(about Alta Valtellina, Italy, last edited on Aug 24, 2007)
Alta Valtellina, this beautiful skiing area of historical significance is located near the border with Switzerland in the northernmost point of Lombardia region in the chain of the Ortles – Cevedale Mountains. It is a vast area of around 90 km of green spaces, forest, skiing areas, glaciers; a perfect combination for a touristic destination.
It is a magic land set in a splendid natural setting perfect both for sports and for an artistic and cultural adventure due to its marvelous historical heritage with beautiful archeological sights including castles, noblemen’s palaces and churches that have remained as signs of a rich past and with the years passing they have kept their charm. But they are not the only things that charm the visitors, the whole area, the mountain, the silence, the wildlife that have roamed the place for centuries. This magical world of Alta Valtellina beats the imagination and gives you a sense of a kind of freedom only the beauty of nature can give. This is just one more reason for you to visit it, besides many others. Alta Valtellina offers sports, fun, culture and relaxation all year round. The area itself is divided into four independent regions: San Colombano/Valdidentro, Bornio, Santa Caterina and Livigno all perfect for skiing snowboarding, telemarking, freestyle, alpine skiing, sled dogs, hiking with snowshoes, and ice skating.
Skiers of any level will be satisfied and more. You can ski here most of the year, for example 16 km from Bornio, the Stelvio glacier offers the possibility to ski from may till November and skating is also a possibility. Stelvio is one of Europe’s most important summer ski areas. There are all kinds of slopes from the most difficult ones to the least difficult and the trails are linked by a free ski bus that can take you wherever you want... The pros will find here the highest difference in altitude in the Alps from the ski lift served point to the bottom of the run with a vertical drop of 1,800 meters. Making the most of your day is not a problem here. There are seventy ski lifts that can take 90,000 persons per hour.
But skiing is not the only fun way of spending your time here. The mountains are a true source of health. Besides the fresh air, the thermal waters president in the area are a real bless. Imagine a day spent in the cold air and then a relaxing bath in one of the thermal centers of Alta Valtellina! If you don’t want just to imagine it you have to go there, more precisely to Bornio which is well known for its thermal waters that flow at a temperature of 38 - 41° C. this is something that can definitely not be missed! The area has much more to offer and no wonder it is seen as a goldmine by the tourists who appreciate such a variety of options.
If shopping is your thing Livigno is the place to be. It is a duty free area where you can buy things like cigarettes, cosmetics, fuel and much more at a good price during the entire year.
Alta Valtellina is actually a year round destination. People are coming here in summer due to the beautiful setting that includes Stelvio National Park and the sports facilities. You can play golf, tennis, and fish, climb mountains or go hiking. There are so many tings to choose from you will have to organize well your agenda very well to be able to get in most of the activities.
Nightlife is awesome! Choose from pubs, cinemas, theatres, discos, restaurants, clubs and more. There’s something for everyone even for the little ones who can watch a nice show. The cuisine here is at its top with local specialties anyone would like to try.
Great sports, great fun, great relaxation, beautiful surroundings and rich history spiced with delicious food is a unique combination that you can only find here in Alta Valtellina, a resort that will offer you an unforgettable vacation.