Ski Season Opens December 5 On Mt. Mottarone

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Ski Season Opens December 5 On Mt. Mottarone

6:25 AM |

Dana Kaplan, Stresa Sights |

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In just a few days, On December 5, Mt. Mottarone will open its ski resort for the 2009 - 2010 season. The opening, as always, coincides with the official beginning of the Christmas season in Italy. So far, the opening looks good to go. The first dustings of snow fell last week, and with the lower temperatures and rainy days of this week the summit of the mountain will surely be ready. We've talked about Mt. Mottarone in winter here before, but let's review again for the new season and all those of you who are coming here, or thinking of coming here, to ski. In addition, there are some new features at Mottarone to talk about.

Mottarone is a surprisingly large mountain which rises 4892 ft/1491 m. behind Stresa. The summit, where the ski runs begin, can be reached with the 18 minute ride on the cableway from Carciano, or, with the 20 minute drive up the private mountain road (there is a small fee required on the last part of this road). Last year saw the opening of a new, short ski lift which brings skiers and visitors from the cableway station at the top a bit higher, to the ski station, eliminating what previously had to be done on foot, with skis over shoulders.

Now let's look at the new features this year:

In the area of the mountain called Campetti Milanese a section has been enclosed and will now be used for the renting and riding of small motorized sleds and miniquads, providing an alternative activity for skiers, or perhaps for those who do not ski.

Attention has been given to the littlest guests this year; and Sunday afternoons beginning on December 28 will see special events just for them. In addition to the lesson groups already available for young skiers, Sundays they will be visited by, and have the opportunity to ski with Motty, the costumed blue bear mascot of Mt. Mottarone. Motty and his friends will have games, entertainment, and music exclusively for the children.

Another new initiative, from December 24, each Tuesday and Friday, inside of the daily journal Libero, look for a coupon which will give a 3 euro discount on the price of a daily skipass. Just clip the coupons and use them at any time during the season, bringing it with you when you purchase your ski pass.

Mt. Mottarone boasts 21 km of ski runs and 7 chair lifts taking skiers to 21 different trails. There are runs to please all levels, from beginner to expert. The mountain's unique position provides sunshine on all runs for much of each day, and the mountain is fully staffed, including many persons qualified to assist should medical aid be necessary.

There are several restaurants in which one can warm up, sit by a fire, eat comforting mountain food, and drink the specialty, fil de fer.

Tickets can be purchased at the cableway station, at the tourist office at the Stresa embarcadero, and at several tourist agency offices. For more information on Mt. Mottarone's winter skiing:

Here is the link for the winter cableway schedule: http://www.stresa-mottarone.it/winter_timetable_rates.htm

And the link to Mottarone's main ski Web site: http://www.mottaroneski.it/it/index.php

Don't forget to check at the station for any potential weather closings, and don't forget, it will be much colder at the top!

Visit the Web sites, and don't hesitate to write to us if you have any questions regarding your trip.