For all those who believe that Stresa just goes to sleep during the winter, I hope that our winter posts are starting to show you that there is a wonder to Stresa also in these colder months when the summer attractions are closed. Here's another idea to add to your winter list, how about ice skating? ....

Ice skating is returning to Verbania this winter for an entire month. Beginning December 8, 2011, coinciding with the start of the Natale season, the Verbania Ice Arena will reopen. The temporary rink is set up in a location with views of Lago Maggiore, as seen in the photo above from last year. It will remain open until the end of the holiday season, on January 8. 

Hours are as follows: Sunday morning from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. It will be open weekday mornings only for schools. In the afternoon the rink will be open everyday from 2:30 PM until 7:00 PM. The rink will be open only Saturday evening, from 9:00 PM until midnight. However, during the week of Christmas Eve until New Years Day it will be open every evening with these same hours. There are also very special hours on New Year's Eve, December 31, when the rink will remain open to celebrate the new year until 4:00 AM.  

Prices:

Although officially open December 8, the rink will be inaugurated on December 7 at 2:30; all visitors at this time can test the ice for free!