Winter: Alpyland In The Snow

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Winter: Alpyland In The Snow

6:20 AM |

Dana Kaplan, Stresa Sights |

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Here's some beautiful proof that winter has indeed arrived, at least in the mountains above Stresa. I share with you here some photos taken at Alpyland on a crisp and clear day, from the starting platform of the toboggan run. Alpyland will be a four-season attraction, and you may recall from our earlier posts about it, it is safe for children of almost any age. Its speed range is from very slow to moderately fast, and small children can be strapped in with an adult behind them. Basically it works by releasing a brake. That is, you release the brake to the speed you want. Removing your hands will automatically brake the tobaggan.

Not bad these views, no? Here's a refresher on some of the important information to remember about Mt. Mottarone and Alpyland in the winter. Alpyland sits at the very summit of Mt. Mottarone. Remember that to reach it from Stresa you'll take the cableway up from the Carciano ferry stop, and then at the top of the cableway you will walk a few meters and take the chairlift to the summit and Alpyland. You can also arrive by auto, on a toll road that winds up the mountain. Parking is on the other side of the summit. From that point one must walk up the hill to the summit antenna and over the top to Alpyland. On the parking side you will find the few restaurants, such a Casa delle Neve, and the starting points for the ski runs of Mottarone. It is up here that skis and equipment can be rented.

Although Mottarone is a large enough mountain, and has some very nice skiing, this is not a large resort. Keep that in mind. You will not find here the amenities or the variety that exists at larger, more touristic places. What you will find here is a good-size local resort used by many traveling from Milan for a day on the mountain, and for some looking for a more laid back winter experience. There are lessons available however, by instructors who speak English, and there are lessons as well for children. And often, you'll see Motty, the mascot of Mottarone, skiing along with you.

So are you ready for winter 2010/2011 in Stresa? Stresa's ready and waiting for you...
Here are some other posts about winter.

Read the previous blog for more about Mt. Mottarone's 2010/2011 winter season and links to the websites for Mt. Mottarone and Alpyland.

Labels: outdoor activities, photo gallery, winter

4 comments:

Nora said...: Mottarone and the lake look positively stunning in the snow! Can’t wait to be there in January to experience Alpyland and skiing. Casa della Neve sounds like the perfect place to go afterwards for a hearty meal. Thanks so much for this timely information Dana!; November 30, 2010 5:46 PM
Marcos said...: One of the biggest advantages of the "vetta" as the locals call it, is it's position in the sun! As there are no other (higher) mountain surrounding is, you will always have a stunning view. On the main slopes, sun is present almost the complete day. However, it is less suitable for snowboarders, as the slopes are quite steep and sometimes quite narrow. The prices for food and beverages are a laugh, compared to the big resorts....; December 1, 2010 4:56 AM
Emma said...: Remember that you need to have snow tires or chains to get up if you want to go by car!; December 7, 2010 6:37 AM
Stresa Sights said...: Good point Em.. Thanks for the reminder! The road to the summit is quite long, winding, and could be treacherous in the winter.; December 8, 2010 7:39 AM

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