Lake Como in Winter: Budget tips for an Italian Alps holiday
Lake Como may be the destination of the diamond-studded celebrity crowd, but if you know where—and when—to go, you can score a sensational holiday for half the price.
For centuries, this pristine lake and its surrounding mountain peaks have been a prime holiday spot for Italians. Residents of Milan only need to drive an hour to reach Lake Como’s shores. Summer is high season and the water is packed. But in winter, when crisp temperatures drop, so do the prices.
Affordable ski holidays
There are numerous ski towns and resorts in this mountainous area connecting Italy to Switzerland. Costs for a full-day entrance with a ski pass vary from €25-37 per adult. When compared to prices on the slopes in the US that can easily top out at over $100, the Italian Alps offer a pretty affordable skiing option.
Beginners can hire an instructor for the day, and full gear is easily rented in shops near the lifts.
Madesimo will have you flying high with low rates for the ski slopes. Photo: Matteo R
The top three ski resorts in the area are:
Madesimo
Cost: €27 for a half-day pass
The most accessible from Lake Como, it only takes an hour to reach. At 138km from Milan, this idyllic ski resort in Sondrio province is filled with hotels and ski schools. Enjoy 50 kilometers of ski runs, a friendly, laid back atmosphere, and English-speaking instructors.
Click here for more ticket info.
Bormio
Cost: €20 for a 4-hour pass
About a two-hour drive from Lake Como, you’ll find this pretty town with its historical center and access to the lifts. The restaurants in town are good quality and not too pricey for local standards. It’s more rustic compared to other alpine resorts, and you’ll love walking around its historical town.
Click here for more ticket info.
Livigno
Cost: €32 for a half-day pass
Get great value for your euros here. It’s a tax-free zone where the winter season starts earlier than most places (November till May). Sometimes called “Italy’s Little Tibet” because of the beautiful mountains and nature reserve, you can also hike 20 km of Nordic walking paths. Get a natural high at an altitude of 1,815 m; the highest lift reaches over 5,000 ft.
Click here for more ticket info.
Other Active Adventures near Lake Como
For the active traveler, this part of Italy is a world of endless choices and chances to try new things.
Besides skiing, what else can you do in winter?
- Go ice-skating in Chiavenna (45min drive from Lake Como)
- Rent and ride horses in Colico (a town on the eastern side of the lake with direct train connection from Milano Centrale) or Bormio (also a ski resort)
- Learn to drive a husky-drawn sled in Arnoga, Alta Valtellina (Winter courses start in November and end in April)
- Go boulder-climbing or hiking in gorgeous Val Masino (free, but for safety, rent a crashpad for €8 a day)
Best-Value Thermal Baths
For a relaxing holiday, dip in the famous healing waters that flow down directly from alpine springs. Many resorts have thermal baths and pools for swimming. In Italy, many outdoor springs are free… but what about during winter?
While high-end hotels include private spas and pampered seclusion, the budget traveler should hit the Bormio Terme for a thermal bath experience. Outdoors, you get a gorgeous view of snow-capped Alps while soaking in bubbly hot Jacuzzis. Indoors, a sauna and steam room are connected to the family-friendly pools.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, the water park stays open until 9:30 p.m. with a happy hour buffet included at the on- site bar and bistro. A discounted price is offered for night swimming from 7:00 pm.
Low season price per adult: €17 day pass or evening pass €12 (from 5 pm). Children under 6 years old are free.
Where to stay
To find a budget-friendly place to rest up at the end of a long day, check out the small, family-run one- and two-star hotels in Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Lecco.
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