They are known as the "Baths of Bormio" but they are actually found on the territory of the Comune of Valdidentro; it is certain that the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters of the Baths were already known in the pre-roman period: Pliniana Source, Cassiodora Source, Bagni Romani (Roman Baths) are toponyms that however show the interest that the scholars of ancient times may have had in these hot water that gush out of the living rock at a constant temperature of over 40° degrees. Many hospices started to appear in proximity of the sources both for those seeking cures and for travellers who needed shelter before facing the long climb towards the Umbrail Pass and the Engadine
along the valley leading to the Stelvio Pass, today it is the highest carriage road in Europe.
St. Martin Church, which still stands near the Bagni Vecchi of Bormio (Old Baths), was actually built before the 13th century, it is unspoken evidence of the evolution regarding the story of Alta Valtellina. The Bagni Vecchi of Bormio were later converted into lodgings for very important visitors who came to Alta Valtellina. In 1493 one such visitor was Leonardo da Vinci "At the top end of Valtellina there is the mountain of Bormi, always incredibly covered in snow. There are ermines; In Bormi there are the Baths". In 1496 Lodovico il Moro was a guest at the Baths of Bormio.
The Baths were not used for tourism until 1823 when the Stelvio road was made by the Austro-Hungarian Empire to connect the Lombardy Region with Tyrol. It was during this period that the still standing hotel services were later increased. Thermal treatments and mud-baths first started to appear on the advertisment posters of the Baths in the 19th century.
From May to October very important families came to the Baths, some families even came from over the Alps. The singularity of these Baths is the natural "sweating Grotto"; It penetrates into the living rock for more than 50 metres, passing through "Paradiso" (Paradise), "Purgatorio" (Purgatory) and Inferno. According to the degree of heat and steam, the temperature keeps increasing to the end of the grotto. At this point a steaming cascade of thermal water gushes from the rock at over 50°C. The Sweating Grotto: it is the most fascinating and healthy natural sauna in the World.
Thermal baths of Bormio
Bormio-Livigno-Santa Caterina-Stelvio-Valdidentro
Among the many tourist destinations in Italys' Alps, Bormio is one of the most desirable and popular. Bormio offers a wide variety of hotels and residences all equipped and very responsive to the needs of more diverse clientele, and for those in search of physical and mental relaxation, Bormio offers baths already known at the time of the ancient Romans. Starting from Bormio can easily be reached other cool locations such as Livigno, Santa Caterina, the Stelvio National Park (where you can ski during the summer), the towers of Fraele, Forni glacier, and many others; Switzerland ... read more>>
Immersed in an enchanting valley between the Stelvio National Park and the Engadine, Livigno is able to meet the needs of most demanding: snow, sports, events, shopping, nature, outdoor walks, folklore, everything by one and the magical reality. The success of Livigno is determined by an inseparable combination of nature and sport that makes the "Little Tibet" of Livigno the perfect blend of relaxation and dynamic, thanks to a perfect microclimate ensures abundant snowfall during the winter season and perfect snow from runways November to May. In summer the climate in Livigno is pleasantly ... read more>>
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Santa Caterina Valfurva lies in the basin that opens between Mount Tresero, extreme southern extension of the Ortles-Cevedale, and Confinale, mountain from which the eye can see an uninterrupted series of mountain peaks. The case of Santa Caterina Valfurva are close to each other, gathered in a picturesque alternation of wood and stone roofs, while the slopes around the town are covered by a dense forest of conifers. Santa Caterina Valfurva retains many examples of rural architecture, with buildings made entirely of wood dating from the sixteenth century and more recent realization ... read more>>
Valdidentro, four villages, Premadio, Pedenosso, Isolaccia, Semogo scattered between 1250 and 1500 mt. share the road that leads from Bormio to Livigno. Valdidentro, a territory dominated by the white snow of the glacier of perennial Cima Piazzi which contrasts with the clear blue sky and the underlying centuries-old green woods with its pine and fir trees framing the Stelvio National Park. Valdidentro, a valley rich in history, it was crossed by the Imperial Way wich linked the Dukedom of Milan and the Republic of Venice to Engadine and the north of the Alps. The valley has also deep-seated traditions .... read more>>
Summer skiing is a thrilling adventure, a dynamic experience, an ideal opportunity to refine your art on the skis in preparation for an outstanding performance on the winter slopes. In the paradise of summer skiing, you can watch World champion train or throw yourself into full-time sport. Before a breathtaking panorama, one of the most glorious of the Alps, you can learn the secrets of other sports on the great glaciers of Stelvio: expert trainers teach archery, mountain biking and spinning, or accompany trekkers on thrilling ezcursions at high altitude along routes full of relics from the First World War ... read more>>
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The wonders of the Alta Valtellina - The magic of snow
A third new ski-lift, the Bormio-Bormio 2000 cablecar, was built last year and replaces the Bormio-Bormio 2000 cablecar, which was constructed in 1969. The Oga-Valdidentro district is the ideal place for those who want to ski without stress, down gentle slopes that are always well covered with snow. The maximum altitude is 2.625 metres with 10 ski-lifts and no less than 30 kilometres of ski slopes.
Santa Caterina Valfurva is the domain of competitive skiers, who are spoilt by the maniacal care lavished on the slopes, which are always in perfect condition with plenty of snow and are often enlivened by the presence of numerous Ski Clubs. The maximum difference in height is around 1.000 metres, from 2.725 to 1.740 metres; From 2004/2005 season, two new cabin-cars for eight will be serving the 40 kilometres of ski slopes connecting Santa Caterina Valfurva to the valle dell'Alpe at an altitude of 2.725 metres.
Livigno, which is reached via the S.S. 301 road, welcomes enthusiastic skiers with its slopes that face different directions, so that it is always possible to ski in the sun, even on the shortest days, from early morning until sundown. The ski-lifts are right up to date: 3 cablecars, 14 chair lifts, 16 ski-lifts, making a total of 33 lifts with an hourly capacity for 46.460 people; the overall difference in height is 1.200 metres (1.800-3000 metres). The 115 kilometres of ski slopes are suitable for skiers with very varied technical abilities and an extensive snow making system is available.
