Skiing around Lake Maggiore

The Lake Maggiore region also has a number of rewarding destinations for winter sports fans. Several ski areas lie roughly 40 - 80 km from Verbania and can be reached by car in a little over an hour.

The areas around Lake Maggiore cannot compare with the magnificent pistes of the Alps, but they are certainly worth a day trip. In the extensive ski region you will find, in winter, both beginner slopes and challenging runs for experienced skiers.

The ski areas around Lake Maggiore also enjoy a wonderful setting, in mountain scenery that can stand comparison with any.

The ski areas of Macugnaga, for example, lie directly opposite the huge and impressive east face of Monte Rosa. The Monte Rosa east face is the largest wall in the Alps in both height and width. It is a vast massif of rock and ice whose summits rise up to 4,638 metres, mountains whose size and majesty recall the Himalayas. The "four sisters" of Monte Rosa, Gnifetti, Zumstein, Dufour and Nordend, form a breathtaking sight that is unique in the entire Alpine region.

From Mottarone, the viewpoint mountain on Lake Maggiore, and from the smallest of the ski areas around the lake, Pian Di Sole near Premeno, you can enjoy wonderful views of Lake Maggiore even as you ski down.

Below you will find an overview of the ski areas around Lake Maggiore, with links to their websites:

Pian Di Sole
Location: above Premeno
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 19 km
Getting there: From Verbania to Premeno, then towards the Passo di Colle.
Website: https://www.distrettolaghi.it/en/winter-sports-paradise-the-neveazzurra-ski-area

Mottarone
Location: above Stresa
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 35 km
Getting there: Drive to Stresa, then follow the signs towards Mottarone (note: toll road). Alternatively, you can take the cable car from Stresa up to Mottarone.
Website: http://www.mottaroneski.it/

Domobianca
Location: above Domodossola
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 50 km
Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Domodossola exit, then follow the Domobianca signs in Domodossola (about 10 km).
Website: http://www.domobianca.it/

San Domenico
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 60 km
Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Varzo exit, then follow the San Domenico signs in Varzo.
Website: http://www.sandomenico-ciamporino.it/

Macugnaga
Location: Valle Anzasca at Monte Rosa
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 60 km Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Piedimulera exit. Follow the signs for Macugnaga.
Website: http://www.macugnaga-online.it/

Alpe Devero
Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Crodo, Val Formazza exit. In Baceno follow the signs for Alpe Devero.
Website: https://www.distrettolaghi.it/en/winter-sports-paradise-the-neveazzurra-ski-area

Formazza
Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Crodo, Val Formazza exit. In Baceno follow the signs for Valle Formazza.

Valle Vigezzo
Distance (from Verbania): approx. 50 km
Getting there: Take the motorway towards the Simplon Pass (Sempione) to the Domodossola exit. Drive into the Valle Vigezzo. Shortly after Santa Maria Maggiore, the gondola lift is on the left.
Website: http://www.vallevigezzo.vb.it/

The information was kindly compiled by Mr Klaus Kiefer.