A desire for authenticity

A desire for authenticity
Udine
Magazine: March 2008

Tradition is at home in Carnia. It is ensconced in the towns of this beautiful chunk of Friuli, a mere breath away from Austria. The most celebrated and picturesque is Sauris, fairytale terrain almost suspended against a snow capped backdrop, where the Val Lumei is encircled by the impressive peaks that crown the hamlet. The highest commune of Friuli Venezia Giulia covets an impressive cultural heritage, from the art of gastronomy to the craft of artisan skills. History and local customs are kept safe in the Ethnographic Centre, at Sauris di Sopra. Close by are the Sauris textile makers and Wolf, the famous ham producers, where the lightly smoked and perfectly aged Sauris Igp prosciutto PGI is created. The tiny hamlet of Carnia is at the centre of a cluster of beautiful stars: Forni di Sopra, Sutrio and Paularo. Ancient towns that charm with their exceptional ability to be historic and modern at the same time.

Ski heaven
For snow sports, an ideal base is the Albergo Diffuso Sauris (downhill, cross country, snowboard, alpine skiing, snow shoeing and ice skating), the Albergo Diffuso Comeglians and Borgo Soandri di Sutrio, both are a few kilometres from the great white extravaganza of Carnia: the Monte Zoncolan. With almost 30 km of downhill piste comprising programmed artificial snow, 9 ski lifts, snowboard arena, trampoline, bob sleigh run, 2,5 km of cross country and an excellent ski school (tel. 043366043), the district is suitable for skiers of all levels and is perfect for families. For a fab Après Ski, those who have chosen to stay in Sutrio can descend to the valley and, after a few kilometres; plunge into the regenerating recreation offered by the Terme di Arta (termediarta.it).