Ingo was wonderful and gave us great information concerning Sils,Switzerland. We took a ride there and will definitely be returning with our entire family for an overnight stay. The ride takes about 2+ hours and there are so many things to do, I think an overnight stay is in order. I was hoping that someone out there could also give us some information about skiing a little closer to Porlezza, Italy so that we could go skiing on the spur of the moment. Any info would be most appreciated.
thanks,
JH

Not sure about the Swiss side, but in Italy the closest good skiing to Porlezza is probably Madesimo, about 85 km.

Spectacular pistes, they tell me. I wouldn't know or care - I don't ski. But I can vouch for a spectacular restaurant, Il Cantinone.

best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

beginningwithi.com (personal)
www.tvblob.com (work)

I am glad you like Sils!

Unfortunately there is no large skiing resort in the vicinity of Porlezza. Maybe you have luck with Rivera - Monte Tamaro just 15 km or so north of Lugano (towards Bellinzona). It is small, though, but has some lifts and runs for intermediate skiers.

Madesimo has quite challenging runs as I have heard - no personal experience, sorry.

Ingo was right on the money(American expression, meaning the information he gave me was exactly right). Sils -Maria, Switzerland was wonderful. My Florida raised grandchildren had a magical time there. The skiing was great (although more difficult than what they were used to in North Caroline). We did the dog sledding, ice skating, etc. We didn't miss anything. We stayed at a great little hotel - Hotel Seraina. The rooms were bright, cheerful, clean, and recently renovated. The staff was warm and friendly. The "Grandmother" speaks perfect english and treated us royally. It is centrally located and the food they served (we opted for half-board) was great. I will definitely return and would recommend it without hesitation.
We also went to Madesimo, Italy. The slopes were deserted, so everyone loved it. Personally, I found an apple strudel that was worth the unreal driving experience of reaching the town.
Thanks again.
Jo

This message is to Ingo, thanks for the many hours of fun which your information afforded us. We tried to find Mt. Tamaro, Rivera today, but could not find it. We did locate a cable car station not far from the train station, but the sign said they were closed until April. We obviously wound up in the wrong location. Is it possible to get some better directions? I looked it up on the internet, but was unable to get anymore information.
Jo