The Bormio area is expanding its winter offering beyond Alpine skiing and existing activities to include managed ski mountaineering, aiming to become a point of reference for the discipline, especially for those who want to practice in a natural environment but put safety first. Here’s how Stelvio Natural Skimo Trails works
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Ski mountaineering, a growing activity
Ski mountaineering, included by the IOC among the Olympic disciplines for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, is a rapidly growing discipline, with historical roots in the Alpine regions and a history of sporting successes that sees Italy among the leading countries.
For this reason and with the desire to diversify the winter sports tourism offer, Bormio with the municipalities of the area, has developed the project called Stelvio natural Skimo Trail, a series of managed ski mountaineering routes, to attract this target and become a point of reference as a SKIMO DESTINATION of the Alps.
Stelvio Natural Skimo Trails
Thanks to the four new routes, ski mountaineers of all levels can explore the Bormio area with freedom and safety, both uphill and downhill.
For those who love climbing up with skins and descending on skis along perfectly groomed slopes, the valleys of Bormio represent an authentic natural paradise. From this season, ski mountaineering enthusiasts will have four more reasons to live their passion in Alta Valtellina, thanks to the new Stelvio Natural Skimo Trails.
The project introduces four dedicated itineraries, with difficulty levels designed for both beginners and more expert skiers: Bormio 2000 – La Rocca, Valdisotto/Forte di Oga – San Colombano, Santa Caterina Valfurva – Plaghera, Valdidentro/Rasin – Cuna Alta.
Created in collaboration with the Bormio ski lift companies, the municipalities and various local entities, these routes are constantly monitored by a team of experts to ensure the safety of the snow conditions and their usability. The Stelvio Natural Skimo Trails allow you to discover the magnificent snow-covered landscapes of Alta Valtellina in complete safety, enjoying the silence of nature on the way up and the pleasure of the descent on the slopes of the Bormio ski areas, which in 2026 will host the Olympic debut of Alpine Skiing at the Milan Cortina Games.
BORMIO 2000 – LA ROCCA: A PATH THROUGH THE FIR TREES
The Skimo Trail Bormio 2000 – La Rocca offers an accessible itinerary that winds through thick fir forests, starting from the Bormio 2000 cable car and arriving at the Chalet La Rocca and I Rododendri restaurants. The route extends for 1.4 kilometers with a difference in altitude of 219 meters.
Once they reach their destination, more experienced skiers, equipped with the necessary safety equipment, can continue along an unmanaged route that follows the closed piste between La Rocca and Cimino. For the descent, there is a wide choice of pistes, including the legendary Stelvio, famous for the Ski World Cup and for the future men’s Alpine Skiing events of the Olympics.
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 1.6 km
Duration: 1 h
Ascent: 240 m
Max altitude: 2,154 m
Min altitude: 1,932
VALDISOTTO/FORTE DI OGA – SAN COLOMBANO: A BREATHTAKING VIEW
The San Colombano side, in Valdisotto, is a favorite destination for ski mountaineers thanks to its sunny exposure and extraordinary panorama. The Skimo Trail starts from Forte di Oga, reachable by chairlift, or, with sufficient snow, from the Motte area. The route extends for 3.4 kilometers with a difference in altitude of 550 meters, leading to Malga San Colombano.
More experienced skiers can continue up to Monte Masucco or, if snow conditions permit, up to the little church at Dosso le Pone.
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 3.4 Km
Duration: 2 hours
Climb: 550 m
Max altitude: 2,235 m
Min altitude: 1,709 m
SANTA CATERINA VALFURVA – PLAGHERA: A TRIP TO THE STELVIO NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, Valfurva offers not only free touring itineraries, but also a Skimo Trail created in collaboration with the Società Impianti di Santa Caterina Valfurva. The route winds from the cross-country ski slope to Plaghera, crossing silent and snowy woods. With a length of 3.8 kilometers and a difference in altitude of 420 meters, it is possible, accompanied by an Alpine Guide or independently for the more expert skiers, to continue along the Strada del Gavia to the Sunny Valley refuge or Monte Sobretta.
Difficulty: medium
Distance: 3.7 Km
Duration: 1 h
Climb: 25 m
Max altitude: 2,068 m
Min altitude: 1,732 m
VALDIDENTRO/RASIN – CUNA ALTA: AN ADRENALINE-FUELED ROUTE
On the northern side of the Alta Valle, the Skimo Trail della Valdidentro starts from the Centro Polifunzionale Rasin and reaches the Ristoro Conca Bianca. The route extends for 5.5 kilometers with a difference in altitude of 725 meters, crossing the suggestive Fogarola forest and offering splendid views of Mount Masucco.
After a well-deserved break, the return journey takes place along the Isolaccia slopes, which lead back to the cable car for Rasin.
SAFETY AND FUN
Skiing safely is essential, and this is one of the objectives of the Stelvio Natural Skimo Trails project: to raise awareness among enthusiasts about the importance of responsible management of ski areas. Those who wish to explore the four ski areas of Alta Valtellina along marked and well-maintained trails can purchase a seasonal ski pass, which includes a daily lift ticket for each ski area. This option is particularly useful at the beginning and end of the season, when snow conditions may not guarantee a completely safe ascent.
All skiers are required to have a self-rescue kit (ARTVA, shovel and probe) and personal liability insurance for skiing.
