Bormio is a ski resort with a thousand years of history: its old town dates back to the Middle Ages, its thermal baths have been in use for centuries and the Stelvio is one of the most famous Olympic downhill runs in Europe. In the 2025/26 season, Bormio hosts the men’s downhill races of the Milano Cortina Olympics.
Here is how to choose where to stay to make the most of this unique destination.
The medieval old town: Bormio Alta
The heart of Bormio is a medieval gem of cobbled lanes, arcades and historic mansions. Hotels in the old town offer an authentic stay, a few minutes’ walk from the gondola up to the slopes. The area is pedestrianised and very atmospheric, especially in the evening, when the lights give it a magical feel.
Pros of the old town:
- A unique atmosphere and well-preserved medieval architecture
- Traditional Valtellina restaurants at reasonable prices
- Shops, boutiques and services
- 5-10 minutes’ walk from the cable car station
- Close to the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi spas
Cons:
- Traffic at peak times
- Limited, expensive parking
- High prices in peak season
Prices in Bormio old town
| Category | High season | Mid season | Low season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | €160-280 | €100-180 | €80-130 |
| 3-star | €90-160 | €70-120 | €60-90 |
| B&B / rooms | €70-130 | €55-90 | €45-70 |
| Apartment (sleeps 4) | €100-180 per night | €75-130 | €60-100 |
Piatta and Le Motte: the lift area
The hamlets of Piatta and Le Motte sit at the foot of the main lifts, between the Bormio 2000 gondola and the lift car parks. This is the most convenient area for dedicated skiers who want to spend as little time as possible getting to the slopes.
Piatta lies along the road up to the lifts, with several hotels built in the 1970s and 1980s specifically for skiers. Many have a ski room, discounted ski hire and a shuttle straight to the conveyor belts.
Le Motte is the more modern area, with newer properties and a few genuine ski-in/ski-out options. During the 2026 Olympics this area will be in particularly high demand because it is so close to the Stelvio run.
| Area | Distance from the lifts | Average price, high season | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piatta | 200-500 m | €90-180 | Yes |
| Le Motte | 100-300 m | €100-200 | Yes |
| Santa Caterina | 15 km (along the valley) | €70-130 | No (car) |
Valdisotto and Valfurva: peace and quiet at lower prices
Down the valley, the village of Valdisotto and the villages of Valfurva (Santa Caterina Valfurva, Arnoga) offer cheaper accommodation in quieter surroundings. Valdisotto is about 5-8 km from Bormio, 10-15 minutes by public transport.
Santa Caterina Valfurva deserves a special mention. This village 15 km from Bormio has its own ski area, with high-quality slopes (it has hosted World Cup races) and much lower prices. It can be an excellent base for skiing both Bormio and Santa Caterina in the same week.
| Place | Distance from Bormio | Average price per night | Local skiing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valdisotto | 5-8 km | €55-100 | No (bus to Bormio) |
| Valfurva | 10 km | €50-95 | Partial |
| Santa Caterina | 15 km | €60-120 | Yes (its own ski area) |
To find the best availability:
See hotel availability and prices in Bormio (affiliate link: the price you pay does not change).
The Stelvio: the Olympic downhill
Bormio’s Stelvio run is one of the most famous and demanding downhills on the World Cup circuit, with a vertical drop of more than 1,000 metres and technical sections that test the best skiers in the world. During the 2026 Olympics (7-22 February), it hosts the men’s downhill and super-G.
For recreational skiers, the Stelvio is open to advanced skiers with good technique. The ski area also has plenty of blue and red runs for every level, including the famous Canalone della Rocca.
Bormio’s thermal baths: not to be missed
Bormio’s thermal baths have been in use for centuries: legend has it that Charlemagne stopped here on his travels. Today there are three main spa complexes:
- Terme di Bormio (town centre): a modern spa with indoor and outdoor pools and treatments
- Bagni Nuovi (1,838 m): a historic spa in the Adamello-Stelvio area, ideal if you want natural thermal waters
- Bagni Vecchi (1,370 m): the oldest baths, with natural caves carved into the rock
Many Bormio hotels have partner deals with the spas. After a day on the slopes, an evening at the baths is the best way to recover.
FAQ
Are Bormio’s thermal baths open all year?
Yes, the Terme di Bormio in the town centre are open all year. Bagni Nuovi and Bagni Vecchi usually open from December to March (winter season) and from June to September (summer season), closing in between. Book your spa visit in advance, especially in high-season weeks, to avoid long waits. A day ticket to the Terme di Bormio costs about €25-35.
When is the race on the Stelvio?
The World Cup race on the Stelvio is usually held in early January (Bormio World Cup). During the 2026 Olympics, the Stelvio hosts the men’s downhill and super-G in the first part of the Games (7-11 February 2026). For these Olympic races, accommodation within 20 km was sold out months in advance.
How do I get to Bormio?
Bormio is mainly reached by car: over the Stelvio Pass (summer), over the Foscagno Pass (from Livigno, in winter), and along the SS38 Stelvio road from Sondrio and the Valtellina. The nearest train station is Tirano (50 km), linked to Bormio by STPS buses. From Milan the drive takes about 3 hours (via the A9 and SS38). There is no direct rail link to Bormio.
Is it worth skiing at Santa Caterina Valfurva too?
Definitely. Santa Caterina Valfurva has a smaller ski area (30 km of slopes), but it is excellent, with great snow thanks to its altitude (up to 2,750 m). Ski passes and accommodation cost much less than in Bormio. Some businesses in Santa Caterina sell combined Bormio and Santa Caterina passes. For a ski holiday focused on skiing and saving money, staying in Santa Caterina and skiing both areas is a winning strategy.
Related resort
Related articles
Plan your stay
Choose where to stay in the mountains
Accommodation guides near the lifts, with areas and practical selection criteria.