Ski Lesson for Beginners on Mottarone - Stresa

Last January my family and I decided to take a winter holiday in Stresa, Lake Maggiore. We have been there in every other season and so decided to give winter a try. Skiing for the first time was also an exciting prospect. Some friends from Turin joined us for a day of fun on Mt. Mottarone, which is just one hour north of Milan.

View of Isola Pescatori, Isola Madre and Isola Bella

We took the cable car (Funivia Stresa-Mottarone) from the hamlet of Carciano, up to the summit of Mottarone (1,491 metres). During the 20 minute ride up you have breathtaking views over the lake and the three islands. If you are arriving by car you could also reach the top from Stresa by going up the scenic 9km 'Borromeo Road'.

When you leave the cable car you can take the two-seater chairlifts to the summit. From the top on a clear day you can enjoy a full 360° view over seven lakes to the summit of Monte Rosa and the Alps.

As it was our first time to ski we booked a group ski lesson at the ski school (Scuola Sci). We went on a Friday so it wasn't too crowded and there was no waiting in line. Mottarone is very suited to first timers with eight ski runs for beginner skiers and snowboarders. There are also ten ski runs for intermediates and three for expert skiers. The area also features spectacular cross-country trails.

We rented the ski boots, skis, poles (and a helmet for our daughter Amy) at the ‘Sciottalolo’ rental shop near top of the chairlifts. You need to bring some form of ID when you are renting out the equipment. We didn’t know this before going, but luckily our friend Serena had hers and that sufficed. The instructor, Antonella, first helped us with the very basic task of attaching the skis to the ski boots. Serena kindly took the photographs.

Next Antonella had us practise gliding with the skis and then we went on to a type of conveyor belt up to the first level. She showed us the technique called the ‘snowplow’. She spoke English well and had great patience with us.We had to point our skis inwards towards each other, pull our knees together and continually push our feet apart. It takes a bit of time to get used to this strange position and I used muscles that I didn’t even know I had.

We learned that as the skis become more parallel, the faster you go; the more you snowplow, the more you slow down. In order to stop, we were told to just snowplow more widely and with more tilt. It helps if you have strong legs and have a good sense of balance. We practised this over and over going to a higher level each time.

Our daughter turned out to be a natural skier and showed us up. She had no fear at all and I think this is what made the difference. We were worried that if we fell over we might not be able to get back up or look foolish attempting to do so. I was surprised just how hard it is to ski but did have fun trying. It looks so easy when you watch other skiers; even little ones could manage really well. I’ve heard that after the first 3-6 hours you get the knack of it.

Afterwards we had a lovely lunch at Al Rifugio delle Stelle which is beside the ski school. Their menu of typical Piemontese foods included: polenta with mushrooms, game, veal, a good selection of regional wine and homemade pastries. The room has lovely views of the Alps and Monte Rosa.

Monte Rosa

Fil da Fer

We finished off the meal with a drink of the traditional local specialty Fil da Fer (as recommended by Dana of Stresa Sights). It is made from whiskey, milk, sugar and egg yolks and served warm. The others wanted theirs with whipped cream on top and said that it tasted like a dessert. It was a big hit with everyone.

After lunch we rented snow sledges. It cost €5 for the afternoon and they provided hours of fun. Later in the day we chose to go back down to the cable car by the alpine coaster/bobsleigh called Alpyland – 750m of toboggan track with speeds of up to 40kph - it was thrilling!

Younger children might enjoy the little ski train operates every day from December 26th to January 9th and on weekends throughout the year.

If you are in the Milan area and fancy going skiing why not give Mottarone a try? It is a great experience and highly recommended. It is a fantastic place to visit and by the way, January 22nd is World Snow Day!

For more detailed information about Mottarone see Dana’s wonderful blog Stresa Sights.

Photo credits: cable car and panorama - distrettolaghi.it

Bach Performance at Santa Caterina, Lake Maggiore

Santa Caterina, Lago Maggiore

We’ve been visiting Stresa on Lake Maggiore each year for the past five years; to me it’s a real paradise on earth. After reading Dana’s inspiring post last August, we timed this year’s summer holiday to coincide with the Bach recital at Santa Caterina on July 31st. Two of our friends who live just outside of Milan joined us. It was their first visit to the heavenly setting of Santa Caterina and they were equally fascinated by it. It is the perfect location for this musical evening - tranquil, stunning and with a deep sense of calm.

Every summer (since 1999), for two nights only, the enchanting Hermitage of Santa Caterina is the venue for the Bach cello solo suites, performed by a different cellist each year. This July was the turn of Alban Gerhardt, a remarkably talented musician. It was a glorious, warm evening; the weather could not have been more perfect.

Dana kindly took this photo of us at the Stresa imbarcadero

The sun began to set behind the mountains as we crossed the lake.
(The boat trip was included in the price of the ticket to
the recital).

The approach to the Hermitage

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina looked dramatic
bathed in golden sunlight and set against the rock face.

We had time to admire the recently restored frescoes both outside
and inside the richly decorated monastery.

Once Alban Gerhardt started to play, the magnificent music seemed to flow through him and enthralled his captivated audience. I was mesmerized watching and listening to him and can understand while they call these ‘Musical Meditations’. He played suites nos. 3, 4 and 5 on the Saturday night, although not in that order. He said that suite no. 5 was a bit solemn so he left suite no. 4 till the end because he wanted us to leave feeling uplifted. The setting was warm and intimate with rich acoustics and the music was so deeply moving and hauntingly beautiful it seemed to pour in your soul. He went on to play three encores to rapturous applause from his appreciative audience. His impressive performance was impeccable and evoked such wondrous feelings; it was a truly amazing experience.

As we walked back to the boat, the pathway was lined with bowls
of citronella candles - so romantic.

As happened last year, the night of the performance coincided with a dazzling fireworks display on nearby Lake Mergozzo. It was breathtaking to watch from the boat and contributed to the magic of the whole evening. The performance of Bach at Santa Caterina was definitely the highlight of our visit to Stresa this summer and had a profound effect on me.

After the event, we were fortunate to bump into Alban Gerhardt in a small side street in Stresa. He said that he had really enjoyed performing in this uniquely special venue and hadn’t heard anything about Santa Caterina until he was approached by the Stresa Festival.

The music festival season ends today, but you could start planning your special evening for next summer. All of the events are held in exquisite locations and it is truly a great experience! If you like classical music, bookmark the Stresa Festival home page for more details about the exquisite musical performances around beautiful Lake Maggiore.



http://www.stresafestival.eu/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0_7TXSVNU