by InTrieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia’s ski resorts have seen an unprecedented surge in visitors this holiday season, welcoming over 250,000 skiers between December 23 and January 6. This marks a 34% increase from the same period last year, with the region’s six ski areas seeing a total of 250,597 admissions, up from 187,075 in 2024, according to PromoTurismoFVG, the regional tourism body.
Regional authorities have hailed the jump in numbers as a sign of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s rising profile in the international ski market. Sergio Emidio Bini, the Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism, commented, “These numbers are without precedent. The appeal of our mountains is stronger than ever, drawing skiers from across Europe and beyond.”
The influx of visitors was especially noticeable from neighboring Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Piancavallo led the charge with a 61.3% increase in visitors, while Tarvisio saw the largest overall turnout, with 85,581 skiers, reflecting a 49% rise from last year.
Detailed attendance figures include:
- Forni di Sopra/Sauris: 14,973 visitors (+33.7%)
- Piancavallo: 49,580 visitors (+61.3%)
- Sappada: 25,765 visitors (+12%)
- Sella Nevea: 9,850 visitors (-14.5%)
- Tarvisio: 85,581 visitors (+49%)
- Ravascletto/Zoncolan: 64,848 visitors (+21.9%)
January 4 marked the holiday period’s peak, with 24,866 skiers hitting the slopes, surpassing the previous record of 20,856 from February 2023. Other busy days included December 28, 29, and 30, when over 22,000 skiers visited the slopes each day.
Bini attributed the growth to strategic investments, including competitive pricing for ski passes, as well as promotions targeting families. The region has focused on maintaining high-quality slopes, even during peak days and challenging weather conditions, a factor that has been crucial for attracting visitors. In addition to recreational skiers, professional athletes have also chosen Friuli Venezia Giulia for training, further raising the region’s profile as an Alpine destination.
As the ski season progresses, the region is poised to continue its growth as a winter tourism hub, with the holiday surge serving as a strong indicator of the area’s growing international appeal.
