Accessible mountains

The mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia represent one of the most fascinating areas of the region: a territory that combines alpine and pre-alpine landscapes of great natural value, cultural traditions, and gastronomic excellences, with a mature and diversified tourism system.

From Carnia to Val Canale and Canal del Ferro, from Prealpi Friulane to Valli del Natisone and del Torre, up to the Dolomiti Friulane, the Friulian mountains offer experiences that range from winter sports to hiking, from nature tourism to cultural tourism.

The mountainous territory of Friuli Venezia Giulia includes two important protected areas, the Natural Park of the Friulian Dolomites and the Natural Park of the Giulian Prealps, which represent a reference point for sustainable tourism. Alongside environmental protection, the region invests in infrastructure and major events, such as the Women's Alpine Ski World Cup hosted in Tarvisio in January 2026 and the new Gilberti chairlift in Sella Nevea. An offer that also extends to the summer season, thanks to the Great War itineraries and the Caminos, making the Friulian mountains a strategic context for the development of accessible and quality tourism.

PromoTurismoFVG, with the Regional Council of Persons with Disabilities and their Families, launches the project I AM FVG to develop accessible tourism in mountain areas, funded by the Single Fund of the Ministry for Disabilities. After A-Mare il Mare, starting in 2025 the focus shifts to the mountains, with investments in equipment for adaptive skiing, accessible outdoor activities, and training for operators, for an offer available all year round.

The first phase developed through a working table with the Mountain Communities of Friuli Venezia Giulia to analyze the current situation, map existing projects, services offered, and planned initiatives, in order to promote territorial collaboration without duplications.

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, 6 mountain communities operate that – together with other local entities – represent a reference for the implementation of the intervention in 84 municipalities in the internal areas.

The specialization course for teaching skiing to people with disabilities has already started with the College of Ski Instructors of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Italian Association of Ski Instructors of Friuli Venezia Giulia, conducted with qualified instructors in partnership with the Italian Paralympic Committee – FVG Regional Committee.

In December, in Piancavallo, 33 ski instructors from all ski schools in FVG attended an introductory course on disability applied to winter sports practices, with an overview of different needs and adaptive approaches and direct "in-the-field" practice (skiing). The course will continue in March, with more practical training sessions and, paralympians and ambassador athletes will be involved in promotional activities and future communication initiatives, enhancing the direct experience.

In parallel, an intensive accessibility mapping activity of mountain tourist locations and accessible services is planned, which, as from the start of regional projects on accessible tourism, will be managed by the CRIBA staff, providing their technical expertise to update and expand the content catalog of this portal. 250 bars and restaurants, 150 accommodation facilities, 11 ski schools, 10 sports facilities, and 77 ski lifts will be mapped to verify their level of accessibility, and during the summer of 2026, bathing places, cycling paths, museums, churches, and places designated for various outdoor experiences will be mapped: all mappings will be available on this portal to help those consulting it to organize their next mountain vacation!