Bormio sits at 1,225 metres above sea level in a sunny dell and is truly a special place thanks to its climate, hot water springs and its invaluable historical district, testimony to Bormio’s important role in the past as the capital of the Bormio county. But above all it is the natural beauty of the surrounding valleys that together enrich the upper Valtellina region.

Being one of the most famous skiing locations, it has hosted the World Cup and the Alpine Skiing World Championships many times on its slopes and has nurtured champions like Deborah Compagnoni, the best Italian female skier of all time, originally from the nearby Valfurva.

Even in summer, Bormio is a preferred destination as it transforms into a health resort and ideal place to submerge oneself in the pristine nature of the Stelvio National Park, the temple of Alpine flora and fauna (marmots, deer and high mountain flowers), and to enjoy moments of relax, surrounded by superb mountain scenery and landscapes of rare beauty.

The refined spa centres are an important part of the tourist offer. The Bagni Vecchi (old baths) were frequented by the ancient Romans and the Bagni Nuovi (new baths), opened in 1836, offer regenerating, invigorating, detoxifying and relaxing baths.

It is an unforgettable experience to take a dip in the natural hot water pool when the outside temperature is below zero degrees and possibly even snowing. Highlights include an aperitif before dinner, taking a walk in the historic centre and crossing the Frodolfo stream over the old Combo Bridge, a “humpback” structure, where you can admire a nucleus of picturesque and antique rural houses with votive frescoes from the 15th century, as well as the 14th-century church of Santissimo Crocifisso or Sant Antonio.

A curiosity: the Bagni Vecchi are first mentioned in a letter from 535 A.D. in which Cassiodoro recommended the “aquae eburnieae” (“waters of Bormio”) to king Theodahad for curing gout.