Imagine the early morning bustle of a medieval market town. Imagine trekking through sunny alpine meadows, nordic walking in tree lined mountain valleys, the soothing effect of immersing in ancient Roman hot springs, a leisurely mountain bike past time-worn hillside villages, sun drenched piazzas, a morning espresso, hikes through mountain forests speckled with flecks of afternoon sun, lunching on fresh warm bread, local cheeses, zesty Italian sausage, and salads smothered in young olive oil and aged balsamic, the exhilaration and sense of total freedom as you ski down a sun drenched glacier on fresh spring snow, savoring the crisp mountain air, quietly taking in magnificent vistas of unimaginable proportion and casually wondering to yourself why all these Italians speak so much German.
The medieval northern Italian town of Bormio, located near the intersection of the Swiss, Austrian and Italian boarders, was originally frequented by wealthy Romans seeking the magical powers of its legendary hot springs. Today it is equally well known as a destination ski village.
Located a short distance from Passo dello Stelvio and the Stelvio Glacier (9,000 feet) it provides easy access to a range of exceptional summer skiing, great hiking, biking, accommodation, a rich local culture and renowned regional cuisine. This will be our base for our Alta Valtellina and Passo dello Stelvio Ski and Hike Mountain Journey.
The Stelvio Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the Alps (9,100 feet) and is only open from May through November as are the 9 ski lifts that service the 30 kilometers of glacial skiing and passes as it winds its way towards Austria. Overcast days are very rare here yet the altitude helps maintain reasonably moderate temperatures even in the lower laying mountain valleys. As with most glacier skiing the runs tend to range from beginner to intermediate but don’t let this fool you as the Stelvio Glacier is considered a prime summer training ground by many national, international, Olympic and World Cup ski teams.
The cuisine of northern Italy is generally more substantial than in the warmer south. Several major wine growing regions are within easy reach and the area is rich in ancient Roman history, amazingly varied natural beauty and breath taking vistas all set in a magnificent alpine playground.
Kuerc, the main piazza of Bormio once served as the regional court with its traditional roofed amphitheater design and central location. As a matter of fact it is just a stones through away from a great little restaurant that will suite our luncheon needs just perfectly. Won’t you join us, the sun is shining, the pastas fresh, the wine is poured and we have a seat by the window so we can watch the world go by. I can’t imagine why anyone would be in a hurry? Can you?
Summer / Fall 2007
September 17 to 23
Alta Valtellina and Passo della Stelvio
Ski and Hike Mountain Journeys
7 days/6 nights from $5995.00US / $US single supplement
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