Travel Eye on Bormio (Italy)

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Overview:

Measuring 1 ml in width by 1½ mls in length, this compact, attractive spa town has considerable character and history, offering a sympathetic mix of old and modern. At its centre is busy, pedestrianised Via Roma, boasting fine medieval and renaissance buildings, some decorated with frescoes which are now home to stylish, upmarket shops. The narrow, cobbled streets leading off Via Roma house similar old buildings and historic churches as well as lively bars, cafes and restaurants popular with locals and tourists alike. Lots of non-ski-related activities assure the resort's popularity as a year-round destination. However, Bormio is really geared to the winter sports holiday maker and is probably the most popular ski resort in Italy. Bormio also provides a gastronomic experience, eating here is a major attraction, both on and off the pistes. Surprisingly quiet during the week, Bormio really comes to life at the weekends, as people pour in from the major north Italian cities. They have to hike quite a distance, as Bergamo is the nearest airport (three and a half hours away). But Bormio keeps its charm, even though the old centre is surrounded by more modern developments. It also offers consistently reliable snow.

Locality:

Bormio is situated in N Italy, just S of the Swiss frontier, 24 mls SE of Livigno, 40 mls NE of Sondrio, 140 mls NE of Milan airport, 115 mls NE of Bergamo airport. It is located at the foot of Stelvio Pass, which separates Lombardy from German-speaking South Tyrol. Bormio is within the borders of the Stelvio National Park.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Bormio is most suited to Middlemarket clientele, in particular younger families and couples. The area is predominantly a winter sports venue and activities aside from the slopes are sparse. Bormio best suits intermediate skiers, as it can get icy on the lower slopes (which can be pretty daunting for novices) and there is little to challenge the advanced skier. Accommodation is evenly split between apartments and hotels, ranging between 2- and 4-star categories. Most accommodation is within easy walking distance of the town centre, with some on the S side closer to the lifts. There are a number of private houses and other property rental holiday options are also available. Shopping enthusiasts have a selection of antique, fashion and food shops concentrated along the pedestrianised main street. An open-air market is available on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Duty-free shopping is available in neighbouring Livigno.

Main activities and entertainments are winter-based activities which cover downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-skating, ice-climbing, snowboarding, tubing, tobogganing, sleigh rides, winter hiking/snowshoeing, thermal baths, Olympic-size swimming pool. Outside the winter scene there are numerous historic churches, some dating back to the 15th century and a choice of museums. Nightlife here is fairly sedate, although it livens up at weekends. There is 1 disco, a few piano bars (mainly in hotels), 1 or 2 lively pubs and lots of bars and restaurants. Excursions consist of half day trips to: Livigno and Santa Caterina and full day trips to St Moritz.