Lake Garda is picture perfect all year round.
During the summer, it seems at its best, with many different open-air activities to discover nature and a large selection of local products to taste. But thanks to the mountains, the Garda area stays lively also during the winter months. The setting is a bit different than a typically alpine one, with views over the lake, maximum altitudes of around 2000 m, less people around.
During the winter, the area around Verona is definitely a quiet destination; compared to the summer, it almost appears to offer tourists a different destination altogether. The colors that reflect on the lake change; the pure white of the snow brings out the blue of the water. The sky is clear, and the mountains look like enormous pandori sprinkled with icing sugar – and the comparison is no accident. During the winter, as the fire crackles away in the chimney to warm your cheeks after a day out in the nipping cold, nothing is better than a buttery sweet or a slice of pandoro.
But what activities are available at this time of year? The mountains summon skiers and snowboarders. There are four ski slopes on Monte Baldo; they can be reached by cable car from Malcesine. The view is still the breathtaking one you may know from the summer, with the lake at the foot of the mountain you are going down, just in lighter colors.
The Regional Natural Park of Lessinia is ideal for cross-country skiing, over the 19 km long Translessinia trail, which crosses the plateau. If in summer you have hiking trails to walk along, in winter all you need is to do is strap on your snowshoes and enjoy long treks. Many other trails are accessible at this time of year, especially the ones that connect the villages that dot the shores of the lake, as well as nordic walking trails, a sport which is very popular here also in its winter 'version'.
Useful links
