Skiing in Stresa!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Skiing in Stresa!

10:33 PM |

Dana Kaplan, Stresa Sights |

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It’s a pity that people tend to think of Stresa only as a summer destination. Very few realize that it sits at the base of a full-fledged ski resort, but that it does, with fantastic, affordable, hassle-free skiing available right from the center of town, without the need of a car.

Mt. Mottarone is no beginner’s hill. Listen to these statistics: Seven ski lifts and 21 piste, ski runs, offering a total skiing area of 21 km. Snow-making capabilities on 25% of the trails. Off-piste areas. Snowboarders welcome. And then there’s the view… As any skier will tell you, one of the most enticing parts about skiing is the sheer splendor of winter landscapes and in this regard Mottarone delivers. At the summit you’re surrounded by seven lakes, so spend a moment and take in the 360° view. Choose your path down. The Alpe Corti piste is especially scenic; the 2.5 km trail begins at the very summit and winds its way down varying terrain, offering resting spots with incredible panoramas of the lakes below.

Mottarone has a full range of services for skiers. Rentals of all equipment, lessons, several restaurants and bars. While down below Stresa doesn’t receive too much snow, protected as it is by the lake and mountains, 5,000 feet higher Mottarone can be covered in white. As I write this and check the ski report the mountain has a 48” base, fresh powder cover, and is 100% open.

Getting to the summit, where skiing begins, is also part of the fun. From Stresa a 5½-mile private road offers breathtaking views and takes about 30 minutes. There is a per-car toll. If you’re without a car, or simply if you prefer, take the cableway from the imbarcadero at Carciano. You’ll switch halfway up, at Alpino, to the next cable way, which you’ll take up to Mottarone; the entire trip takes 18 minutes. If you’re in Milan this is the nearest skiing and easily offers a full day’s activities. Yes, you could drive two or three hours further north into Switzerland to ski at the more famous, large, and crowded resorts. Or avoid the crowds, enjoying breathtaking scenery, save traveling time, and spend a day at what I think is a sadly overlooked side of Stresa, the ski-town side.

And don't forget, Mt. Mottarone is also wonderful in spring, summer, and autumn.

Web site for Cableway rates and schedule, as well as additional information about Mt. Mottarone: www.stresa-mottarone.it