Popular for its hot springs
and skiing, the Alpine playground of Bormio is nestled at the foot of the
Ortles-Cevedale mountain range and on the doorstep of the Stelvio National
Park.
Appropriately dubbed the
‘Magnificent Land’, mountains really are the essence of Bormio, which sprawls
out across a natural amphitheatre, soaking up the sun’s rays in the heart of
Alta Valtellina. It’s embraced on almost all sides by awe-inspiring peaks from
the Rhaetian Alps, which offer the chance for enjoyment all year round.
Skiing takes centre-stage in winter, and the
city has hosted iconic events like rounds of the World Cup and other
international races on its pistes.
Without a carpet of snow on the mountains,
Bormio’s 600 km-worth of trails set in the lush vegetation of the Stelvio
National Park step into the role of protagonist – the higher you go, the more
these open up into pastures, glaciers, and peaks. But it’s amongst the trees
where you’ll encounter wildlife; the guttural roars of stags resounding through
the forest each autumn are certainly memorable.
It is not just hiking that is excellent here.
Whatever your sport, Bormio has it covered: there’s an extensive green oasis
with 9 holes to satisfy golf lovers, while cyclists can test their legs on the
mythical climbs of the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo, where the Giro d’Italia’s
chase for the pink jersey always heats up.
After all the exertion, there’s no better place
to relax than in one of Bormio’s three spas: QC Terme Bagni Nuovi, QC Terme
Bagni Vecchi, and Bormio Terme, fed by the nine thermal springs above the town,
which were mentioned back in the Roman times by philosopher Pliny the Elder and
scholar Cassiodorus.
When hunger strikes, you’ll be well rewarded by
platefuls of pizzoccheri, sciatt, bresaola, polenta, various cheeses, and
bisciöla. Pick a table somewhere in the old town and settle in – don’t forget
to round off your meal with a glass of the local spirit Braulio.
You can’t leave Bormio without visiting its
centre, walking around its little lanes and admiring the historic buildings,
particularly the 17th-century Palazzo de Simoni that has been home to the Museo
Civico since 1962. A town that’s rich in history and culture, Bormio makes a
thing of celebrating its long-standing traditions, such as the Pasquali, a
parade of carts laden with local artisan wares to welcome the Easter
Info: www.bormio.eu
