Nestled on the eastern side of the Monte Rosa massif (~2 hours away), Macugnaga is a picturesque alpine village that offers a peaceful, less-crowded ski experience. It has over 30 km of ski runs divided into two areas: Belvedere for beginners and Monte Moro for more advanced skiers. Macugnaga is famed for its stunning views of Monte Rosa's east face and its authentic mountain atmosphere. Families love it for the relaxed pace, the mix of gentle and challenging slopes, and the rustic lodges serving local cuisine. It's an ideal spot if you prefer a quieter resort rich in scenery.

Just over the border in Switzerland (roughly 3 hours away via a scenic mountain route) lies St. Moritz, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. This Swiss resort is synonymous with luxury and winter sports history. It's a glamorous alpine town with a vibrant village center, upscale shops and restaurants, and absolutely top-notch skiing. The St. Moritz ski region spans three main ski areas with a huge variety of terrain (around 350 km of pistes), all set against a backdrop of spectacular high-Alpine scenery and plenty of sunny blue-sky days. Known as the cradle of winter tourism (it hosted the Winter Olympics twice and has been a ski destination since the 1860s), St. Moritz offers much more than downhill skiing – families can enjoy ice skating on frozen lakes, famous annual events like snow polo and horse races on the snow, sledding, and world-class ski schools for the kids. It is a pricier destination, but many consider it a must-visit for the bucket list, given its glitz, glamour, and excellent skiing.

The closest ski area to Varese's lake district, Mottarone offers downhill and cross-country skiing with an incredible view of seven lakes from its summit. It's a smaller, family-friendly resort (about an hour away) ideal for beginners and a fun day out, with 25 km of pistes and cozy mountain restaurants. Incredibly, you can drive to the peak in minutes and ski while gazing at Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, and beyond.

A family-friendly alpine resort about 1.5–2 hours from Varese, known for reliable snowfall and a good mix of runs. San Domenico sits above the Ossola Valley and boasts high-quality snow cover from early December through early May. With 35 km of slopes of varying difficulty (plus a snowboard park and ski school), it's perfect for skiers of all levels. The modern base village has a charming vibe with shops and eateries, making it a great choice for a weekend family ski trip.

About a 2.5-hour drive from Varese, Cervinia is a world-class ski resort perched high in the western Alps. It's one of Italy's largest ski areas and is seamlessly connected to Zermatt in Switzerland, forming a vast binational ski domain on the Matterhorn massif. Cervinia is famous for its high-altitude, snow-sure slopes and spectacular Matterhorn views. You can ski over 360 km of trails between Italy and Switzerland on one lift pass, including an epic 22 km run from the glacier down to town. The resort's altitude (2,050m in the village up to 3,883m at the top) guarantees long seasons and excellent snow quality. In short, Cervinia offers an unbeatable international skiing experience – think "lunch in Italy, ski into Switzerland in the afternoon" – and it's still close enough for a long weekend getaway.

At the far end of a possible weekend radius (around 5 hours' drive east of Varese) is Cortina, Italy's most celebrated Dolomites resort. Cortina d'Ampezzo has been a world-famous ski hub since hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, and it's slated to host the Olympic Games again in 2026. Set amid the jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Dolomite mountains, Cortina offers 120 km of its own slopes (with access to the larger Dolomiti Superski network), ranging from gentle family-friendly runs to challenging World Cup downhill courses. The village is upscale and charming, filled with boutiques and cafés, and it exudes a classic Alpine elegance. Skiing in Cortina comes with stunning scenery at every turn – vertical cliffs, pink-hued rock spires, and long sunny runs – which many say are among the most beautiful in Europe. For families, there are ski schools, kids' parks, and plenty of non-ski activities as well. Cortina is a bit of a drive, but absolutely worth it for a long weekend or holiday on the snow in the heart of the Dolomites.

Within the city, don't miss the Palazzo Estense Gardens, often dubbed the "Little Versailles" of Varese, for a tranquil stroll. These 18th-century manicured gardens – with their symmetry, fountains, and flowerbeds – are among the most beautiful in northern Italy. They reflect Varese's identity as a "garden city," offering a quiet oasis right in the center of town. Another gem is Villa Toeplitz Park, with its ornate fountains and botanical variety – perfect for a picnic or reading under a tree. For more adventurous nature lovers, the nearby Campo dei Fiori Regional Park offers hiking trails through forests and up to panoramic viewpoints (including an astronomical observatory and abandoned World War I fortifications for history buffs).

Motorsport fans will be delighted to know that the legendary Autodromo Nazionale di Monza – nicknamed the "Temple of Speed" – is only about an hour's drive from Varese. This historic circuit hosts the Formula One Italian Grand Prix each year, along with other exciting racing events, making it a pilgrimage site for car lovers. Families can plan a day trip to watch world-class racing amid the electric atmosphere of Monza's grandstands. Even when there's no major race, the Autodromo often offers track days and driving experiences where you (or your thrill-seeking teens) can drive high-performance cars on the famed track. In fact, Monza is known as one of the fastest circuits in the world – track days here let participants push Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the like to speeds over 270 km/h on the long straights (in a safe, controlled setting). Such experiences are perfect even for families looking for an unforgettable outing or a special gift experience. Whether you choose to get behind the wheel or simply tour the paddocks and museum, a trip to Monza is a unique recreational option that sets Varese apart from many other locations. Imagine spending one weekend skiing in the Alps and the next hearing the roar of Formula 1 engines – both are part of the lifestyle when living in this region.

Beyond racing, the Varese area supports a rich sporting culture. The city has facilities for tennis, swimming, and an active cycling community (the Lake Varese bike trail is very popular). Varese's own basketball team has a storied history, and local kids can join various sports clubs. The nearby lakes (Maggiore, Lugano, Como) offer sailing clubs and even rowing – the Italian rowing championships have been held on Lake Varese, highlighting its suitability for water sports. On weekends, families often take advantage of the short drive to Lake Maggiore's beaches and adventure parks, or visit the Safari Park in Pombia (a drive-through zoo and amusement park about 40 minutes away) for a fun day trip with the kids. In winter, if you want a break from skiing, you can find outdoor skating rinks or indoor sports arenas in town. Year-round, Varese's surroundings provide outlets for virtually every family hobby – from mountain biking and horseback riding in summer, to mushroom foraging and nature photography in the fall.