Bormio​

Latest page update: 8 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
​​​The ski resort of Bormio is situated in the Province of Sondrio. It stands at an elevation of 1,225 metres above sea level and has a population of around 4,000 residents.

​Places of interest nearby include the Stelvio National Park, the mountain towns of Livigno, Tirano and Vezza d'Oglio, while the recommended accommodation is the Miramonti Park Hotel.
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Bormio Overview
Bormio, located in the Lombardy region, is a historic town nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, renowned for its thermal spas and stunning mountain scenery. Known as a popular ski resort during the winter months, Bormio also offers a wealth of outdoor activities and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination year-round. The town’s charming streets, traditional architecture, and proximity to natural wonders make it a perfect base for both relaxation and adventure.
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Bormio is famous for its thermal baths, which have been in use since Roman times and offer visitors a chance to unwind and relax in the town’s renowned spa facilities. The town also boasts a range of ski slopes in the winter, providing excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. For those seeking outdoor adventure in the warmer months, Bormio offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including routes that lead to the nearby Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. Bormio’s combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities makes it an excellent destination for those exploring the Lombardy Alps.
Top Things to Do in Bormio
  • Bormio Terme and Thermal Baths: Bormio is famous for its natural hot springs, with both modern and historic thermal baths open to the public. Bormio Terme offers family-friendly pools and wellness facilities in the town centre, while the nearby Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi provide panoramic spa experiences in historic mountain settings.
  • Centro Storico and Via Roma: The old town features cobbled streets, frescoed buildings, and noble residences that reflect Bormio’s medieval and Renaissance past. Via Roma, the main pedestrian street, is lined with shops, cafés, and artisan food stores, and leads to key landmarks such as Piazza Cavour and the Collegiata Church.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Bormio’s ski area includes over 50 kilometres of slopes served by modern lifts, with runs descending from Cima Bianca at over 3,000 metres. The area is part of the Alta Valtellina ski network, offering access to nearby resorts like Santa Caterina Valfurva and Livigno, making it a top winter destination.
  • Stelvio Pass and Summer Activities: In summer, the legendary Stelvio Pass opens to cyclists and drivers, offering dramatic alpine views and switchback roads. The surrounding Stelvio National Park provides trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting, making Bormio a year-round destination for outdoor adventure.
  • Day Trip to Tirano and the Bernina Express: Around 45 minutes away, Tirano offers the starting point for the Bernina Express, a UNESCO-listed railway route into the Swiss Alps. It’s a popular day trip from Bormio for those seeking scenic travel and a cultural change of pace.
Comune di Bormio
Province: Sondrio

Region: Lombardy

Population: 3,938​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 41 km²

Elevation: 1,225 metres

​​Close by: Stelvio National Park, Livigno, Tirano, Vezza d'Oglio
Where to Stay in Bormio - My Recommended Accommodation
  • QC Terme Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Located just outside Bormio in a scenic valley setting, this luxury hotel features elegant rooms with period furnishings, direct access to the Bagni Nuovi thermal baths, and landscaped gardens. Guests appreciate the extensive spa facilities, gourmet dining, and views of the surrounding mountains. €€€€ (luxury)
  • Hotel Baita dei Pini Situated a short walk from Bormio’s historic centre and ski lifts, this four-star hotel offers comfortable Alpine-style rooms, a wellness area, and a restaurant serving Valtellina specialities. Visitors enjoy the cosy atmosphere, attentive service, and convenient access to both town and slopes. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel San Vitale Located in the heart of Bormio’s old town, this boutique hotel features modern, stylish rooms within a renovated historic building. Guests value the central location, high-quality breakfast, and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and thermal baths. €€€ (high-end)
  • Albergo Adele Found on a hillside overlooking the town, about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre, this family-run hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and panoramic views. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, friendly hosts, and value for money. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo Rini Situated just outside the centre of Bormio, this working farm offers charming Alpine rooms, an excellent restaurant serving local produce, and free bike rental. Guests enjoy the peaceful location, traditional design, and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside. €€€ (high-end)
Where to Eat in Bormio - My Recommended Restaurants
  • Ristorante Al Filo: Located in the historic centre of Bormio, Al Filo offers refined Italian and regional cuisine in a beautifully restored vaulted cellar. The menu includes dishes such as venison, pizzoccheri, and risotto, all prepared with a focus on presentation and high-quality ingredients. The intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for a special occasion. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Osteria La Bajona: Also in central Bormio, La Bajona serves traditional Valtellina dishes in a rustic and friendly setting. Specialities include sciatt, polenta taragna, and local cured meats, all accompanied by a well-curated selection of regional wines. The wood-panelled interior adds to the mountain charm. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Eira: Situated slightly uphill from the town centre, this restaurant is part of a small hotel and offers panoramic views over Bormio. The menu blends traditional and modern influences, with an emphasis on seasonal produce and elegant plating. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Ristorante Pizzeria La Rasiga: Found just outside the old town, La Rasiga is a casual spot offering a wide range of pizzas alongside a menu of Italian favourites. It’s known for quick service, generous portions, and a lively, informal atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Keller Steak House: Located near the town's thermal baths, Keller specialises in grilled meats and hearty alpine cuisine. The interior features wood and stone elements, creating a warm mountain-lodge feel. It’s a good option for a satisfying dinner after a day on the slopes or in the spa. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

