Lake Maggiore is quite popular among tourists as a summer destination which comes into full bloom during spring, thanks to the numerous parks and gardens in the region. However, very few would tell you that Lake Maggiore is also home to a number of destinations which promise you a memorable winter vacation full of fun and activities.
These destinations also offer facilities for a variety of winter sports that you can enjoy with family and friends. Discover our selection!
Mottarone ski resort
![Woman cross-country skies in Parco del Mottarone during sunset]( "Woman cross-country skies in Parco del Mottarone during sunset")
Enjoy the view and the snow at Parco del Mottarone Ph: Gisella Motta
The closest ski resort to Lake Maggiore offers both downhill and cross-country skiing. Imagine a skiing destination which promises an incredible view of seven lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, Lake Monate, Lake Biandronno) and the magnificent Alps. That’s Mottarone for you, a ski destination with amazing pistes and stunning landscapes. The best part about the destination is that the peak from where the skiing begins can be reached in less than 6 miles journey by road.
Considered as one of the most beautiful natural balconies in Piedmont, Mottarone offers 25 km (about 15.53 mi) of slopes and 7 lifts for skiing and snowboarding. The destination has 21 pistes of varied difficulty and length (10 blue, 8 red and 3 black runs). In terms of infrastructure, the place offers easy rental options for equipment and gear. It also has a number of restaurants and bars to enjoy a good day out. While it is rare to find snow in Stresa, Mottarone, only half an hour away from there, is covered in white from November onwards.
San Domenico ski resort
![Snowboarders prepare to hit the slopes]( "Snowboarders prepare to hit the slopes")
Snowboarders prepare to hit the slopes
A family-friendly resort with a variety of slopes and cross-country skiing trails, located to the north of Lake Maggiore. Only about an hour from Stresa, San Domenico is a wonderful year-round holiday destination. But winters here are a different story altogether. With its high-quality snow coverage, which is among the best in the region, the skiing season here starts from early December and continues through early May.
The modern resort village benefits from a lively array of amenities and shops to complement a self-catering stay, with authentic pizzerias, taverns, chic restaurants, bars and pubs to enjoy. Visitors in search of a gift can easily pick up a traditional souvenir from one of the local farm shops that sell regional honey, cheeses and flowers. As the sun sets across the dramatic mountain peaks, the bars provide a good dose of a traditional evening to bring the day to a close.
With 35 km (about 21.75 mi) of pristine slopes that range in varying difficulty, alongside the breathtaking setting of the Sando SnowPark and the popular Wild Snowboard and Ski School to enjoy, San Domenico offers a delightful resort for beginners, intermediates and experts alike.
Passo Forcora ski resort
![Madonna of the snow Church in Forcora pass, Val Veddasca]( "View of the Madonna of the snow Church in Forcora pass, Val Veddasca, province of Varese, Italy")
The Madonna of the snow Church in Forcora pass, Val Veddasca, province of Varese, Italy
On the eastern banks of Lake Maggiore, in Lombardia, Passo Forcora offers skiing opportunities, including a practice run with a button lift, two longer runs with a chair lift, and equipment rental options. The full-day ski pass costs 25 euros for adults and 20 euros for children, with half-day passes available at lower rates. Children under 5 can ski for free. There's a charming chalet serving delicious food and hot chocolate.
Passo Forcora is an excellent destination, particularly for beginner skiers, novice skiers, and families with children, as there's a dedicated sledging area for little ones.
Macugnaga ski resort
![Skiers enjoy the white slopes in the Macugnaga ski resort]( "Skiers enjoy the white slopes in the Macugnaga ski resort")
Both adults and children can enjoy Macugnaga’s white slopes
Located in Piedmont, on the east side of the lake, Macugnaga is a charming village with stunning views of the Monte Rosa massif. It's known for its charming alpine atmosphere. Macugnaga, offers a unique and peaceful skiing experience.
With over 30 kilometers (about 18.64 mi) of slopes, it caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The resort is divided into Belvedere for beginners and Monte Moro for advanced skiers, with a variety of blue, red, and challenging black slopes. Numerous lodges are scattered throughout the area, providing opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and warm drinks, like Jagertee.
