will open, along with the Campetto 1 beginner area. Forni di Sopra will operate its Davost area daily, while the Varmost 1 and 2 chairlifts will run from December 6 to 8. Fantasy Park will open for the holiday weekend and then resume regular operations later in December. Two kilometers of the Tagliamento Nordic track will be available.
Ravascletto–Zoncolan will open the Monte Zoncolan funifor and several chairlifts, providing access to pistes Zoncolan 3 and 4 and the Goles area. Tarvisio will open the Lussari gondola and multiple lifts in upper and lower areas, with the alpine coaster and the Fun Park dell’Angelo also launching their season.
Sella Nevea staff continue snowmaking and preparatory work ahead of the December 13 opening.
Competitive Rates Across the Alps
Friuli Venezia Giulia remains one of the most affordable ski destinations in the Alps. For the 2025–26 season, the standard adult day pass is €44 (€38.50 in low season), with free skiing for children born between 2019 and 2023. Juniors and skiers over 75 pay €10 per day; senior skiers receive reduced rates as well.
Flexible passes—such as the popular sci@sempre hourly cards—remain at last year’s prices. Seasonal passes (CartaNeve) cost €550 for adults, with discounted options available for seniors, juniors, and families purchasing multiple passes. Additional reductions are provided for organized groups, schools, university students, and residents of municipalities hosting the region’s lift systems.
New Infrastructure and Upgrades for 2025–26
Among the most anticipated developments is the new Gilberti chairlift at Sella Nevea, designed to improve circulation and expand access to surrounding terrain. Resorts across the region have updated Axess gate graphics and undertaken targeted improvements.
Tarvisio completed new LED lighting on the Di Prampero slope, reducing energy consumption while improving visibility. Power-bank rental stations have been installed in Tarvisio, Zoncolan and Piancavallo. A new digital game—Edugame Super (FV)G—will offer visitors to the Di Prampero slope an interactive experience combining entertainment and education.
Upgrades completed over the past year include a renovated self-service restaurant in Forni di Sopra, new kiosks in Piancavallo, improved snowmaking equipment at Ravascletto–Zoncolan, expanded snowmaking at Sappada and Forni Avoltri, and the introduction of an updated anti-avalanche system at Sella Nevea.
Beyond Skiing: A Winter Calendar of More Than 500 Outings
The region’s winter program extends well beyond alpine skiing, offering travelers a wide range of nature-based and cultural activities.
In Sappada, visitors can join guided snowshoe hikes, ice-climbing sessions, and educational workshops for children, along with cultural visits and local food tastings. Forni di Sopra highlights biathlon introductions, high-altitude snowshoeing, torchlit walks, and nighttime excursions.
Sauris blends art, nature and folklore with family-friendly activities and storytelling tied to local traditions. In Sutrio and Paluzza, lantern walks, winter foraging outings and farm visits are available. Arta Terme will again host astro-trekking nights, meditation experiences, craft workshops and family adventures.
The Tarvisio area, set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, offers nature walks, historical excursions on World War I trails, snow e-bike tours, climbing introductions, and children’s workshops.
Wellbeing Experiences in the Mountains
A dedicated wellbeing program invites visitors to explore slower, more mindful ways of experiencing winter landscapes. Activities range from forest bathing and moonlit walks to gong baths and family-friendly nature games. The program is available in Italian, English and German.
“Fogolâr in Famiglia”: Culinary Traditions in Carnia
A new initiative celebrates the cultural heritage of Carnia through the fogolâr, the region’s traditional hearth. From January 9 to February 5, five participating venues in Sutrio, Comeglians, Paluzza and Ravascletto will host storytelling evenings centered on local cuisine, seasonal products and community traditions.
