There's sunshine, warm enough to feel on your skin. There's a roaring fire in the stone hearth. There are bowls of polenta and spezzatino, and plates of potatoes and melted cheese, raclette. There are ski lessons for the little ones and not-so-little ones who are just learning. And there's the Alpyland toboggan for all. 

Where? At the top of Mt. Mottarone in winter. Spend a nice Sunday afternoon there, even if just for the lunch and sunshine part, as well as a little walk around. 

It's about a 30-minute drive from Stresa, winding up the mountain, all the time following signs for Mottarone. It's a toll road, 8 euros per car (as of this writing). You'll drive under the Alpyland track when you're near the top, and then find parking in one of the dirt parking areas or along the road. Parking is all free.

In winter Casa della Neve is the center of the action. Rustic mountain decor, lots of people, large tables of families and friends, warm comfort foods, and views to die for. 

If you take the cableway up from Carciano it takes about 18 minutes, plus another short chairlift ride to reach the top (or a 15-minute walk). Cost: 13.50 euro per adult/8.50 per child 4 to 12 (as of this writing). (stresa-mottarone.it)

Either way, what views...