Destination Article - Bormio Skiing by Kath James

In the shadow of the Ortler, Konigspitze and Gran Zebru and at the bottom of the Stelvio pass, there is so much to do in this lesser known part of the Italian Alps.

An Italian Spa town in the region of Lombardy - a great place for winter sports. Not a large ski area but provides 3 smaller ski areas in close proximity - Bormio, Cima Piazzi and Santa Caterina and a 30 minute drive from Livigno. Also has 3 spa’s a municipal one and two that are more historic one from roman times.

It is a lovely spot to combine some piste skiing with off piste and touring. Touring is possible off the lifts and off the road over to Livigno as well as other tours up to huts above the valley and some of the bigger peaks of the area.

Here is an over view of the ski areas on Fatmap. Fatmap is a brilliant resource for planning ski tours as you can highlight the steep terrain so you know which areas to avoid when making good decisions about the terrain you wish to go into

There is such variety in terms of what you can do, loads of tree skiing, loads of open mountain and some bigger days onto glaciated peaks too.

Kompass mapping is also free, an app on your phone and shows some of the ski routes in the area, you can also overlay slope angle on their maps. Pretty useful for planning and whilst you are out and about.

The map that covers the area is number 96 - Bormio - Livigno - Alta Valtellina

Some ideas for tours in the area:

Skins off for descent back down to the road after a pleasant 3 hours skinning to the col followed by a boot to the summit of Monte Forcellina 3087m, before cruising back down.

Monte Sobretta 3271 a short day to get the legs working, mellow terrain so great for remembering how to kick turn and go up hill on skis. Straight out of Santa Caterina ski area.

Checking out tomorrows route - we went for a mountaineering journey rather than the skiers route! Corno di Sant Colombano 3022m via Punta Boron….the only track we saw were those of Ibex and perhaps a fox….

 A grand day out with some fine skiing at the end of the day.

Kath is a Winter Mountaineering Instructor and runs her company Mountain Expertise http://www.mountain-expertise.co.uk/