​Bormio​  Gallery

Places  close  to  Bormio

  • Livigno (approx. 40 km north of Bormio): A popular ski resort town in the Alps, Livigno is known for its tax-free shopping and vibrant après-ski scene. The town offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Livigno also features a lively pedestrian area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great destination for both outdoor activities and relaxation.
  • Teglio (approx. 35 km southwest of Bormio): A charming town in the Valtellina Valley, Teglio is renowned for its historical architecture, such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the Palazzo Besta. It is also famous for its local cuisine, particularly pizzoccheri, a traditional dish made with buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables.
  • Sondrio (approx. 70 km southeast of Bormio): The provincial capital of Valtellina, Sondrio offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Key attractions include the Piazza Garibaldi, the town's main square, and the Piazza della Vittoria, a lovely area with historic buildings. Sondrio is also surrounded by vineyards and mountains, making it an ideal base for hiking and wine tours.
  • Valdidentro (approx. 20 km east of Bormio): A scenic town located in the upper Valtellina, Valdidentro offers beautiful mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities. It is home to the Valdidentro Ski Area, a popular destination for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The town is also known for its thermal baths, which provide a relaxing experience with stunning natural surroundings.
  • Chiavenna (approx. 50 km west of Bormio): A historic town located at the foot of the Alps, Chiavenna is known for its medieval architecture, such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, a beautiful Renaissance building. The town is also a gateway to the Valchiavenna region, which offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the scenic landscapes.

How  to  get  to  Bormio

By Rail: Bormio does not have its own train station. The nearest railway station is in Tirano, located approximately 40 kilometres to the south. Tirano is the northern terminus of the regional Trenord line from Milan, with a journey time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes via Lecco and Sondrio. From Tirano, Bormio can be reached by bus or taxi, with a travel time of around 1 hour. Buses operate regularly throughout the year, with additional services during the ski season.

By Road: Bormio is located in the upper Valtellina valley, surrounded by the Alps and close to the Swiss border. It is approximately 200 kilometres north-east of Milan and 80 kilometres north of Sondrio. The drive from Milan takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes via the SS36 and SS38 roads, passing through Lecco, Morbegno, and Tirano. From Sondrio, the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public parking is widely available in Bormio, including near the town centre, ski lifts, and thermal spa facilities.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Located about 170 kilometres south-west of Bormio, the drive takes around 3 hours. Travellers can also take a bus or taxi to Bergamo station, a train to Tirano via Lecco and Sondrio, then continue to Bormio by bus or taxi.
  • Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Bormio, the drive takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. Public transport options include a train from Milan Centrale to Tirano, followed by a bus or taxi to Bormio.
  • Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Roughly 220 kilometres south-west of Bormio, the journey by car takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Malpensa Express connects to Milan Centrale, where travellers can continue by train to Tirano and then complete the trip by road.

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