10 Reasons to Choose Lake Como in Winter
Lake Como is known worldwide as a summer holiday location… but why not spend some time on the lake in winter too? Here are 10 reasons why you should spend your winter vacation on the “Lario”!
1. Mild Climate
Not everyone knows this, but the lake climate in winter is particularly mild and pleasant. This occurs thanks to the presence of a large mass of water which, unlike air, takes longer to heat up and cool down.
On the lake, therefore, the water slowly releases the heat accumulated previously, ensuring pleasant and mild temperatures, especially during the day.
This also applies to Lake Como which, despite being characterised by a relatively cold winter, has a more pleasant climate than other areas of Northern Italy, with minimum temperatures just below zero and maximum temperatures even above 10 degrees. Winter on Lario is also a generally dry season, even if snowfall on the surrounding mountains transforms the landscape into a wonderful postcard.
2. Ski trip!
The proximity of the Alps makes it particularly easy to organize day trips to the best ski slopes in the area or in nearby Switzerland!
Among the most popular ski resorts are those of Valsassina (with Piani di Bobbio and Artavaggio), an hour and a half away from Villa Fisogni, or Val d’Intelvi, just 40 minutes away! At a greater distance, you can also easily reach the renowned towns of Madesimo and Bormio.
The surrounding ski resorts offer fun for all tastes and for the whole family: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh, snowmobiling…
3. Walk in the snow
Not a skier but want to enjoy a day in the snow? The mountain villages, a stone’s throw from the lake, are ideal for a snowshoe excursion, a real must of the winter season that will allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes.
You can also take part in excursions organised by Alpine Guides, which will allow you to discover the uncontaminated charm of the Italian winter. The most popular destinations? Valsassina (with Piani d’Ernia and the Grigne Park), Valvarrone, and many others!
A true fairytale world, immersed in white and characterized by wonderful views and ice sculptures that will warm your heart.
4. Quiet walks by the lake
In winter you can take advantage of the mild temperatures and the quiet period to relax with long walks on the shores of Lake Como, enjoying the landscape or taking some photos of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the calm waters of the Lario.
From Moltrasio, you can walk along the panoramic “Via Verde” and reach the splendid village of Laglio, or choose other itineraries and why not, stroll along the famous Lakeside of Como, just ten km away and easily reachable by car or public transport.
You can also organize a boat trip and reach Bellagio, Como and the other towns on the lake with the ferry and the scheduled boats. The landing stage is very close to Villa Fisogni!
5. A relaxing holiday
Do you prefer a holiday dedicated to total relaxation? Winter can be the ideal season!
You can enjoy the winter days looking at the lake from the large windows of Villa Fisogni, reading a book or drinking a hot herbal tea, and book a wellness treatment in a spa in the area!
Whether it’s a regenerating sauna, a relaxing hydromassage or a spa in the province of Como, there’s nothing better to relax during the cold season! Furthermore, in this period there are fewer crowds and everything becomes even more restful and peaceful.
6. Christmas in Como
If you choose to stay on the lake during the Christmas period, you cannot miss visiting Como during the holidays!
In the city, among decorations, lights and ornaments, there is a continuous succession of events and initiatives, including the characteristic Christmas markets, music, attractions for children and more!
Don’t miss the now traditional Città dei Balocchi, the initiative that organizes the spectacular Christmas lights that are projected every year in the center of Como or – sometimes – Cernobbio. Truly a unique attraction, capable of leaving adults and children speechless!
7. Ice skating
Among the winter initiatives organized in Como, there is also the ice skating rink, usually active during the holiday period, open to adults and children.
Also in Como is the Casate Ice Arena, which allows athletes, enthusiasts or simple beginners to enjoy ice skating in full winter style.
8. Good food
Summer or winter, good food is never lacking on Lake Como.
You can organize a food and wine tour, discover some hidden restaurants, or simply warm up with a glass of wine and a good plate of polenta, prepared according to one of the traditional recipes of Como!
Since it’s the holiday season, why not celebrate with some typical desserts? After all, fighting the winter cold with food can be really very pleasant!
9. Visit Como
If you visit the lake in late autumn or winter, but far from the Christmas holidays, you can take advantage of the quiet period to discover, in complete tranquility, the beauties of the city of Como.
There are many things not to be missed: the splendid and elegant lakeside promenade; the Palladian-style Volta Temple, dating back to 1927; the Duomo and the Broletto, which in a single square allow you to breathe in all the history of past centuries; the famous San Fedele Square, once the site of the Roman Forum and today occupied by one of the most beautiful basilicas in the province; and the numerous stately villas in the city, first and foremost Villa Olmo and its park.
If you want to spend a different afternoon, don’t forget to try the funicular, which will take you 700 meters higher from Como, to the village of Brunate, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake. It is not called “the Balcony of the Alps” for nothing.
10. The Winter Olympics: Milan-Cortina 2026
Another reason to stay on Lake Como in winter is the Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina in February 2026.
Nothing better than Lake Como, in a strategic position between the chaos of the big city – which will host some of the competitions – and the relaxing calm of the lake, where you can breathe the Olympic atmosphere in a more peaceful and relaxed environment.
So, what are you waiting for? Organize your vacation on Lake Como and book your stay at Villa Fisogni now, choosing one of our magnificent apartments dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, the “Norma” or the “Sonnambula”!