Kyle Philips, about.com's guide to Italian Cuisine, mentioned in his newsletter that he saw snow on the hills - Italy has gotten its first snowfall already in the Alps and Apennines. That means winter and ski season can't be far away.
Italy has some fantastic destinations for skiing and winter sports, including villages in Piemonte that hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics. If you're thinking of winter travel in Italy, read more about Piemonte Skiing and Italy's Top Ski Resorts.
Besides winter sports, Italy has a lot to offer during winter. The traveler who doesn't mind cold weather will be rewarded with fewer tourists, off-season bargains, and interesting winter festivals and holiday events. Although not as big as German Christmas markets, there are Italian Christmas markets worth a visit. Christmas Cribs, or presepi, are a big part of Italian Christmas and some places celebrate with elaborate living nativities, usually between Christmas and Epiphany, January 6. Be on the lookout for La Befana on Epiphany in Italy, too.
Winter Holidays in Italy: Italian Christmas | New Year's Eve | Carnevale
Italian Festivals in Winter: December Festivals | January Festivals
Picture of Skiing in Piemonte © Pressimages.it