Bormio
Italy's oldest thermal spa town, a World Cup Stelvio downhill course, and 3,000 meters of vertical.
Our Take
Bormio has been a destination resort since the Roman era -- the thermal spas in the Valtellina valley have archaeological evidence of use dating to 200 BC, and the Romans apparently knew quality sulfurous hot water when they found it. The modern ski resort added a legitimately serious mountain on top of this thermal tradition: the Stelvio piste is one of only a handful of FIS World Cup downhill courses in Italy, dropping from 3,012 meters to the valley at 1,225 meters with the technical challenge that brings racers back to Bormio every December. The skiing above Bormio divides into three connected zones -- the main Bormio 2000 intermediate area, the Bormio 3000 high-alpine terrain with the Stelvio course, and the connected Santa Caterina valley with its own 30km of runs. The vertical drop from summit to base at 1,787 meters (5,863 feet) is one of the greatest continuous vertical runs in the Alps. Bormio's proximity to Switzerland via the Stelvio Pass (highest paved road in the Alps) and its position in the eastern Lombardy mountains give it a distinct character from the French-influenced Aosta Valley or the Austrian-influenced South Tyrol. This is Italian skiing at its most serious.
Nerd Stats
Summit Elevation
9,842'
Vertical Drop
5,863'
Piste Length
50km
Stelvio Course
World Cup
Fun Facts
- The Stelvio ski run follows the World Cup downhill course that has produced some of the fastest speeds ever recorded in competitive Alpine racing.
- Bormio's Bagni Vecchi thermal springs have Roman-era tunnels still intact -- you can soak in a pool carved by Roman engineers in natural stone.
- The Stelvio Pass at 2,757 meters (adjacent to the ski area) is the highest paved road in the Alps, with 48 hairpin turns on the ascent.
- Vertical drop from Bormio 3000 summit to valley base is 1,787 meters -- one of the greatest continuous descents in the Alps.