Some of the proposed activities require adequate physical and technical preparation as they take place in a high mountain context. Weather forecasts must be checked in advance, and the itineraries evaluated based on your experience. We recommend tackling these excursions accompanied by professional guides to enjoy these environments in the name of safety.
Forni di Sopra, the preferential gateway to that corner of the Dolomites, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Varmost area, surrounded by woods, meadows and rounded peaks, is a terrace of excellence to admire the infinity of rocky spires that rise a short distance away.
During the summer in Forni di Sopra, the Varmost 1 and Varmost 2 chairlifts are open, on which you can hook your bicycle or electric bike. Once you have comfortably reached the 1756 metres of the Varmost malga (shepherd hut), more or less demanding excursions, mountain bike trails, refuges and huts where you can taste the typical local dishes and tasty freshly prepared malga cheeses await you.
Shelters accessible from the chairlift stations:
- Rifugio Som Picol at 1446 metres from the first chairlift,
info +39.3515496373 , email: sompicol.fornidisopra@gail.com
- Varmost malga “L’allegra Fattoria” at 1758 metres from the second chairlift info: +39.3494521694 , email: allegrafattoria.tolmezzo@gmail.com
Excursions to enjoy when you reach the peak:
Sentiero Caposassi
A route that leads from the Varmost malga (shepherd hut) through pastures and sparse woods to the grassy ledge of the Lavazeit farmhouse at 1813 metres. The route develops along a well-marked path, without difficulty, with a view of the Friuli and Ampezzo Dolomites, including the famous three peaks of Lavaredo.
Difficulty: easy - excursionists
Duration one-way: 0.45 minutes from the Varmost malga
Elevation gain: About 100 metres from the Varmost malga
Signposts: CAI 207
Clap Varmost
A route that leads to the panoramic summit that, seen from the village of Forni di Sopra, recalls the huge stone keel of a ship. The route from the ski runs goes up the western slopes, first through pastures and clearings and finally through the larch forest to the panoramic peak. 1751 metres – 1.00 hour from the Varmost malga.
Difficulty: medium - excursionists
Duration one-way: 1.00 hour from the Varmost malga
Elevation gain: About 130 metres from the Varmost malga
Signposts: CAI 207 and dedicated path
The Clap Varmost can also be reached from Som Picol along the CAI 207 path up to the fork that, on the right, leads to the top. In this case, the elevation difference increases to 300 metres, and the climb takes 1.30 hours.
Mount Simon and Crusicalas
A route that reaches the long panoramic ridge that connects Mount Crusicalas to Mount Simon, initially following the route of the highest ski run in the area. Near the arrival station, on the right, a service road reaches the starting point of the disused chairlifts and the top of Mount Crusicalas at 2105 metres. The ridge then leads to the top of Mount Simon. The absence of vegetation on the summit guarantees total visibility in all directions. It is undoubtedly the best observation point of the Friuli Dolomites which are opposite. 2123 metres – 1.30 hours from the Varmost malga.
Difficulty: easy - excursionists
Duration: 1.30 hours from the Varmost malga
Elevation gain: About 400 metres from the Varmost malga
Signpost: dedicated path
Tour of the malghe (shepherd huts) in Forni
A route that takes advantage of the altitude reached by the chairlifts to limit the elevation difference but is very satisfying, thanks to the landscapes and the refreshment points reached. From the Varmost malga, the path leads to the pastures of Casera Tartoi, Casera Tragonia and lastly, the Montemaggiore malga, the one furthest away.
Tartoi and Tragonia are managed shelters, Montemaggiore is just a bivouac. From Tartoi and Tragonia, it is possible to descend to the village of Forni along a convenient service road with 800 metres of altitude difference.
Difficulty: medium - excursionists
Duration: 1.00 hour from the Varmost malga to Tartoi, 2.30 hours to Tragonia, 4.00 hours to Montemaggiore.
Elevation gain: About 150 metres in Tartoi, 200 metres in Tragonia, 150 metres in Montemaggiore
Signposts: CAI 211
Vertical sports:
Ferrata (climbing route with cables)
“Adventure Climb Varmost” at Clap Varmost
A via ferrata (climbing route with cables) for sport. It can be reached from the arrival point of the Varmost 1 chairlift, which goes up the vertical southern wall of the Clap Varmost, reserved for trained people able to tackle difficult routes. To be climbed with a helmet and climbing kit, gloves are recommended.
It is possible to rent this specific kit at the Dolomiti adventure park (info: +39.328 1841988).
Falesia Clap Varmost
The cliff extends on the southern wall of the Clap Varmost, near the via ferrata. There are about fifteen equipped routes, mainly aimed at beginners. Access to the via ferrata path (on-site directions) in 10 minutes.
Mountain bike trails:
Gravity Park
The Gravity Park is a network of routes dedicated to Down Hill and Enduro enthusiasts that guarantee adrenaline-filled descents and easy access thanks to the high altitude transport of MTBs with the ski lifts. The prepared routes are very technical and require the use of a full-face helmet and protections as per current regulations. For those who want to approach this discipline, we suggest you are accompanied by guides and/or MTB instructors, available at +39.3339799621.
Giro delle malghe
The trekking route that connects the Varmost malga to Casera Tartoi and Tragonia can also be covered by experts on Mountain bikes or with suitable bicycles. It is possible to rent MTBs and E-MTBs at the bike rental Bikingfor, info +39.3339799621.
Paragliding
Paragliding enthusiasts use the upper part of the Varmost 2 ski run as an ideal take-off point for panoramic flights above the Forni basin, thanks to the strong upwind of the southern slope of the Clap Varmost.
Click here to view prices and discounts for chairlift rides
Information:
Infopoint Forni di Sopra
Tel: 0433.886767
Email: info.fornidisopra@promoturismo.fvg.it
