In spring 2007, Sanctuary Ski Club will be going to Bormio, Italy. Bormio (Boar-Me-OH) is a charming, 14th century, medieval town (pop. 4100) situated in the Italian Alps in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is about 3 hours northeast of Milan. Although close to the Swiss border, Bormio is the "Most Italian" of the Italian ski resorts. This town is the Italy that you imagine with real trattorias, with homemade Italian dishes, locally made wines, quaint shops & not a McDonalds or Starbucks in sight! A walk along the "via Roma" takes you to the pedestrian zone, cobblestone narrow streets in the "old section" of town. There you will find Romanesque churches dating back hundreds of years and old stone houses adorned with frescos on their walls. Old world shops are stocked with locally made items. There are several small museums of interest in and near town.

Bormio is, of course, also a great SKI TOWN - the real reason that we are going there! This area is relatively unknown in the U.S. even though the World Cup Men's downhill race on the Stelvio slope is an annual event in Bormio.

There are actually four main ski areas in the valley serviced by a free shuttle bus which stops in front of our hotel. The areas are Bormio, Santa Caterina, Valdidentro, and Livigno. Livigno is the farthest area (about 45 minutes), but it has an added bonus of being a Duty Free town. All of these areas are worth a visit.


At the base of Bormio at 4019 feet, there is a choice of two different 8 person "telecabins" (gondolas) to access the Bormio Ski Area. Then transfer to a tram to reach the top of the mountain at 9882 feet. This translates into a vertical drop of 5863 feet. A variety of modern lifts spread out across the mountain. The longest run is 3.7 miles back into town. The mountain is rated 30% Expert - 40% Intermediate - 30% Beginner. Yes, they have snowmaking. Lift tickets are only about $38 per day!

An optional side trip to St Moritz, Switzerland is possible. We can charter a private bus or you can take the public bus to Tirano. There you would board the Bernina Express train for an unforgettable ride through glacier fields and the Bernina pass and snow covered mountain villages.

Cross country skiing and snow touring is available in nearby Stelvio National Park. In Santa Caterina, trails start in the village & wind for 15 km through forests & valleys. Skiers can stop at old farm houses (baita) for a warming drink of vin brule or expresso, & have a homemade pastry.

We will be staying in the 4 Star Hotel Rezia within walking distance of the old & the "new town". Buffet breakfasts & dinners are included in our package. This hotel has an especially good restaurant known for authentic traditional cuisine and a prestigious wine list. They have a small jazz cafe for snacks, "infusions," and aperitifs plus a well stocked bar and a small confectioner's shop. Other amenities include a sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish shower, and a gym. Click on the following link www.reziahotel.it and visit their website.

Another compelling reason to go to Bormio is for the Roman baths. The "Old Roman Baths" located in caves date back to the first century (according to Pliny the Elder). Multiple baths are fed from thermal hot springs with temperatures of 100-110°F. If you prefer, there is also a modern thermal center that is divided into "sport & comfort" and "thermal treatment". The indoor & the outdoor pools are fed by these same health springs. The center also has: hydro massage, Jacuzzi, droplet grotto, aroma therapy, sauna, and mud baths. They have everything to rejuvenate & soothe your body after a day of skiing! Click on either of the following link www.bormioterme.it or www.bagnidibormio.it for more information.

Speaking of Romans, our European ski adventure includes an additional 3 nights in Rome. Visit the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Roman Coliseum, and the Pantheon. Spend time in the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Cathedral, and see the new Pope! Enjoy life, have a gelato!

Denis Dywan