The famous Passo del Sempione, the Simplon Pass, which connects northern Piemonte with Switzerland, was closed today due to 37 cm of fresh snow that fell last night. But we know it's winter's last hurrah, as the extended forecast is calling for warmer weather. In Stresa, thoughts are already turning to primavera, spring. Shops are reopening and preparing for the beginning of the tourist season. Gardeners have cleaned up and replanted the flower beds in the piazze. And the National Camelia Exhibition in Verbania is only two weeks away. And so, I offer you one last look at Stresa in winter before we turn our attention and focus to spring.