The Stelvio in Bormio is one of the most iconic downhill runs in world alpine skiing. It starts at 3,012 metres, is more than 3,200 metres long and reaches gradients of 63%: a real test for the best downhill racers on the planet. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, it hosts the downhill and super-G races for both men and women.
The Stelvio in numbers
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Start | 3,012 m above sea level |
| Finish | 1,246 m above sea level |
| Vertical drop | 1,766 m |
| Length | 3,261 m |
| Maximum gradient | 63% |
| Average gradient | 52% |
| Top speed recorded | 161 km/h |
These figures put it among the toughest downhills on the World Cup circuit, alongside the Streif in Kitzbühel and the Lauberhorn in Wengen.
A run made of legends
The Stelvio hosted its first World Cup race in 1985 and has been a fixture on the FIS calendar ever since. It has already staged the World Championships in 2005 and 2025, earning its place among the most prestigious runs in the world.
The most feared sections
The run is made up of several sections, each with its own character.
San Pietro: the first part after the start. A fast section that throws racers straight into a series of high-speed technical turns. Full concentration is needed from the very first metre.
La Rocca: the Stelvio’s signature passage. A natural jump followed by a brutal compression that tests the racers’ physical endurance. G-forces here can exceed 3G.
Carcentino: a rapid sequence of turns where speed never drops below 100 km/h. Mistakes here are very costly.
The finish: the last stretch runs on a slight uphill, so racers have to carry their speed right to the line. The finish area is in the centre of Bormio, and the crowd stands right beside the run, which makes for a unique atmosphere.
The Stelvio at the 2026 Olympics
The run underwent major work ahead of the Olympic Games:
- Larger safety zones with the latest protective netting
- An upgraded snowmaking system for even conditions from top to bottom
- A new grandstand in the finish area, with more seats
- A broadcast centre for high-definition TV coverage
The men’s Olympic downhill on 9 February was one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Games, with millions of viewers around the world watching the race on the toughest run on the circuit.
Skiing in Bormio beyond the Olympics
There is much more to Bormio than the Stelvio. The ski area has slopes for every level:
- 50 km of slopes between 1,225 and 3,012 m
- 14 modern lifts
- Direct access to the Bagni Vecchi and Terme di Bormio spas for après-ski recovery
From Bormio you can easily reach Santa Caterina Valfurva and Passo Tonale, which greatly expands the skiing on offer.
Getting to Bormio
- By car: from Milan, take the A4 to Lecco, then the SS36 and the SS38 Stelvio road (about 3 hours)
- By train: to Tirano, then the STPS bus to Bormio (about 45 minutes)
- Olympic shuttles: a dedicated service from Sondrio and Tirano during the Games
For the latest weather and the Bormio webcams, see our live resort pages.