The first snow has appeared on the tops of the mountains... Here in Stresa there isn't much of a discernible autumn; at least not the kind I'm used to seeing in the northeast United States. No riotous color changes, no knee-deep leaves rustling under feet. But somewhere during the chestnut and porcini season we become aware that we have switched from summer to winter when we first glance up and notice the white caps have returned to the mountaintops. Here, we are looking at the Prealps, behind Verbania.

So polish up those skis, go buy a new scarf in the market, pile up some wood near your fireplace, it's time to get ready for another winter season in Stresa.

The Sempione Pass has already been closed once this season to trucks because of snowfall. Closures can happen a few times each winter, but the roads are quickly opened again. On average, Mottarone tries to be open for skiing by December 7 or 8, as those are both holidays. The 7th is Stresa's own day, the name day of its saint, Sant'Ambrogio, and the 8th is la Festa dell'Immaculata . If you're thinking of skiing in the area this winter take a look at this post from winter 2008 with several links and information about some of the best local ski destinations.

And for information about Mottarone in winter, take a look here.