The Lombardy / Bormio Alps / Sondrio region:
Bormio is on the South side of the alps and enjoys a very sunny climate both in winter and summer. It is situated in the 'Valtellina' valley, which is bordered by high mountains.( over 3000 m) and stretches from lake Como to the border with Switzerland and Austria.
The slopes in this long valley facing the south are intensively covered with vineyards, producing very strong wines such as Inferno, Grumello and Sassella. This large valley has always been of great importance as a throughway for trade from Milan, Como, Bergamo with the populations living in North Europe .
The influence of this interaction between different populations you will notice in the many medieval buildings and churches.
Bormio is the last village before going up the steep mountain road leading to the Stelvio pass (which is closed in winter) on the border with Switzerland.
Bormio and Tirano.:
Bormio, for the most part, is a very quiet village. Although Christmas and the month of August, you will find the Italians that live in the Lombardy region , spending their holidays in Bormio and surroundings. The old city centre is a pedestrian area with trendy shops, bars and restaurants. This is a less than 5 minute walk from Fiordaliso apartment.
Tirano, which is the ' capital' is a good example. We suggest you take the 'Bernina Express ' ( both summer and winter )and travel for hours through high mountains( in summer even in open carrages) cross the Bernina pass and go down to St. Moritz , or if you like the thrill of challenging mountains roads either by car or mountain bike ( in the summer ) negotiate the steep winding breathtaking Umbrail , Stelvio, Foscagno pass.
Bormio area.:
A great attraction both in the winter and summer, are the thermal baths. At just 3km outside the village on the mountain road towards Stelvio pass, these baths date back to pre-roman times and were used all through the middle ages. The spas are very well equipped with sauna's, Turkish and/or mud baths, and indoor and outdoor hot water pools with water temperatures ranging from 35 to 60° c.
In Bormio 'city' there is modern building with thermal baths and treatments for skin and wellness.
Summer: Bormio has a Golf course, cycling tracks, walking paths, hiking and climbing , tennis.
Food: Try the 'sciat' warm cheese pastries on crip salad and ' pizzocheri' made with a buckwheat pasta cooked in a vegetable/ potato soup , that is mixed with a rich sauce of butter, garlic, and a local ' bit' cheese .....
Ski:
Bormio in winter is a very well known ski resort because it is easily reached from Lombardy (Milan and Bergamo) and the roads are always accessible. With it's 24 ski lifts reaching as high as 3020 m ( 2 black runs, 8 red runs and 8 blue runs) you will find something for all levels of skiers and snowboarding.
There is also 12km of groomed cross-country trails in the area.
There is summer skiing at 3000 m. available as well
Other Activities:
There is summer skiing at 3000 m. available as well. A great attraction both in the winter and summer, are the thermal baths
