Similarly to the "Scota franta", also the "Formadi frant" derives from the refermentation of a mix of semi-cooked cheese of various maturing, grated and crushed (frant) and added with salt, pepper and surfacing cream. The shape is recomposed in the molds, pressed and left to mature for at least 40 days. The intensity of flavor and aroma blend well with acacia honey, but the "Formadi frant" is often found as a protagonist even in traditional Carnia recipes.
On the asphalt road from Paularo, follow indications towards the Cason di Lanza Pass and turn right in the “Baita da Nelut” area onto a very steep forest path (CAI trail n. 442) that climbs towards the Zermula shelter. Along the path from Paularo to the malghe, approximately one kilometre after the “Maina della Schialute”, visitors will find indications for a short trail leading to the “Palm”, a prodigious secular white fir tree listed among the main natural monuments of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Trenches dating back to the Great War can still be found nearby the malga. Proceed on the road built during the First World War to reach the peak of the panoramic Mount Zermula (2.143 m).
This malga was rebuilt after being destroyed by an avalanche during the 1980s. From the Moraretto shelter, visitors can follow a road or CAI trail n. 143 to the Giovanni Marinelli Refuge (2.111 m), built in 1901, and then descend along CAI trail n. 148 towards the Mount Croce Carnico pass. The pastures extending between the shelter and the Marinelli Refuge are home to a large colony of marmots. The hamlet of Collina in the Forni Avoltri area is particularly important for the regional dairy sector, given that the first local dairy production cooperative was founded here in 1881: the building still stands here with its ancient sign.
The structure is located on a grazing saddle on the border of the Julian Prealps Natural Park, on the mid-southern flank of Mount Lavara. The shelter is surrounded by unspoiled nature, where walkers may encounter roe deer, chamois, ibex, marmots, eagles and many other animal species.
The Pancotto family has managed the malga, farm restaurant and didactic farm since 2011, offering children and kids the opportunity to spend a week discovering life in the pastures.
