We are now approaching the end of the first decade of the second millennium, and there are many events in our area to wave goodbye by 2009 and greet the new year in style. Two days rich in events await, covering an area that goes from the waters of the Lake to the snow peaked mountains. It all begins on 30th December in Macugnaga where Macugnaga ski school instructors will parade, together with local associations, from the slopes of Belvedere (departure 9pm) to the Town Hall square where the bonfire of the old year awaits them as well as a big party with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice on New Year's Eve. In Arona at 8.30 p.m., the classic New Year's Eve cruise aboard motor-ship "Verbania" sets sail, organised by Lake Navigation a rich dinner on board and music which will continue until about 4am (info: 0322/242352).

Back on the shores of Verbania, on the Suna lakefront from 10.30pm a 70s & 80s disco with RVL djs will take place while for those who prefer other sounds need only head towards piazza Ranzoni, where they will find Latin American music and animation with Pamela e i Salsa Libre. Live music is also on the agenda at the celebration organised at the arena in Villa Maioni Park, for a new year on Ice skates at the Verbania on Ice rink.

From artificial ice we head up towards the cold mountain peaks, heated up, nonetheless by the classic New Year's Eve dinner feasts, eaten in many shelters of the Ossola Valleys (for info Lake District Tel. 0323/30416). Finally, don't forget the torchlight procession down the slopes with mulled wine on arrival at Alpe Devero. 7 p.m. departure.