Bormio

Legendary Bormio (1225 m) along with Santa Caterina, Valdidendro, and Livigno is located in Alta Valtellina ski region. World Alpine Ski Championship 1985 and the final of the World Cup 1995 were held in Bormio, other important competitions also often take place here. Professionals, experienced amateurs, and even beginners feel themselves comfortable in this region due to well-considered system of routes at the elevation from 1203 to 3017 m. Ski-pass allows sportsmen move easily all over the region, taking advantage of lifts and free-of-charge buses.

Bormio itself gives a chance to master 33 km of excellent tracks of different categories. The longest one leads from Cima Bianka (10 000m, elevation change – 1780m) via Ciuk and San-Pietro. The whole region can be viewed from this peak (3017m), and main trails, those where competitions are held, go over the Cima-Bianka slope. The most famous champion downhill trail and one of the most beautiful in the world is Stelvio with its showy finish line in the centre of the village.

Santa Caterina (1737m), where women competitions within the framework of World Championship were held, is located 12 km away from Bormio. The most difficult downhill trail in this area of Valtellina is Bucaneve (3350m, elevation change – 948 m), the longest one is intermediate slope starting at Cresta Sobretta (6500m, elevation change –1000m).

Those who prefer cross-country skiing can enjoy kilometers of trails here. Most of the region is located in the Stelvio National Park. Resort village of Valdidentro located between Bormio and Livigno is the park’s center. Here, at the altitude of 1420-2550 m, there are also groomed downhill trails (13km).

 This region where Italian, Swiss, and Austrian borders converge is famous not only by its picturesque landscape but also by architectural monuments. In past times Venetians, Graubundeners, governers, dukes, and clergy fight to capture this mountain area called terra magnifica (magnificent land). Luxurious palaces, majestic towers, and ornate churches preserved in Bormio and its surroundings from that time. Though ski region starts higher than the village, many resort guests prefer hotels in the historic centre and not near lifts.

Bormio is popular not only as a skiing depot, but as a thermal resort also. The Romans already knew about the curative properties of local water. And now Bormio has modern thermal complex. Bathing in warm mineral water is a real pleasure! By the way, Valtellina’s springs are the warmest (38-41C) in the Italian Alps. You may also go in for mountain climbing or other sports (swimming, cross country skiing, skating), go snowshoeing or take a dog sled ride.  And remember that Lombard cuisine of numerous restaurants will bring all lost calories back.