Of All the Ski Resorts in Italy, Bormio is One of the Best!
Italy has some of the most superb ski resorts in Europe, and the World. You are spoilt for choice with nearly three hundred winter sports destinations to choose from here. This all contributes to more than six thousand kilometres of snowy runs to fly down at lightning speed; whether you are a skier or prefer to spend your time on a snowboard.
Close to the border with Switzerland and in the Lombardy region lies Bormio. One of about thirty five resorts in the region, this small town and popular holiday spot lies high in the mountains at 1200 metres. A fantastic lift service takes you up to amazing pistes at more than 3000m high. It is also massively famous for the cycling opportunities here too.
History of Bormio
Perhaps more renowned for the natural springs and hot thermal baths it possesses, this town has been a popular place to travel to for nearly a thousand years. Back in Roman times, the wealthiest citizens used to travel up the hills here regularly in the warmer months to take advantage of some relaxing bathing,
Another interesting fact; It was a trading hot spot for hundreds of years due to it’s location. Ideally located between the merchant port of Venice, and the rolling hills of Switzerland, a trading hub was established here which attracted people from all over.
It was more recently that winter sports, and winter travel holidays began to gain popularity here. 1985 saw the resort hold it’s first ever FIS World Ski Championships, which really put it on the map. It was held again more recently in 2005. It is also a regular stop off on the skiing world cup circuit. These sporting events have really contributed to increased tourism numbers in this area throughout the decades.
Taking a Ski Holiday in Bormio
So what does a winter break look like here today? With fifty kilometres of run available to slip and slide on at this resort, how does this breakdown? 14km of easy blue and green easy slope, 32km of red intermediate snow and somewhere near 8km of black expert runs. So plenty to go after for people of all abilities, but if you are an intermediate at skiing or snowboarding you will have more choice and fun.
Running the full season from November to April there are eleven lifts to keep guests moving. I spent a week here during February half term a while ago and there were rarely occasions when I found myself in a queue for a tow or a lift. Good news if you are not a fan of waiting and not skilled in the European style of queuing.
An important fact to mention is
the price of the skipass. Adult prices, you are looking at over €200 in peak season, and ~€170 in less busy times with the children paying ~€150 and ~€120 respectively. A skipass is never cheap but there are more reasonable ones to be had elsewhere on this occasion. But do not let this dissuade you from visiting this wonderful resort.Whilst on piste there are plenty of places to go to relax. With several chalet restaurants situated inbetween the top of the mountain and the town, you can rest your weary legs for a while.
Feel like eating out? At the bottom of the hill there are also some great bars and eateries to spend your evening. About sixty are dotted around, so you will find some fantastic, authentic Italian food without the price tag quite easily. With all those choices available there are eating experiences on offer to suit most people.
Enoteca Guanella is regarded for wine and modern style, and for a more authentic rustic experience try Vecchio Combo. Both have rave reviews online and are rated two of the best restaurants here.
Highly recommended during your stay is a visit to the thermal baths that have been so well known through the centuries. The health spa has been running since the nineteen twenties and the waters are naturally heated here, usually around thirty four degrees, perfect for relaxing in. It also offers a wide range of treatments including: Mud baths, massages and body and facial beauty treatments. Entrance to the baths is between €20-€26 dependant on seasons with treatment package options to purchase in addition.
Where to Stay in Bormio
The area is not just a great location to visit in the snowy seasons. It is also an amazing cycling destination in the summer months. The roads you will discover in the Italian alps are some of the best on the planet to travel upon, and the views are spectacular 365 days a year.Famous for the climbs, there are several cycling events hosted here which include the RHXDUE Contador and the Granfondo Stelio Santini. The Giro D’Italia, the Italian equivalent of the Tour De France, also hosts stages here.
Because of this there are many high quality hotels to choose from here which cater for a wide range of budgets. Personally I stayed at the Hotel Nevada last time I went, which was admittedly in 2010. It is ideally positioned for the lifts, being very close to the cable car that took you to 2000 metres. There is also a small spa and sauna onsite to allow you to recover after a long day on the mountain. Rooms are large and basic, and the hotel provides B&B and evening meal options. There is also free WiFi throughout the hotel too, a rarity in the UK.Other recommended hotels include:
– La Genzianella
– San Lorenzo
– Residence Baita Clementi
– Miramonti Park
All are well located for the pistes and range from £80-£200 per night dependant on peak times and length of stay of course.
Getting Here
About 190km North of Milan you can drive from the airport to the resort in around 3 hours. It is also about the same distance from Innsbruck in Austria, but with a change normally needed to reach there from the UK it is recommended to fly to Italy first.
Flights are generally cheap from London and booking in early Summer for a December visit there are return flight deals available for less than £100.
Take a look at some of the other awesome
skiing and snowboarding holiday destinations I’ve reviewed. Tweet me @1backpackerlife or message me at lifetime backpacker on Instagram with your suggestions of where I need to go!
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