Whilst Lake Como might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a skiing holiday, it offers several options for both the serious skiier and novice. It also offers a low cost way of trying skiing for the first time or a way to experience a less intense ski holiday, combining days on the slopes with days spent visiting the towns and villages round the lakeside.

The largest resort near the lake is at Mandesimo. This offers skiiers 60 km of fantastic downhill slopes and 20 km of cross country ski tracks. Skiiers can enjoy stunning views as they descend. With slopes to suit all abilities (there is 1 beginners slope, 15 intermediate slopes, 13 advanced slopes and 5 exper slopes), there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. The resort also includes the well known ‘Canalone trail’, a 3km, 1000 metre descent.

Further south, there are a number of smaller resorts to the East of Lake Como. Nearest to the lake is Alpe Giumello, not far from Bellano. There are three intermediate level slopes here. Just on the other side of the lake from Bellagio is the Esino – Cainallo resort, again boasting three slopes but with one more suitable for advanced skiiers. Further East of both these resorts are the larger resorts of Margno – Betulle with 7 slopes and the Alpe di Paglio.