Zoncolan ski area, white wonderland of the Carnic Alps for all your winter sports
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Nestled in the Carnic Alps in the province of Udine, is Ravascletto, the most important town in the Valcada. Thanks to the neary ski area of mount Zoncolan, it has become one of the most popular destinations in Friuli for winter sport lovers, attracted by the many slopes that branch off from the Kaiser Zoncolan.
This is what cycling enthusiasts call the mountain due to its steep climbs. This impressive observation point is nothing short of a spectacular mountainous amphitheatre. It encompases almost all of Carnia and the villages of the valley floor.
Tracks for everyone and paths dedicated for the disabled
The Zoncolan ski area offers skiers and snowboarders just under 30 kilometres of downhill slopes of 950 and 2000 metre trails, always open thanks to artificial snow. The routes are served by 12 ski lifts including the highly efficient Funifor which connects the area to the town of Ravascletto.
The ski area is focused around the 2 automatic chair lifts of Valvan and Cuel d’Ajar. The first reaches trails of medium to high difficulty. Included and worth noting is the Lavet-Canalone slope which reaches Ravascletto from the top of Zoncolan, clearing more than 800 metres in altitude.
It doesn’t matter what level your skills are, in the Zoncolan ski area you will find slopes suitable for all levels. It’s highest slopes cater to the desires of the most demanding skiers. Those at the bottom of the valley are suitable for families with children, there are rolling walkways, safe ski lifts and school areas with teachers from the Italian Carnia Ski School. These teachers also specialise in teaching disabled people. You can learn traditional methods and also techniques of carving fun or telemark methods.
Snowboarding and freestyle arena
If you are a snowboarder or freestyler, in Zoncolan you’ll love the Freestyle Snowpark arena. This enclosed circuit of 320 metres has an average width of 35 and a gradient of 18 percent. It is also equipped with a large number of trampolines. Tracks for ski cross and boardercross of every technical level, with music in the background, are accessed without the need for proof of technical ability, so long as you are equipped with a helmet.
A paradise for cross country and biathlon enthusiasts
Welcome to Forni Avoltri, 12 kilometres from Ravascletto. The Carnia Federal Centre arena is open in summer and in winter, for those who love Nordic disciplines, thanks to its 7 areas of artificial snow and 4 kilometre roller ski run. Here you can partake in cross country skiing and biathlon practices: many teams come to train here and international competitions are often held here.
You can practice on 15 kilometres dedicated to cross country skiing, through fir and larch tree forests, these include tracks for everyone. From the easiest ones to the most complicated. If you like you can also take lessons and practice at the shooting range.
High altitude explorations, ski mountaineering, snow walking and snowmobiles
If you’d rather stay at high altitude and climb the more solitary ski mountaineering trails, in addition to Zoncolan, there are many peaks that you can reach: Mount Crostis, Cimon di Crasulina and Tamai.
Whether ski mountaineering or snow walking, you can cross through the middle of the spruce trees on the trail that from Valcada you will see panoramic views of the peaks. Many other fun excursions can be tackled from a comfortable heated 16 seater snowmobile.
If you still have adrenaline to burn, there is no shortage of illuminated slopes from which to launch a sled or bobsled, there’s also trampolines for jumping and an ice rink to skate on.
To end a little dip in thermal waters
The best way to conclude a day of activities in the snow on Mount Zoncolan, is to get yourself to il Palazzo delle acque di Arta Terme, about 10 kilometres from Ravascletto. Enjoy the benefits of relaxing in the warm sulfurous thermal waters, restore yourself in a sauna or turkish bath and finish with an invigorating toning shower.