Macugnaga is an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter and less crowded skiing experience.
Domobianca ski resort
![Two skiers engage in a romantic night skiing]( "Two skiers engage in a romantic night skiing")
A must try in Domobianca: night skiing
Another option to the north, Domobianca offers skiing and snowboarding in a peaceful setting. The ski resort, located 15 minutes from Domodossola, is a winter sports paradise with stunning panoramic views across the Ossola Valley plain, from Switzerland to Monte Rosa. The resort features over 20 kilometers (about 12.43 mi) of slopes, starting at an altitude of 1,000 meters (about 3280.84 ft) and reaching 1,900 meters (about 1.18 mi) at the summit of Moncucco, offering a total descent of nearly 1,000 meters (about 3280.84 ft).
Notably, Domobianca is one of the two resorts in the Ossola Valley to offer night skiing, with 3 kilometers of illuminated slopes, making it one of the longest night skiing descents in Europe.
And to regain energy in a tasty way, there is no shortage of ski bars for quick sandwiches, or catering services to arouse the appreciation of gourmets, with the tasting of wines and local products.
With Ski School teachers that give individual lessons and group courses, a snowpark with jumps and rails that is also open at night, and a baby park for children, Domobianca is particularly suitable for couples and families.
Formazza ski resort
![Mountaineer on ebike, on a sunny winter day, Alps, Formazza Valley, Italy]( "Mountaineer on ebike, on a sunny winter day, Alps, Formazza Valley, Italy")
Ebiking is only one of the many activities you can do on the snow in the Formazza Valley
This is a bit farther from the lake but is known for its beautiful scenery and skiing opportunities. Formazza Valley offers the convenience of ski slopes located close to towns and accommodations, allowing skiers to return to their lodgings on skis.
Formazza Ski includes the Valdo and Sagersboden facilities, providing a range of experiences. Valdo is excellent for beginners, especially families, with a kinder park, ski lift, and travelator. There are also opportunities for bobsleighing, e-biking and luge-ing, making it a fun destination for children. Sagersboden features the "pista dei campioni" (champions' piste) for more experienced skiers.
Cardada ski resort
![View to Locarno city from Cardada mountain, Swiss Alps, Switzerland]( "View to Locarno city from Cardada mountain, Swiss Alps, Switzerland")
Lovely view to Locarno city from Cardada mountain
Cardada, located above Locarno on Lake Maggiore, is a wonderful ski destination accessible by funicular, cable car, and chairlift. It offers stunning views of the lake as you ascend. Cardada features 5 ski slopes, including a 1.8km-long piste, with 4 of them facing south, providing breathtaking lake views during your descent. Mountain restaurants offer traditional local cuisine.
This destination is especially suitable for beginners, with the Cardada Ski School providing courses in skiing and snowboarding led by experienced and qualified instructors for people of all ages.
Andermatt ski resort
![Andermatt village in swiss Alps mountains, Switzerland, is a popular winter sport resort]( "Andermatt village in swiss Alps mountains, Switzerland, is a popular winter sport resort")
The stunning winter resort Andermatt during sunset
A short drive north, Andermatt is a larger Swiss ski resort with extensive terrain and modern facilities. Andermatt is one of Switzerland's most snow-covered winter sports destinations. The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun offers diverse ski areas with varying altitudes and difficulty levels. Gemsstock is renowned for freeriders and those who enjoy steep slopes, while Nätschen and Sedrun provide a more tranquil skiing experience suitable for families.
Over 100 kilometers (about 62.14 mi) of marked snowshoe trails and various winter hiking paths are available for relaxation. Thrill-seekers can enjoy three sledging tracks. Cross-country skiers have access to 28 kilometers (about 17.4 mi) of classic and skating-style tracks in Urserntal and 12 kilometers (about 7.46 mi) in Sedrun.
Although skiing destinations are often blessed with scenic beauty, a skiing holiday in the Lake Maggiore region is bound to surprise you with what it has to offer in terms of beauty, infrastructure and adventure. Winter’s here, come, check out our cozy holiday homes in the area!
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